Solved: LaserJet 400 pro m401n - PCL XL Error Insufficient memory

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davebo4503

LaserJet 400 pro m401n - PCL XL Error Insufficient memory

HP LaserJet 400 Pro m401n -
User sent a PDF to print and it only partially printed along with a page that reads - PCL XL Error
Error: InsufficentMemory

We cleared the queue and shut off the printer, but the error page returns with subsequent random printouts (not the PDF).
At HP's advice, we updated the firmware, but no apparent relief. Occasionally a part of the problematic PDF will print again and the error pages persist.

Any way to permanently clear this without resetting to factory default?
The printer is 4 years old and this is the first occurrence of this issue.

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Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

How big is the PDF? Can you print using PS driver?

davebo4503

ASKER

It was 5 pages long and file size is 2MB. I can print it on an OfficeJet printer.
At HP's suggestion we used PCL5 and that did print the entire document, but the error pages continue, and random sections of the original error-inducing printout.

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

Type of connection to printer (USB or network)?

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davebo4503

ASKER

gigabit ethernet

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

Can you do a ping to the IP address of the printer and use the /t switch (Ping until stopped by Ctrl + C). Do this for 50 pings, and see if you have any dropped packets.

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

Also, are you using a universal driver for the PCL 6?

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davebo4503

ASKER

no dropped packets - I suspect the printer memory got corrupted somehow with that print job, and remnants of it are still there and are still using the memory. Is there a specific way to clear the memory without factory resetting and reconfig?

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

There is a new firmware upgrade release this week for that specific printer. I would also recommend upgrading that.

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

If you unplug the printer from power for a minute, that will do what you need.

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Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

As far as determining if the RAM in the printer is faulty, that i cannot help you with. There is a real chance that is the problem.

Dr. Klahn

Check the amount of memory installed in the printer (this will be printed on the printer's internal test page), and then confirm that this is the number that is set in the printer's properties page. If the printer has 128 MB of memory installed but Windows thinks there is only 2 MB, the extra memory in the printer won't be used and the error described above may occur.

Another possibility is that the memory in the printer (either on-the-board or add-in) is marginal. Unfortunately there's no convenient way to test the memory in the printer; add-in memory must be removed and tested in a PC that uses the same type of memory, and on-the-board memory can't be tested at all.

davebo4503

ASKER

I just upgraded the firmware yesterday - datecode is 30180318. Current status on display is "Memory is low. Job canceled. Press OK to continue" This persists.

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Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

The RAM is replaceable, so that is an option.

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

That error, HP solution is:
select PRINT --> ADVANCED OPTIONS --> PRINT AS IMAGE.

davebo4503

ASKER

printer config says 128MB and Windows shows 128 MB also

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davebo4503

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we did unplug for 15 minutes - didn't resolve. Also tried print as image and it didn't work. using the PCL5 driver did allow the doc to print but the errors persist. Memory appears to have been corrupted.

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

Don't forget, you could always use PS or PCL 5 drivers. Especially the PS should work best for PDF files. Determine if after powering down for a short while, only try printing with PS and see if the problem persists.

Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

The RAM shouldn't be real expensive. I would try that next.

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davebo4503

ASKER

Is there a way to clear RAM on this printer?

davebo4503

ASKER

HP suggested the way to clear the RAM is to power off, hold the right arrow and X together, then turn on. When display reads 'permanent storage', release keys. Client did this, printed the bad partial pdf again, and for the moment appears to be OK.

davebo4503

ASKER

Sometimes it's all about who you get on the support line.

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Jason Johanknecht🇺🇸

I am saving this one for future notes. Glad it appears resolved.

hdhondt🇦🇺

@davebo4503 What you did to "clear the RAM" actually resets the printer to factory defaults. It doesn't clear the RAM (cycling the power does that) but rather the NVRAM (non-volatile memory). It is a good way to clear many crazy printer issues.

If the printer stays fixed, make sure to accept your own answer.

davebo4503

ASKER

Well it appeared to work and didn't require re-addressing the printer, but it was short-lived. Error returned shortly afterward.
Client is replacing the printer.

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davebo4503

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