HP Printer Error Code 37 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 37 means the printer ran out of memory while trying to spool or collate a print job. Spooling is when the printer stores the entire job in its memory before it starts printing. This usually happens with large multi-page documents or when printing multiple copies.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet 4000 Series
HP LaserJet 4500 Series
HP LaserJet 5000 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise M603
HP LaserJet Pro M452

Common Causes

The print job is too large to fit in the printer's available memory all at once
You are printing multiple collated copies, which requires the printer to store the full job in memory
Multiple large print jobs are queued and the printer's memory is already partially used
The printer has only the base memory installed with no upgrade modules
The document contains complex formatting, embedded fonts, or high-resolution photos that inflate the job size

How to Fix It

Press the Continue or OK button to let the printer try to print the job with the memory it has.

The printer will attempt to process the job in chunks. The printout may still be usable.
If you are printing multiple copies, reduce the number of copies to one and reprint. Print the additional copies as separate jobs.

Collating multiple copies requires the printer to hold the full document in memory multiple times. Printing one copy at a time uses much less memory.
Cancel any other print jobs waiting in the queue before sending your document. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers on your computer and clear the queue.

Each queued job takes up printer memory. A clear queue gives your job more room.
In the print dialog, turn off collation if you need multiple copies. The printer will print all of page 1, then all of page 2, rather than storing the full document.

Non-collated printing uses far less memory. You can sort the pages manually afterward.
Lower the print resolution in the printer driver from 1200 DPI to 600 DPI to reduce how much memory each page requires.

For everyday text documents, 600 DPI is virtually indistinguishable from 1200 DPI.

When to Call a Professional

If error 37 appears regularly and limits your ability to print normal business documents, a memory upgrade is the long-term solution. Most HP LaserJet models support memory expansion via DIMM slots. A technician can identify the right memory module and install it — typically a $40 to $100 upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is spooling and why does it cause error 37?

Spooling is how a printer receives and stores a print job before it begins printing. Think of it like a waiting room — the printer holds the entire document in its memory so it can print without interruption. If the document is bigger than the waiting room, error 37 appears. The fix is either a smaller document, fewer copies, or more memory.

Is error 37 the same as error 35 on HP printers?

They are similar but slightly different. Error 35 is a general insufficient memory error that can occur during any phase of printing. Error 37 specifically relates to memory running out during the spooling or collating phase. Both have the same solutions: reduce job complexity, print fewer copies, or add memory.

How much memory does an HP LaserJet need to avoid error 37?

Most modern HP LaserJets come with 128MB to 256MB of base memory, which handles typical office documents fine. For large documents with graphics or high-volume duplex printing, 512MB or more is recommended. Check HP's website for your specific model's maximum supported memory.