49
HP Printer
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
The 49 error is a firmware error on HP LaserJet printers. It means the printer received a command or data it could not process. This often happens when a corrupted print job is sent to the printer.
Affected Models
- HP LaserJet Pro M400 Series
- HP LaserJet Enterprise M600 Series
- HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428
- HP LaserJet Pro M200 Series
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M400 Series
Common Causes
- A corrupted or overly complex print job was sent to the printer
- The printer firmware is outdated and has a known bug
- A network communication error garbled the print data mid-transfer
- Incompatible or corrupt printer driver on the connected computer
- A third-party software or print utility is sending bad commands to the printer
How to Fix It
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Turn off the printer using the power button. Disconnect the USB or network cable so no new jobs can be sent.
This prevents the corrupted job from being resent when the printer restarts.
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On your computer, open the print queue and cancel all pending print jobs for this printer.
In Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers, click your printer, and select 'Open print queue.'
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Turn the printer back on. Wait for it to fully start up before reconnecting the cable.
If the error reappears immediately at startup, the firmware may need to be updated or reinstalled.
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Reconnect the USB or network cable. Try printing a simple test page from the printer itself, not from your computer.
If the test page prints fine, the problem is with the print job or driver, not the printer hardware.
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Update the printer driver on your computer and check for firmware updates on HP's support website.
Download drivers directly from support.hp.com to avoid getting outdated or incompatible versions.
When to Call a Professional
If the 49 error keeps recurring after clearing the print queue and updating firmware, the printer's formatter board may be failing. This is the circuit board that processes print jobs. Replacement costs range from $100 to $250 depending on the model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 49 error the same as a 49.4C02 error?
Yes, 49.4C02 is a more specific version of the 49 error. The extra numbers help HP technicians identify the exact issue. The troubleshooting steps are the same regardless of the specific 49 variant.
Why does the 49 error only happen with certain documents?
Some documents contain complex formatting, embedded fonts, or high-resolution images that overwhelm the printer's processor. Try simplifying the document or printing it as an image. In your print settings, look for 'Print as Image' under advanced options.
Can a virus cause the 49 error?
It is extremely unlikely. The 49 error is almost always caused by corrupted print data or outdated firmware. However, malware on your computer could theoretically send bad data to the printer. Keep your computer's antivirus software up to date as a precaution.