One of the most frustrating issues for end‑users and technicians alike is when a Konica Minolta Bizhub device fails to complete a job. You send a print, copy, scan, or fax job — but the job either stalls indefinitely, disappears from the queue, or results in an error message such as Job Failed, Cannot start job, or Failed to complete the job.
Unlike a paper jam or an error code that points you directly to a component, a failed job can be caused by a wide range of factors — from a simple authentication mismatch or a full output tray to a failing hard disk or faulty control board. This guide provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to diagnosing why a Bizhub machine fails to complete jobs and how to restore normal operation.
Possible Causes
- Output tray full (finisher / job separator reaches its capacity)
- Paper mismatch — the job requests a paper size or type not loaded in any tray or bypass
- User authentication failure — wrong or missing user name / password
- Account track limit exceeded — maximum print count for the account reached
- Insufficient memory (RAM) or hard disk full
- Network connectivity issues — disconnected cable, firewall blocking, or IP conflict
- Firmware corruption or mismatched firmware version
- Faulty hard disk drive (HDD) failing to store or retrieve job data
- Faulty Main Control Board (MFP board) or DC Controller board
- Damaged or outdated printer driver on the client computer
- Print spooler corruption on the sending PC
Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting
Step 1 – Check the Job History for Error Details
Before opening the machine or changing any settings, always check what the machine itself reports about the failed job. The Job History list includes jobs that failed because of an error, and often contains specific error codes or messages.
- On the machine’s control panel, press the [STATUS] key or navigate to [Job List] / [Job History].
- Select the failed job and press [Detail] to view the error details, user name, queued time, completed time, and number of pages.
- Take note of any displayed error code or descriptive message. This will guide the subsequent steps.
- If the machine is connected to a network, you can also access the Job History via the built‑in Web Connection interface by entering the machine’s IP address into a web browser .
Result: If the error detail points to a specific issue (e.g., authentication failure, paper mismatch, memory full), follow the remedy listed. If no clear error is provided, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 – Check Basic Consumables and Hardware Status
Many job failures are not software or board issues but simple hardware conditions that the machine cannot automatically recover from.
- Output tray full: If the finisher or job separator output tray has reached its capacity, copying or printing will fail until the tray is emptied. Remove all paper from the indicated tray and press [Continue] to resume the job.
- Paper mismatch: The job may request a paper size or type that is not loaded in any tray. Load the correct paper into a tray or the bypass tray, or change the job’s paper settings .
- Open door or cover: If any door or cover of the machine or an optional device is open, copying will fail. Ensure all doors and covers are securely closed.
- Empty paper tray: The indicated tray may have run out of paper. Add paper into the tray.
- Depleted toner or staples: If toner is depleted or the staple cartridge is empty, the job may not complete. Replace the toner cartridge or staple cartridge as indicated.
Step 3 – Verify User Authentication and Account Track Settings
When user authentication or account tracking is enabled, a job sent without valid credentials will be canceled and will appear as failed or deleted due to error .
- Check with the machine administrator to confirm whether User Authentication or Account Track is enabled on the machine.
- If enabled, ensure that the print driver or application sending the job includes a valid user name and password (or account track code) that matches what is registered on the machine. If a job is sent without setting up user authentication, the operation is not authenticated and the job is canceled.
- For secure print jobs, verify that the password entered meets the machine’s password rules (minimum length, complexity). Some machines require a minimum of 8 characters; a shorter password will cause the job to fail.
- If authentication credentials are correct but the job still fails, ask the administrator to check whether the user account has reached its maximum allowed print count. The message The counter for the account has reached its maximum allowance will appear in that case.
Tip: In the printer driver on the client computer, look for an [Authentication/Account Track] button (usually on the Basic tab) and enter the correct credentials.
Step 4 – Check Network Connectivity (for Print, Scan, and Fax Jobs)
Failed network jobs are often caused by basic connectivity problems or firewall settings.
- Verify that the network cable is correctly connected at both ends. If the machine uses Wi‑Fi, check that the wireless connection is active.
- Try to ping the machine’s IP address from a computer on the same network. If the ping fails, there is a network issue.
- Check the machine’s control panel for any network error messages or a disconnected icon.
- If the machine is behind a corporate firewall, ensure that the firewall allows communication for the required protocols. For example, when using Job Centro, the firewall may block the Java application and need to be configured to allow it.
- For fax jobs that fail to complete, check the telephone line connection. If the machine attempted redials but the recipient’s line was busy or the recipient’s machine did not answer, the job will be marked as failed. Verify the recipient’s fax number and try again.
Result: If the network is functioning but jobs still fail, proceed to Step 5.
Step 5 – Check for Memory or Hard Disk (HDD) Issues
A job may fail if the machine runs out of memory (RAM) or if the internal hard disk is full or failing.
- On the control panel, navigate to Utility → Administrator Settings → System Settings → Memory/HDD Status (the exact path may vary; refer to the service manual for your model).
- If the hard disk is nearly full, you will see a message such as The hard disk is full. Delete unnecessary data, and then try saving the data again. Delete old stored documents, user boxes, or unnecessary data.
- If the machine displays The job has been deleted due to insufficient memory, the system RAM was exhausted. Try reducing the complexity of the job (e.g., lower resolution, fewer pages) or restart the machine to clear memory.
- If the HDD Ready indicator indicates an HDD malfunction, the hard disk may be failing. Contact your service representative for replacement.
