Error codes and messages
Plain-English explanations of 21 codes and messages that Windows, macOS and printers show, with the steps to clear each one.
On a Windows PC
- 0x00000709Error 0x00000709: Windows can’t set the default printerWindows shows error 0x00000709 when it can’t save your default printer choice. Turn off automatic defaults, set it again, or repair the setting.
- 0x0000011bError 0x0000011b: can’t connect to a shared printerError 0x0000011b blocks connecting to a printer shared from another Windows PC. It comes from a 2021 security change. Here’s the safe fix and the last resort.
- 0x00000bc4Error 0x00000bc4: no printers were foundError 0x00000bc4 means Windows searched for a printer to add and found none. Check the network, then add the printer by its IP address instead of searching.
- 0x0000007eError 0x0000007e: Windows cannot connect to the printerError 0x0000007e means a driver file Windows needs to connect to a printer couldn’t be found or loaded. Remove the driver cleanly, reinstall it, connect again.
- Driver is unavailable“Driver is unavailable” shown under your printerWindows shows “Driver is unavailable” when the printer’s driver is missing, damaged or wrong for your version of Windows. Remove it cleanly and reinstall.
- Printer in error state“Printer in error state” on Windows“Printer in error state” means the printer reported a problem Windows can’t name. Check the printer’s own screen first, then the connection and the driver.
- Spooler not running“The print spooler service is not running” in WindowsWindows can’t print or add printers when the Print Spooler service is stopped. Start it, set it to start automatically, and find out why it stopped.
- Printer not responding“Printer not responding”: Windows can’t reach the printer“Printer not responding” means Windows sent a job and the printer never answered. Usually it’s asleep, off the network or at a new IP address. Check each in turn.
- Error - Printing“Error - Printing” status in the Windows print queue“Error - Printing” beside a job means it started and then stalled. Clear the queue, check the printer, then fix the driver or port if it keeps happening.
On a Mac
- Filter failed“Filter failed” in the Mac print queue“Filter failed” on a Mac means the step that converts your job for the printer crashed, usually because of an outdated driver. Switch to AirPrint or reinstall.
- Hold for Auth…“Hold for Authentication” in the Mac print queueA Mac shows “Hold for Authentication” when the printer, or the computer sharing it, wants a user name and password. Enter the right ones or clear an old saved one.
On the printer’s display
- B200Canon error B200: print head or head voltage faultCanon B200 means the printer found an electrical fault at the print head. See what causes it, the safe checks to try first, and when it needs a repair.
- 5100Canon error 5100: the print head carriage can’t moveCanon support code 5100 means the print head carriage is blocked or can’t move as it should. Clear the path, seat the tanks and clean the encoder strip.
- 1688Canon support code 1688: the ink has run outCanon code 1688 means a cartridge or ink tank is reading empty. Find which one, replace or reseat it, and see what continuing without ink tracking means.
- Ink pad service lifeEpson ink pads at the end of their service lifeEpson says the ink pads are at the end of their service life: the waste ink pads are full. See what that means, what you can check and your repair options.
- Ink System FailureHP Ink System Failure: what it means and what to tryHP’s Ink System Failure message means the printer found a fault in its ink delivery. Do a full power reset, reseat the cartridges and print head, then update.
- 49.XXXX ERRORHP LaserJet 49 error: a firmware fault, often from bad dataAn HP LaserJet 49 error is a firmware fault, usually set off by a corrupt job or bad network data. Isolate the cause, clear the queues and update the firmware.
- 79 SERVICE ERRORHP LaserJet 79 Service Error: causes and fixesAn HP LaserJet 79 Service Error is a critical fault, often from a corrupt job, a memory module or firmware. Clear the jobs, check the memory, then update.
- Unable to Print XXBrother Unable to Print XX: machine error with a numberBrother’s Unable to Print XX means the machine hit an error it can’t clear itself. Find what the number means, clear any blockage and know when to get service.
- Drum ErrorBrother Drum Error, Replace Drum and Drum End SoonBrother drum messages mean the drum is worn, needs cleaning or wasn’t reset after a swap. Clean the corona wire, seat the toner and reset only after a new drum.
- PC LOAD LETTERPC LOAD LETTER and paper size mismatch messagesPC LOAD LETTER means the printer wants Letter-size paper in its tray. See what it and other paper size mismatch messages mean, and how to get the job printing.