Solutions to HP’s Most Common Error Codes

The 49.XXXX Error Code

Description:

This error is caused by a few different things. Normally it is associated with a printer’s firmware needing to be upgraded. I have also read and heard other causes for this error, such as a driver issue. It could also be a JetDirect Card, believe it or not. These are just a few of what may be causing the 49.XXXX errors in printers.The error means a critical firmware error has occurred that caused the processor on the formatter to abort the operation. This type of error can be caused by invalid print commands, corrupt data, or invalid operations. In some cases, electrical noise in the cable can corrupt data during transmission to the printer. Other causes include poor quality parallel cables, poor connections, or homegrown applications (third party software).

Common Causes

•        Old or outdated firmware
•        Conflicting versions of third party software
•        Using PCL 6 instead of PCL 5
•         Old or outdated drivers
•        Accessories (JetDirect Cards)
•        Packet loss or interference on the network
•         Bad data cable

 
Recommended actions:

Below you will find different steps to try and get you printing again. Keep in mind performing some of these steps may delete some of the settings in the printer, such as IP info and internal printer settings.

1. Press CANCEL JOB to clear the print job from the printer memory
2. Turn the printer off and then back on
3. Try printing a job from a different software application. If the job prints, go back to the first application and try printing a different file. If the message appears only with a certain software application or print job, contact the software vendor for assistance
4. If the message persists with different software applications and print jobs, disconnect all cables to the printer that connect it to the network or PC
5. Turn the printer off
6. Remove all memory DIMMs or third-party DIMMs from the printer. Do not remove the firmware DIMM in slot J1
7. Remove all EIO devices from the printer
8. Turn the printer on
9. If the error no longer exists, install each DIMM and EIO device one at a time, making sure to turn the printer off and back on as you install each  device
10. Replace the DIMM or EIO device if you determine that it is the one causing the error
11. Remember to reconnect all cables that connect the printer to the network or computer
12. If the error persists, replace the firmware DIMM
13. Replace the formatter and calibrate the printer if needed

 
There are also different steps you can take if the previous steps don’t help. You can switch from PCL 6 drivers to a PCL 5 driver. PCL 5 is a much more stable driver choice and is suitable in most environments that do not require PostScript drivers. For a PS driver printer:

• Open printer Properties
• Go to “Device Settings” tab
• Disable the option “Postscript Passthrough” under the “Installable Options”

 
On the 5500, the JetDirect Card can cause the problem. Sometimes upgrading the JetDirect firmware helps. If it continues, replace the JetDirect Card (usually a 615N).

To continue printing, try to:

• Turn off the printer
•  Disconnect the data or network cable
• Clear the print queue
• Turn the printer back on
•  Re-connect the data or network cable
• Try a cold reset
• CAUTION: When performing a cold reset, you will delete network settings and printer settings!
• If the issue is software related, try installing updates for the software
• It can be associated with connections on routers, switches and even ports
• Replace the USB or Cat5e cable

 
This error can also affect monochrome and color M-series multifunction printers. In some instances after upgrading a LaserJet M-series MFP firmware, upon rebooting the 49 error will occur. As soon as the printer is connected to the network the error appears. Disconnecting the printer from the network seems to prevent the error from occurring after the upgrade. The problem seems to be with the Kerberos Authentication feature, where the file might get corrupted during the upgrade. Kerberos is a secure method for authenticating a request for a service on a network.  It enables a user to request an encrypted ticket from an authentication process that can be used to request a particular service from a server. The user’s password does not have to pass through the network.

The following list shows some of the printers and the firmware levels which might be affected by upgrading the firmware:

• PRINTER                               UPGRADING FROM                         UPGRADING TO
• M3027 MFP, M3035 MFP    20071211 48.051.1 or earlier      20080405 48.061.8 or later
• M4345 MFP                           20071211 48.051.1 or earlier      20080405 48.061.8 or later
• M5025 MFP                           20071211 48.051.1 or earlier      20080405 48.061.8 or later
• CM4730 MFP                         20071211 50.031.0 or earlier      20080405 50.041.8 or later
• CM6030 / 6040 MFP              20080118 50.003.0 or earlier      20080405 52.012.0 or later
• CM3530 MFP                         20080821 02.066.0 or earlier      20081210 53.011.2 or later
• M9040 / 9050 MFP                20071210 50.002.0 or earlier      20080405 51.011.9 or later
• 9250C Digital Sender             20071211 48.041.0 or earlier      20080404 48.051.7 or later

 
If the error is related to a corrupt Kerberos configuration file, one way to try and prevent the error from occurring is to clear the Kerberos settings from the printer before upgrading the firmware. You can access the Kerberos authentication configuration from the embedded web server of the printer. This feature will be found on the settings tab of the embedded web server. Web Jetadmin can be used to clear these settings as well. The restore factory settings command which can be accessed from the control panel of these printers can be used, but in doing so all the configuration settings will be reset to factory defaults. Install the upgrade and test. If there is more than one printer that will be getting upgraded I would suggest you test one thoroughly before proceeding.

The CM6030 / 6040 MFP printer might experience some problems when booting up where the printer stops at stage 5 of 6 or hangs and might display a 49.4C02. This could be caused by corrupt NVRAM values. Starting with firmware revision 52.081.2, the NVRAM values are no longer being written to the hard drive. These are now being written directly to the formatter. The following procedure should allow you to get past the reported boot progress hang or the 49.4C02 error:

CAUTION when performing a cold reset you will delete network settings and printer settings.

NVRAM initialization:

CAUTION: Initializing NVRAM resets the serial number, the event log, the page counts, the calibration settings, and the EIO card. Use the SERVICE menu to restore the serial number and page counts. You also need to reconfigure any computers that print to this product to recognize the product. Initialize NVRAM only when absolutely necessary. In most situations, use cold reset to reset product variables but still retain the needed values in the SERVICE menu.  Before initializing NVRAM, print a configuration page and a supplies status page to gather the following information:

• Total page count
• Serial number

1. Turn the printer off and remove the network cable
2. Turn the printer on and perform a partial NVRAM initialization
3. Turn the printer on
4. When the display starts to count the memory, press and hold 3 until all three lights on the panel are lit
5. Press 9 one time, and then press and release START
6. Press 6 one time

 
The printer should boot past stage 5 and 6 of the boot progress now and not display a 49.4C02.

1. Cancel out of the wizard setup screens
2. Turn the printer off and connect the network cable
3. Turn the printer on and perform a cold reset
4. Turn the printer on
5. When the printer shows the memory counting, press and hold the 6 key until all three lights on the control panel are lit
6. Release the 6 key
7. Press 3 or 9 to scroll to cold reset
8. Press 6 to select
9. Flash the latest available firmware to the printer