How to Clear the Memory in an HP Laser Jet Printer

Your Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet printer accepts print jobs from a variety of programs including spreadsheet, word processing and database applications, as well as the Internet. The printer contains memory chips that store documents from your computer so you can complete other tasks on your system. When problems arise, including a document not printing or your printer only printing part of a document, it is possible to clear your HP LaserJet's memory to return the printer to a working state.

Clearing the Memory Via HP LaserJet's Control Button

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Step 1

Press the "Cancel" or "Reset" button on your HP LaserJet printer repeatedly until the printer's display shows "Ready."

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Step 2

Turn your HP LaserJet printer's power switch to "Off" to clear the memory, if the printer's display doesn't show "Ready." The power switch is located on the side or back of the printer.

Step 3

Turn your printer's power switch to "On." Your HP LaserJet's display will show "Ready" after the warm-up process is complete.

Clearing the Memory for Windows

Step 1

Click "Start." Type "Run" in the "Search programs and files" box, if using Windows 7. If using Windows Vista, type "Run" in the "Start Search" box.

Click "Start," "Run," if using Windows XP.

Step 2

Type "control printers" in the "Open" box. Press the "Enter" or "Return" key on your computer's keyboard.

Step 3

Right click on your HP LaserJet printer's icon. Click "Open."

Step 4

Click "Printer," "Cancel All Documents" to clear your HP LaserJet printer's memory.

Clearing the Memory for Mac

Step 1

Click your Mac's hard drive icon then click "Applications," "Utilities" and "Print Center." The "Printer List" dialog box will open.

Step 2

Click "Printers," "Show Queue."

Step 3

Press and hold the "Option" key on your Mac's keyboard. Click "Quit Print Center." Click "OK" in the alert box to clear your HP LaserJet's memory.