How to Clear the Memory in an HP Laser Jet Printer

HP's various digital LaserJet printer models all contain internal memory, which retains data about what has recently been printed. Whether you need to clear the printer's memory as part of a troubleshooting attempt or to erase potentially sensitive business information, you can erase the data by performing a cold reset, which purges the memory. The method used to purge an HP LaserJet's memory varies from model to model, although each method is similar and involves accessing the printer's digital menu system.

HP LaserJet 4000, 4050, 4100, 5000, 5100, 5Si, 8000 and 8100 Series

Press "Power" to turn the printer off.

Press and hold "Go."

Press "Power" to turn the printer back on while continuing to hold the "Go" button.

Release the "Go" button when the printer's screen displays "Cold Reset."

Press "Go" when the display reads "Offline." The printer will go back online with the memory erased.

HP LaserJet 4100 and 4101 MFP Series

Press "Power" to turn off the printer.

Press and hold "Select."

Turn the printer back on while continuing to press "Select."

Release "Select" when all three lights on the printer are illuminated.

Press and release "Select." The memory will be reset and then the printer will restart.

HP LaserJet 4200, 4250, 4300 and 4350 Series

Press "Power" to turn off the printer, then press it again to turn the printer back on.

Press and hold "Select" while the screen shows that the printer is performing a memory test.

Release "Select" when all three lights on the printer illuminate.

Press "Down" repeatedly until the screen reads "Cold Reset."

Press and then release "Select." The printer's display will read "Ready" once the memory has been cleared.