- A failing hard disk can also cause jobs to disappear, fail to store in user boxes, or produce intermittent job failures.
Step 6 – Address Driver and Print Spooler Issues (Client Side)
In some cases, the problem is not with the Bizhub machine itself but with the computer sending the job.
- On the client computer, open the Services application (type services.msc in the Windows search bar). Locate Print Spooler, right‑click it, and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. Delete all files in this folder to clear any stuck print jobs.
- Return to the Services window, right‑click Print Spooler, and select Start.
- If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the Konica Minolta printer driver, using the latest driver version from the official Konica Minolta support website. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of job failures.
Step 7 – Check for Firmware Corruption or Mismatch
Firmware issues can cause erratic job failures, especially after a firmware update that did not complete properly.
- Turn OFF the main power switch and unplug the power cord. Wait for 15 seconds or more, then reconnect and turn the machine back ON. This simple power cycle can clear temporary firmware glitches.
- If the machine displays a specific ROM error code on startup (e.g., CC151, CC156, CC159), a firmware mismatch or corruption is likely. Common ROM error codes include:
- CC151: ROM contents error upon startup (MSC)
- CC152: ROM contents error (scanner)
- CC156: ADF ROM error; firmware upgrade was not successful
- CC163: The wrong model of firmware is detected in the MFP board
- If a ROM error is present, the firmware must be rewritten using Konica Minolta’s official service software. In some cases, checking the connectors between the main board and the ROM chip may resolve the issue.
- If updating firmware fails to complete due to a network connection problem, check the cable used for the update and reboot the machine .
Step 8 – Inspect the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Connection and Functionality
The hard disk is used to spool jobs, store user boxes, and manage print queues. A failing hard disk or a loose connection can cause jobs to fail randomly.
- Power off the machine and unplug the power cord.
- Access the hard disk drive — its location varies by model; refer to the service manual for your specific Bizhub model. Typically, the HDD is located near the main control board or in a dedicated HDD bay.
- Check that the HDD data and power cables are firmly seated. Reseat them if necessary.
- If the machine supports it, run the HDD diagnostic tests available in Service Mode. If the HDD fails diagnostics or continues to cause job failures, replace the hard disk drive.
Step 9 – Test the Machine with a Minimal Job
To isolate whether the problem is specific to certain job types or universal, test the machine with the simplest possible job.
- On the machine itself, make a single‑page copy from the glass (not the ADF). If the copy completes successfully, the machine’s basic print and copy engine are functional.
- Send a single‑page print job from a directly connected computer (USB or parallel) rather than over the network. If this works but network jobs fail, the issue is network‑related.
- If even a simple copy fails, the problem is internal to the machine — proceed to Step 10.
Step 10 – Check for Faulty Control Boards (MFP Board / DC Controller)
Warning: This step requires opening the machine. Always unplug the power cord before opening any cover.
If all previous steps have been exhausted and the machine still fails to complete jobs — especially if the machine displays garbled characters, reboots during jobs, or shows no error code — the main control board (MFP board) or the DC Controller board may be faulty.
- Unplug the machine and remove the necessary covers to access the main control board (MFP board). Refer to the service manual for the exact location on your model.
- Visually inspect the board for any signs of damage: burnt components, swollen capacitors, corrosion, or loose connectors. Reseat all connectors firmly.
- If available, test with a known‑good replacement board of the same part number. Board‑level repair is not recommended; replace the entire board.
- If the machine has a separate DC Controller board (power distribution), inspect it as well. A faulty DC Controller can cause intermittent power delivery to subsystems, leading to job failures.
Summary Diagnostic Table
| Symptom / Message on Control Panel | Most Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Job Failed — Output tray full | Finisher or job separator tray capacity reached | Remove paper from indicated tray; press Continue |
| Job Failed — Paper mismatch | Job requests paper size/type not loaded | Load correct paper or change job settings |
| Job canceled — Authentication failure | Missing or incorrect user name/password | Enter correct credentials in driver or control panel |
| Job deleted due to insufficient memory | RAM full; job too large or memory leak | Restart machine; reduce job complexity |
| Hard disk full / HDD malfunction | Internal HDD full or failing | Delete unnecessary data; replace HDD if defective |
| Cannot connect to the network / Job Centro fails | Disconnected network cable or firewall block | Check cable; configure firewall to allow communication |
| ROM error code on startup (CC151, CC156, CC163) | Firmware mismatch or corruption | Rewrite firmware with correct version |
| Print jobs stuck in queue on computer | Corrupted print spooler or driver | Clear spooler files; reinstall driver |
When to Call a Certified Technician
While many job failures can be resolved by the steps above, some situations require professional assistance:
- Hard disk drive (HDD) replacement and initialization
- Firmware rewriting using Konica Minolta service software
- Replacing the Main Control Board (MFP board) or DC Controller board
- Persistent ROM error codes that do not clear after power cycling
- Jobs failing with no error code displayed, and all basic checks exhausted
If you are not trained in handling internal components or using service tools, contact a certified Konica Minolta technician to avoid damaging the machine or losing critical configuration data.
Conclusion
A Konica Minolta Bizhub that fails to complete a job can be caused by something as simple as a full output tray or as complex as a failing hard disk or corrupted firmware. By following this structured diagnostic approach — starting with the job history, then checking hardware consumables, authentication, network, memory, and finally internal components — you can efficiently identify and resolve the problem.