What Is the HP Service Error 79?

Both Windows and macOS users have reported several issues that occur when attempting to complete a print task via the HP Hewlett Packard printer device. Based on extensive analysis, the problem occurs on both operating system platforms regardless of the build.

HP is a widely used brand which prioritizes quality above anything else. However, that doesn’t mean it is not liable to glitches, bugs, and errors. As of recently, we have received an influx in complaints of the Service Error 79 issue. Fortunately, this is a fixable problem and we’re happy to provide you with the safest approaches to eliminate it.

What Causes the HP Service Error 79?

Before we jump to the solutions, it is best to first understand what causes HP Service Error 79 so you can avoid it in future. This particular issue can be caused by various documented factors. Here is a brief list of the common causes of Service Error 79:

• Queue glitch – This issue is commonly caused by a queue glitch if the HP printer device is linked to a Windows 10/11 system. In such a scenario, it’s best to launch a Printer troubleshooter utility, which will recommend the possible fixes to the found issue(s).
• Firmware bug – In some instances, the Service Error 79 can be caused by a glitch with a newly installed firmware causing the printer to reject new printing tasks. The best approach in such a scenario is applying a power cycle operation.
• Pending firmware updates – An outdated firmware is likely to cause the Service Error 79 issue. If the printer is yet to install essential firmware updates, it can reject any new tasks. The printer might be failing to install the updates automatically. Therefore, the best approach to this scenario would be to use HP Smart App to manually install the pending critical firmware updates.
• Hardware problems – The worst possible scenario will be an underlying hardware issue which leads to the system generating the Service Error 79 code, rejecting any printing task. This issue cannot be fixed by non-technical personnel. Therefore, the best approach is to get in touch with an HP live agent to guide you through the process of diagnosing and fixing the printer.

If you’re having troubles connecting to your printer, check out our guide for fixing the Error Code 0x00000709.

How to Fix the HP Service Error 79

If you’re wondering what to do about the HP Service Error 79, below are the solutions. Remember, depending on your scenario, some of the fixes might not bear desirable results. Thus, we advise applying them in their order for effectiveness since we listed them based on their complexity and severity level.

Solution #1: Launch the Windows 10/11 Printer Troubleshooter Utility

To make sure that you don’t waste your time trying to manually apply fixes on a problem that can be easily fixed automatically, we advise running the built-in printer troubleshooter utility only available to Windows 10/11 platform users. The utility features several repair strategies capable of fixing port-related problems.

Here is how you can apply this fix:

1. Launch the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R keys concurrently. In the text field, insert “ms-settings: troubleshoot” (no quotes) before hitting the Enter key to launch Troubleshooting window under the Windows 10/11 Settings app.
2. Hover to the right and select the Getup and running section. Click on Printer tab before selecting Run the Troubleshooter from the emerging context menu.
3. If the utility detects any issues and recommends fixes, click on Apply this fix and wait for the process to complete.
4. Once done, restart the system and check if the issue has been resolved by the recommended fix(es).

Solution #2: Perform a Printer Device Power Cycle

This procedure is ideal if the issue is firmware related and it is universal to all sorts of printers. By applying this measure, you will be performing a complete reset of the printer mechanism. Moreover, although it doesn’t require any software input, it is not technical, hence does not expose you to the risk of causing damage to the device.

Follow the easy guide below on how to perform a power cycle to your printer device:

1. Make sure your printer is switched on. It should also be in idle mode with no active tasks running. To ensure the device is in idle mode, wait until there is no tiny sound coming from it. It should be as if it is switched on. Once you have confirmed, you can move to the next step.
2. Now, to initiate the power cycle, disconnect the power code from the back of your device. You must also remove the power code from the wall socket.
3. Once you have unplugged the printer device, plug the cord back after at least 60 seconds of disconnecting. The waiting period is to make sure all power capacitors are entirely drained.
4. Start the printer device as usual and wait for the warm-up session to complete.
5. Command the printer to perform a printing task to see if the issue has been resolved.

Solution #3: Install Pending Firmware Updates

There are different types of firmware updates. Some are cumulative, which means they contain previous updates hence keeping the device compatible with the OS version. However, if there is a new release update that is mandatory to make the device compatible with the operating system, then the printer will start rejecting tasks due to compatibility issues.

Use the Printer to Update

1. Press the ePrint button on the printer and go to the Settings menu. Now, find the option labelled Check Product Updates.
2. If the device picks pending firmware updates, follow the prompts to install them.
3. Wait for the process to complete installing the updates and then reboot the device for changes to take effect.

Manually Download the Firmware

If your printer does not have an ePrint option and it’s an older version, then the following guide will help you manually update the device firmware:

1. Connect your printer to the local network using a USB cable or ethernet connection.
2. Access this link on your computer and select the Printer section. Under Identify your print category, type in the product name of your printer and its model number.
3. Now, select the appropriate operating system your computer is using and click on the firmware option.
4. Click the Download button to initiate the downloading process.
5. Once complete and the file saved to your desktop or preferred storage drive, double-click on it to initiate the update process. Follow the prompts to correctly install the firmware.
6. When the installation has completed, reboot the system for changes to take effect. Run the process that triggered the Service Error 79 code to check if it has been resolved.

Install via the HP Smart App

If your printer device is modern enough to support HP Smart App, then you can easily install any newly released updates through the application. The program is available on Windows platforms, iOS, macOS, as well as Android devices. Here is the guide on how you can use HP Smart App to install the latest printer device firmware:

1. Download the HP Smart App and install it on your computer.
2. Run the app and select the name of your printer to initiate the process.
3. Go to the Settings and select the Advanced Settings option.
4. Now, click the Tools feature and then select Printer Updates before choosing Check Now for the app to begin searching for pending updates.
5. If there is a new firmware available, just follow the prompts to install firmware updates.
6. Restart the printer device and then check if the problem has been resolved.

Solution #4: Get in Touch with Support Centre

If none of the above solutions come handy in fixing the problem, then you’re likely dealing with faulty hardware. Therefore, to resolve the issue, it’s best to contact HP Support center to receive proper technical guidance on how to repair printer hardware related issues.