HP Printer Error Code 49.5 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

HP printer error 49.5 is a firmware communication error — the printer's formatter board received data it could not interpret or process. While very similar to the 49.4 error, the 49.5 sub-code often points more specifically to a network transmission issue or a problem with the print data stream itself. The printer halts and displays the error to prevent corrupt output. In most cases, clearing the print queue and restarting resolves it.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet Pro M501
HP LaserJet Enterprise M608
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M477
HP LaserJet Pro M402
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M653
HP LaserJet Pro M304

Common Causes

Corrupted network data packet arriving mid-print job — especially common on busy office networks
An application generating malformed PostScript or PCL print commands
Outdated printer firmware with a data processing bug triggered by specific file types
A failing network card (Jetdirect card) inside the printer corrupting incoming data
Incompatible driver settings — particularly incorrect page description language (PostScript vs. PCL) selection

How to Fix It

Power the printer off completely using the power button. Disconnect the Ethernet or USB cable. Wait 60 seconds. This clears any residual data from the printer's internal buffers.

On network printers, also check if the print server or print queue software (like PaperCut or an HP print server) is holding onto the bad job and needs to be cleared separately.
Clear all pending print jobs on every computer that uses this printer. On a Windows print server, clear the queue in Print Management. On individual computers, clear through Settings > Printers.

On a busy office network, a single bad job can be held in the print server queue and keep re-sending every time the printer reconnects.
Check the printer driver language setting. Open printer properties on your computer, go to the device settings or advanced tab, and verify the printer language is set correctly — typically PCL 6 for most HP LaserJets, or PostScript for graphics-heavy work.

Sending PostScript jobs to a PCL-only driver (or vice versa) is a common cause of 49.5 errors with specific applications.
Update the printer firmware. Go to support.hp.com and download the latest firmware for your exact model. Install it while the printer is connected via USB — not over the network — to ensure a clean update.

Firmware updates fix a significant number of known 49.x error causes. This step is essential before concluding there is a hardware problem.
If the error only occurs over the network and not via USB, suspect the Jetdirect network card. Try printing exclusively via USB for several days. If the error disappears, the network card is likely failing and should be replaced.

Some HP LaserJets have a removable Jetdirect card; others have the network function integrated into the formatter board.

When to Call a Professional

If 49.5 keeps recurring on a networked printer across multiple computers and jobs, the Jetdirect (network) card inside the printer may be failing. Jetdirect card replacement costs $50 to $150. A failing formatter board is also possible if the error appears during local USB printing as well. HP-authorized service centers can confirm the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 49.4 and 49.5 on HP printers?

Both are firmware errors caused by data the printer cannot process. 49.4 is the more general sub-code and is most often triggered by a complex or corrupted document. 49.5 more often points to a network data transmission problem or a driver language mismatch. The troubleshooting steps overlap significantly for both codes.

Why does 49.5 only happen on one computer but not others?

If 49.5 only appears when printing from one specific computer, the problem is almost certainly the driver or application on that computer. Check that the driver version matches the other computers. Also check the printer language setting and ensure the application is generating valid print commands.

Can antivirus software cause a 49.5 error?

In rare cases, antivirus software that scans outgoing network traffic can interfere with print data and corrupt the data stream. If 49.5 started appearing after an antivirus installation or update, try temporarily disabling the antivirus and testing a print job. If the error disappears, add your printer's IP address or the print service to the antivirus exclusion list.