How to Fix HP Printer Error 0x6100004a?

Some users are seeing the Error message 0x6100004a on the screen of their HP printer whenever they try to use it. This problem is not restricted to a particular model and is confirm to affect models 6962 6968, 6830 and 6810 (there might be other models that behave in a similar way).

What’s causing the HP Error 0x6100004a

Method 1: Reset the entire printing mechanism

The universal troubleshooting step that is typically recommended by HP technicians in the event that the printing machine refuses to work anymore is to reset the entire printing mechanism. Performing this operation will not require you to be tech-savvy and will not expose your machine to any risks of further damaging it.

On printers, resetting the printing mechanism is the equivalent of performing a power cycling procedure on computers and gaming consoles. A lot of affected users have confirmed that the operation was resolved after they performed the steps below.

Here’s a quick step by step guide on resetting the printing mechanism:

1. Turn the printer (if it’s not already on) and wait until the startup sequence is completed.
   Note: If you hear any noise, wait until the printer enters Idle mode and becomes silent before you continue with the next step.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the rear of your printer (while your printer is turned on, but in idle mode). Once power has been cut off, remove the power cord from the wall outlet.

   

3. Wait for 60 seconds or more before plugging the power cord back into the wall outlet. Next, reconnect the power cord to the rear of your printer.
4. Turn on your printer and wait until it’s finished with its initial warm-up period.
5. Once your printer becomes silent and enters idle mode, try to print something and see if the issue is now resolved.

In it still ends up showing the same 0x6100004a error when you try to print something, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Cleaning the ink cartridge vents and contacts

As it turns out, you might end up seeing the 0x610004a error code on your printer due to a blockage in the cartridge contacts or vents. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to get the issue resolved by cleaning the ink cartridge contacts and vents and then reinstalling them one at the time to determine if a specific cartridge is causing the error message.

Important: This method is a little more advance and might end up damaging some additional printer components if not performed properly. If your printer is under warranty, take it to a specialized technician since the steps below might end up voiding your warranty.

If you are prepared to go through with this potential fix, here’s what you need:

Prerequisites

• A pin (used to clean any clogged vents)
• A lint-free cloth (used for general cleaning)
• A dry cotton swab (used for general cleaning)
• Distilled or bottled water – Do Not use tap water because it might contain contaminants that might end up damaging the printhead.

Here’s what you need to do in order to clean the ink cartridge vents and contacts:

1. Turn off your printer completely and wait for 60 seconds or more before starting the procedure.
2. Look at the vent area of each cartridge (on the top of the component) and see if you notice any clogged vents.

   

3. If any of your cartridges have clogged vents, use the pin to clean them as much as you can.
4. Next, use the lint-free cloth to wipe out any accumulated ink and debris on the copper contact of the ink cartridge.

   

5. Repeat the steps above to clean each of the ink cartridge contacts.
6. Use a lint-free swab to wipe any accumulated ink or debris on the copper-colored contact on the print head.
7. Reinsert each of the cartridges that you just cleaned carefully into their slot, then push the ink cartridge down until it snaps into place.
   Note: It’s super important that you ensure each colored slot on the ink cartridge matches the colored dot on the carriage.
8. Close the ink cartridge access door and power your printer once again.
9. Repeat the action that was previously causing the 0x6100004a error and see if the issue is now resolved.

Method 3: Ensuring that Carriage is not restricted

As it turns out one additional scenario that might end up triggering the 0x6100004a error is a problem facilitated by paper jamming. In this case, you should proceed by ensuring that the carriage moves freely across the width of the printer.

Keep in mind that this can only be investigated by opening the ink cartridge access door and doing some manual investigations (flashlight or other illuminating device is required).

Several users that found themselves in a similar situation have confirmed that the steps below finally allowed them to resolve the error message and print normally.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Turn on your printer and wait for it to enter idle mode (when it goes silent).
2. Open the cartridge access door (while the printer is turned on) and disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer. Next, unplug the power cord from the power sources (most likely a wall outlet).

   

   Note: It’s very important that you unplug the power cord since you will proceed by touching the paper feed mechanism. Doing this will eliminate the risk of electrical shock.

3. Use your flashlight to check for any paper remains or objects that might end up restricting the movement of the carriage. If you find anything that might be causing issues, remove them.

   

   Note: Be careful when you remove any stuck papers. Ensure that you also check the rollers and the wells for torn pieces that might still reside inside the printer. If you leave any leftover objects, further jamming can occur.

4. After you successfully manage to remove any loose paper and obstructions that you found, close the ink cartridge access door and reconnect the power cord to the reality of the printer and then plug the power cord back into your electrical outlet.
5. See if this procedure allowed you to fix the issue by attempting to initiate another printing action and seeing if the 0x6100004a error is still occurring.

In case the same problem is persisting, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 4: Contacting HP support

If none of the methods above have allowed you to fix the issue, it’s very likely that you will not be able to fix the issue by yourself. In this case, the best course of action is to get in touch with an HP technician (via phone support) and allow him to do the troubleshooting for you.

Here’s a quick guide on getting in touch with an HP technician:

1. Visit this link (here) from your default browser. Next, click on Printer from the list of product types.

   

2. Next, enter the serial number of your printer in the correct box and click on the Submit button.

   

3. Once your product is identified, complete the next form and click on HP Contact Forms > Get phone number.
4. Get in contact with the HP technician and follow the instructions to troubleshoot & identify the problem with your printer.