HP Error 79 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Error 79 on an HP LaserJet printer means the device's firmware has crashed and the printer cannot recover on its own. This error stops all printing, scanning, and copying functions until the firmware is restored or the printer is reset. It is frustrating because it happens suddenly, but the good news is that most users can fix it in under thirty minutes using basic troubleshooting.
This error typically occurs after a failed firmware update, a sudden power loss during startup, or corrupted memory due to age or electrical surges. Unlike paper jams or toner errors, Error 79 requires you to either perform a hard reset or manually reflash the printer's firmware. We will walk you through the easiest methods first, then move to more technical solutions if needed.
How to fix it — step by step
- Perform a Hard Power Cycle. Turn off the printer using the power button on the front panel. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and wait for at least two to three minutes to allow the printer's capacitors to fully discharge. Plug the power cable back in and press the power button to restart the printer. Watch the control panel display to see if the Error 79 message clears during the boot sequence.
- Check for Stuck Firmware Update Process. If the printer is stuck in a loop showing Error 79, it may be caught in a failed firmware upload. Allow the printer to sit powered on for five to ten minutes without interruption, as some models attempt to recover automatically. If the error persists after ten minutes, proceed to the next step rather than waiting longer.
- Access the Web Interface and Check Firmware Version. Find your printer's IP address by printing a network configuration page: press the Settings or Menu button on the printer, navigate to Network Settings, then select Print Network Configuration. On your Windows 11 or macOS computer, open a web browser and type the IP address into the address bar (for example, http://192.168.1.100). Log in with the default credentials (usually admin / admin unless you changed them) and navigate to the System or Device Information page to see the current firmware version.
- Download the Correct Firmware File from HP. Visit the HP support website and search for your exact printer model number (found on the front of the printer or in the web interface). Locate the Firmware section and download the latest firmware file appropriate for your operating system to a folder on your computer. Do not download firmware from any source other than HP's official website, as incorrect or corrupted files will make Error 79 worse.
- Upload Firmware Through the Web Interface. In your printer's web interface, navigate to the Administration section or Device Management tab. Look for an option labeled Firmware Update, Upload Firmware, or System Software. Click Browse and select the firmware file you downloaded, then click Upload or Start Update. The printer will begin uploading and installing the new firmware; do not turn off the printer or disconnect the network cable during this process, which typically takes three to five minutes.
- Wait for the Printer to Reboot and Verify Success. The printer will automatically restart once the firmware upload is complete. The control panel display may show a brief progress bar or blank screen; this is normal. Once the printer has fully rebooted, check the control panel or refresh the web interface to confirm that Error 79 is gone and the printer shows Ready status. Print a test page to confirm all functions are working.
- Perform a Factory Reset If Firmware Upload Fails. If the firmware upload does not start or fails midway, the printer may need a factory reset to clear corrupted settings. On most HP LaserJet printers, press and hold the Go or Start button for ten to fifteen seconds while the printer is powered on. Some models require you to navigate to Settings > Reset > Restore Factory Defaults through the control panel menu. After the reset completes, repeat the firmware upload process.
- Contact HP Support or Use Remote Diagnostics if Error Persists. If Error 79 remains after firmware reload and factory reset, the printer may have a hardware defect in the main logic board or memory module. Contact HP support for remote diagnostics, which costs forty-nine dollars and includes technician-led troubleshooting via phone and web interface access. For older printers out of warranty, it may be more cost-effective to replace the printer than repair it.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Error 79 mean my printer's hard drive is failing?
Error 79 indicates a firmware crash, not necessarily a hard drive failure. Most HP LaserJet printers store firmware in flash memory, not a traditional hard drive. The error usually resolves with a power cycle or firmware reload, so a hard drive failure is not the first cause to suspect. If the error returns repeatedly after firmware updates, then the flash memory module may be defective.
Can I fix Error 79 if my printer cannot connect to the network?
Yes, you have two options: first, ensure the printer has an ethernet cable plugged in and that your router is working correctly by checking other connected devices. Second, if the printer absolutely cannot connect, you may be able to reload firmware using the USB port and a specialized recovery tool from HP (this is advanced and requires contacting HP support for instructions). For most users, ensuring network connectivity first is the simpler approach.
Will Error 79 clear on its own if I just leave the printer powered on?
Error 79 will not clear without intervention in the vast majority of cases. Some printers attempt automatic recovery for a few minutes after startup, but if the error persists beyond that, manual action is required. Leaving the printer on without addressing the issue will not fix the corrupted firmware.
What causes Error 79 to happen in the first place?
Error 79 most commonly results from a failed firmware update (interrupted by power loss or network disconnection), a power surge or brownout during printer startup, or very rarely, a defective flash memory module. To prevent it, use a battery backup unit (UPS) for your printer, ensure a stable network connection before initiating firmware updates, and avoid moving or turning off the printer during startup sequences.