What this means

Error 49.4C02 is a firmware exception code on HP LaserJet and PageWide printers. Your printer software crashed because it hit data it could not process.

This usually happens from a malformed print job, such as a corrupted PDF or a bad web page. Outdated firmware and driver incompatibilities, especially with PCL6 drivers, make the system vulnerable. Network loops and heavy broadcast traffic can also flood the printer and trigger this crash.

You might look at the dead screen and assume a part broke. The printer stops entirely and forces a restart, which feels like a serious hardware failure.

Your physical hardware is fine. The printer is simply overwhelmed by a software instruction sent from the network or your computer.

Common causes

  • Corrupt print job stuck in the local queue
  • Outdated printer firmware version
  • Incompatible or outdated printer driver on the host computer
  • Network packet corruption or broadcast loops
  • Malformed PDF or web page print data from a specific application
  • Corrupted temporary storage files on the printer
  • Conflicting network protocols or web services
  • Corrupt NVRAM configuration state

What to check first

  1. 1Disconnect the network cable or USB cable to see if the error stops rebooting
  2. 2Check if the error happens only when a specific computer sends a job

Step-by-step fix

  1. 1

    Power Cycle the Printer

    Turn off the printer using the power button. Unplug the power cord from the back. Wait sixty seconds. Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on.

  2. 2

    Clear All Print Queues

    Check the print queue on every computer connected to this printer. Cancel any stuck, paused, or large documents that may be causing a processing loop.

  3. 3

    Isolate Network Connection

    Unplug the network or USB cable from the printer. Turn the printer off and on again. If the error goes away while offline, a network job or broadcast packet is causing the crash.

  4. 4

    Update Printer Firmware

    Download the latest firmware for your specific printer model from the official support website. Install it via a USB flash drive or through the embedded web server.

  5. 5

    Reinstall Printer Driver

    Uninstall the current printer driver from the host computer. Download and install the newest driver package to ensure compatibility.

  6. 6

    Change Driver Type

    If using a PCL6 driver, switch to a PostScript or universal print driver, as certain application data formats crash specific driver parsers.

  7. 7

    Disable Web Services

    Log into the printer embedded web server and disable unnecessary network discovery protocols or web services if they are receiving conflicting traffic.

  8. 8

    Perform NVRAM Reset

    Cold reset or clear the NVRAM according to your printer model specifications to wipe corrupted memory states.

    This step will erase custom network configurations and printer settings.

When to contact a professional

If you see a 49.4C02 error right at startup with all network cables disconnected, call HP support or a professional. This means the formatter board or internal storage has failed completely and requires a replacement board. Always disconnect the power before servicing. Do not attempt board level repairs without proper training. Check your warranty before seeking service if your printer is still covered.