71
HP Printer
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error 71 is a memory error on HP LaserJet printers. The printer ran out of memory while trying to process a print job. This is similar to a computer freezing because it has too many programs open at once.
Affected Models
- HP LaserJet 4000 Series
- HP LaserJet 4050 Series
- HP LaserJet 4100 Series
- HP LaserJet 8000 Series
- HP LaserJet Enterprise M600 Series
Common Causes
- The print job contains very high-resolution images or graphics that require more memory than the printer has
- The printer's RAM is faulty or a memory module has failed
- A memory module was installed incorrectly and is not being recognized
- The printer is using PCL or PostScript settings that consume more memory than necessary
- Multiple large print jobs were sent simultaneously, overwhelming the printer's available memory
How to Fix It
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Cancel all pending print jobs and power cycle the printer. This clears the print buffer and frees up memory.
On Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, and cancel all jobs.
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Reduce the resolution of your print job. In your printer driver settings, change the resolution from 1200 dpi to 600 dpi.
High-resolution images at 1200 dpi can use 4 times the memory of the same image at 600 dpi. Most people cannot tell the difference in everyday printing.
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If printing a large PDF, try splitting it into smaller sections and printing a few pages at a time.
Large PDFs with many embedded images are a very common cause of memory errors on older printers.
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Check how much RAM your printer has installed. If it is the minimum configuration (usually 32MB or 64MB), consider adding more RAM.
HP LaserJets use industry-standard RAM modules. Adding 128MB or 256MB can dramatically reduce memory errors. Check your printer manual for compatible memory types.
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In the printer driver settings, enable 'Page Protection' if available. This reserves extra memory for complex pages.
Page Protection uses more memory overall but prevents individual complex pages from overflowing and causing errors.
When to Call a Professional
If you have already added RAM and the error continues, the memory slots or formatter board may be damaged. A service technician can test individual memory modules and diagnose the formatter board. Repairs may cost $100 to $250 depending on what needs replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much memory does my HP LaserJet printer need?
It depends on what you print. For basic text documents, 32MB to 64MB is usually fine. For documents with lots of photos, charts, or graphics, 128MB to 512MB is recommended. Check your printer's manual for the maximum supported RAM and compatible memory module specifications.
Will adding RAM fix error 71 permanently?
If the error is caused by printing complex documents that exceed available memory, then yes — adding RAM is a permanent fix. However, if the printer's existing RAM module is actually faulty, you may need to replace the bad module rather than just add more. Try the software fixes first before buying hardware.
Is error 71 dangerous for the printer?
No, error 71 is not dangerous. It simply means the printer cannot complete the requested task with available resources. The printer will not be damaged by this error. It is more of a limitation than a failure — like asking a small bucket to hold too much water.