Today we experienced a new-to-me error code on our HP 4240n LaserJet printer that read “49.ff09 Service Error”.
After much searching on the internet, I found a couple different sites talking about the 49.xxxx Service Errors and what others had done in their troubleshooting efforts. Most of the links I came across mentioned something about reseating the memory stick and JetDirect card. I tried both those solutions, with a printer reboot several times. The only way to clear the error message is to reboot the computer also.
I also tried restarting the Print Spooler on the Print Server, but that had no effect. In fact, that is where I noticed the problem. Sometimes the printers in that location showed up as Offline on the Print Server. And every time I tried to print something from the printer, it worked fine (i.e. configuration pages); but it did not print coming from the Print Server doing a simple Test Page.
We narrowed down the problem to be a Communications error…nothing could communicate with the printer. That leaves the Network Path to the printer, and the JetDirect card as possible culprits. I replaced the network cables to all the printers connected to the switch in the area, and that didn’t solve it. So I plugged the printer itself directly into the wall, and that DID solve it.
Solution
Our solution was a faulty network switch. So just because the printer throws an error related to it’s parts or firmware in some cases, it might not have anything to do with the device – it may just not be able to function in a manner similar to a hardware malfunction.
Hope this helps some folks with their HP Service Error message.
