HP Printer Error Code 36 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 36 is a printer overrun error. It means the printer could not process and format the page fast enough to keep up with its own print engine. The data feed from the computer to the printer was too slow or the page was too complex.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet 4050 Series
HP LaserJet 5100 Series
HP LaserJet 8100 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise M601
HP LaserJet Pro M402

Common Causes

The print job is extremely complex — dense graphics, multiple fonts, or high-resolution images all on one page
The connection between the computer and printer is slow (older parallel port or USB 1.0 connection)
The printer's formatter board is struggling with the page complexity due to limited processing power
A very high print resolution was selected, multiplying the amount of data the printer must process
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers are not compressing or optimizing the data sent to the printer

How to Fix It

Press Continue or OK on the printer's control panel. The printer will attempt to print the page, possibly at reduced quality.

For many print jobs this is good enough — the printout may look slightly less sharp but will be usable.
Open the print dialog on your computer and reduce the print resolution. Change from 1200 DPI to 600 DPI.

Halving the resolution reduces the data the printer must process by roughly 75%, which often eliminates the overrun error.
In the printer driver settings, look for a 'Print as Image' or 'Rasterize' option and enable it.

This converts the page to a bitmap image on your computer before sending it to the printer, which can actually be easier for the printer to handle.
Update your printer driver. Go to HP's support website, enter your printer model, and download the latest driver package.

Newer drivers often include better data compression and page optimization that reduces the processing load on the printer.
If using an older parallel cable or USB hub, try connecting the printer directly to the computer with a USB cable.

A faster, more direct connection reduces the chance of data arriving too slowly for the printer's buffer.

When to Call a Professional

If error 36 appears repeatedly even after reducing print resolution and updating drivers, the printer's formatter board may be aging and underpowered for modern complex documents. A technician can confirm this and advise whether a formatter board upgrade or replacement is cost-effective for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HP error 21 and error 36?

Error 21 (Print Overrun) and Error 36 are very similar — both mean the printer could not process a page fast enough. Error 36 specifically relates to a data transfer speed mismatch between the computer and printer. The fixes are virtually identical: reduce complexity, lower resolution, or print as image.

Will a faster USB cable fix error 36?

A direct USB 2.0 connection is usually fast enough for any printer. If you are using a USB hub, long extension cable, or parallel port adapter, switching to a direct connection may help. However, the more common fix is reducing the complexity of the print job itself.

Can I prevent error 36 when printing PDFs with lots of graphics?

Yes. In Adobe Acrobat's print dialog, go to Advanced settings and check 'Print as Image.' This converts each page to a flat image before sending it to the printer. It is slower to process on your computer but removes the page complexity issue entirely.