HP LaserJet Numeric Error Codes and Fixes
These are common HP LaserJet numeric error families. The full suffix and exact printer model still matter because HP reuses families across generations.
10.32.00 — Unauthorized Supply
The printer does not identify the installed supply as an authorized/genuine HP supply.
- Verify the cartridge or maintenance item is the correct part for the exact model.
- Remove and reseat the supply if the message appeared immediately after installation.
- If the supply is supposed to be genuine and the message remains, keep the packaging/identification and use HP support or anti-counterfeit guidance.
13.XX.YY — Jam in location
HP uses the 13 family for paper jams. The accompanying location or suffix tells you where the printer detected the jam.
- Clear paper from the location named on the display first.
- Remove torn scraps and make sure doors and trays close completely.
- If the same 13 code returns with no paper present, that location's sensor, pickup, or feed hardware may need service.
20 — Insufficient Memory
The printer received more page data than its available memory can hold.
- Cancel or continue the job only if incomplete output is acceptable.
- Lower resolution, simplify graphics, split a large document, or print fewer pages/copies at once.
- If ordinary small jobs repeatedly cause the error, verify firmware/driver and evaluate memory hardware or expansion for models that support it.
21 — Page Too Complex
The page contains more graphics, raster data, fonts, or other complexity than the printer can process normally.
- Try printing the document in smaller sections.
- Reduce image resolution/effects or flatten complex graphics.
- If the error happens on ordinary pages rather than one specific document, investigate driver, firmware, or memory instead of blaming the document.
22 USB I/O Buffer Overflow
Too much data was sent through the printer's USB interface.
- Clear the failed job and reconnect the printer directly to the computer while testing.
- Verify the exact HP driver rather than a generic or incorrect printer driver.
- Retry a small test page. If only one document causes the overflow, focus on that application/job.
40 Embedded I/O Bad Transmission
The printer lost communication with its embedded Jetdirect/network interface.
- Clear the message and check Ethernet link/cable or the applicable network interface.
- Restart the printer and wait for the network interface to initialize.
- If the embedded interface repeatedly disappears or resets, the formatter/network hardware may need service; reinstalling a Windows driver is not the first fix.
41.3 — Unexpected Size in Tray
The sheet the printer sensed does not match the size expected for the tray/job. Multi-feeds or slow pickup can also produce this condition.
- Reload the correct paper and set the tray guides snugly.
- Make the application's paper size, driver paper size, and printer tray setting agree.
- If settings are correct, watch for two sheets feeding together or delayed pickup; recurring 41.3 can point to pickup/feed hardware.
41.X — Temporary Printing Error
HP uses 41.X for temporary engine/printing errors.
- Press OK/Continue if offered, then retry.
- If it returns, restart the printer and test an internal/configuration page.
- Persistent 41.X errors require the full suffix and exact-model service diagnosis.
51.XY — Temporary Printing Error
This is an internal printer-side error family. The XY suffix matters.
- Restart the printer once.
- Try an internal page to confirm whether the error occurs without Windows or the original document.
- If the same 51.XY returns, record the full code and use model-specific HP service guidance.
52.XY — Temporary Printing Error
This is another internal engine/laser-scanner-related error family on applicable LaserJet models.
- Power-cycle once and allow full initialization.
- Print an internal page if possible.
- If 52.XY returns, record the suffix and move to exact-model hardware diagnosis rather than repeated driver reinstalls.
53.XY.ZZ — Check RAM DIMM Slot
The printer detected a memory/DIMM problem; the complete code identifies the memory type/location/error detail.
- Record X, Y, and ZZ exactly.
- If the printer can continue with the failing memory disabled, save the code before proceeding.
- Power off before reseating/replacing a DIMM and follow the exact model's ESD/service procedure. Use qualified service if you are not comfortable working inside printer electronics.
54.XX — Sensor-Related Error
HP uses 54.XX for sensor-related conditions on applicable LaserJet families.
- Restart once and note the entire 54.XX suffix.
- Check only obvious user-accessible obstructions related to the displayed area; do not disassemble sensor assemblies.
- If it returns, the suffix and exact model are needed for service-level sensor diagnosis.
55.00–55.06 — DC Controller Error
These codes indicate communication/read-write problems between the formatter and print engine/DC controller. Different suffixes narrow the condition.
- Record the exact 55.xx code.
- Turn the printer off for at least 30 seconds, then restart.
- If a surge protector is involved, HP commonly recommends testing from an appropriate wall outlet.
- If the same 55.xx returns, this is an internal controller/formatter fault and needs service rather than repeated resets.
68.X Permanent Storage Full
The printer's nonvolatile storage is full; some settings can revert or fail to save.
- Restart and print a configuration page to check current settings.
- Remove unnecessary stored jobs/fonts/macros using supported administration tools.
- If storage-full errors keep returning, use model-specific storage cleanup/service guidance.
68.X Permanent Storage Write Fail
The printer could not reliably write to permanent storage.
- Continue only if needed, then restart once.
- Verify important settings afterward because a write failure can prevent changes from being saved.
- Persistent write failures can indicate failing nonvolatile storage and should be serviced.