HP Printer Error Code 68: How to Fix It

Medium 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
68
Brand
HP
Product Type
printer
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
HP Printer Error Code 68 means the printer's NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) has become corrupted. NVRAM stores important configuration settings like network preferences, paper trays, and default print options — and when it gets corrupted, your printer may freeze, refuse to print, or display this error at startup. The good news is that this error can usually be resolved through a series of resets and firmware steps without replacing any hardware.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 68

  1. Power Cycle the Printer Completely

    Always unplug the printer from the power source before performing any physical steps. Do not leave the printer plugged in while inspecting internal components.

  2. Perform a Cold Reset (NVRAM Reset)

    A cold reset will erase all custom settings including network configurations, paper size defaults, and stored jobs. Write down your current settings before performing this step if possible.

  3. Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware

    Never turn off or unplug the printer while a firmware update is in progress. Interrupting a firmware update can permanently damage the printer's internal software.

  4. Uninstall and Reinstall Printer Drivers on Your Computer

  5. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults via the Control Panel

    This will erase all personalized settings permanently. Make note of any custom configurations before proceeding.

  6. Check and Reseat Internal Memory Components (Advanced)

    Unplug the printer from the wall before opening any internal panels. Ground yourself by touching a metal surface to discharge static electricity before handling internal components. Check if your printer is still under warranty before opening it, as this may void the warranty.

Parts You May Need

Printer formatter board
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Memory expansion module
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Surge protector / UPS battery backup
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Printer formatter board
Check Price on Amazon
Memory expansion module
Check Price on Amazon
Surge protector / UPS battery backup
Check Price on Amazon
Printer formatter board
Check Price on Amazon
Memory expansion module
Check Price on Amazon
Surge protector / UPS battery backup
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all reset steps, updated firmware, and reseated internal memory components and the error code 68 still persists, the NVRAM chip or formatter board inside the printer may have suffered permanent hardware failure. At this point, DIY repair is not practical for most users. Contact HP Support directly or take the printer to an authorized HP service center. If the printer is out of warranty and the repair quote exceeds roughly half the cost of a new comparable model, replacement may be more economical than repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes HP printer error code 68?
Error code 68 is caused by corruption in the printer's NVRAM — the memory chip that stores settings like network configuration, default paper trays, and print preferences. Corruption can occur due to a power surge, an interrupted firmware update, aging hardware, or a software glitch during normal operation.
Will a cold reset fix HP error code 68?
In many cases, yes. A cold reset reinitializes the NVRAM back to factory defaults, which clears the corrupted data causing the error. However, if the NVRAM chip itself has a physical hardware fault, a cold reset alone will not permanently fix the problem and the error will return.
Does error code 68 mean I need to replace my HP printer?
Not necessarily. Error code 68 is a medium-severity error that can often be resolved through cold resets, firmware updates, and factory resets — all of which are free to perform. Replacement is only typically needed if diagnostics confirm that the formatter board or NVRAM chip has failed physically.
Will I lose my printer settings after fixing error code 68?
Yes, most of the fixes for error code 68 — including cold resets and factory resets — will erase all custom settings stored in NVRAM. This includes network credentials, IP address settings, paper size defaults, and tray configurations. You will need to reconfigure these settings after the reset is complete.
How do I prevent HP error code 68 from happening again?
To reduce the risk of NVRAM corruption, always use a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to protect your printer from power fluctuations. Never turn off the printer during a firmware update, and keep firmware up to date. Avoiding abrupt power cuts during printing also helps protect memory integrity.

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