Troubleshooting
Problem
Writer for HP® printer ends with message CPD337C: Session with device ended abnormally, after the firmware is upgraded on the printer or for newer HP printer models. Also seen in the writer message queue is message CPD337F: Remote device rejected an attempt by the writer to open a connection.
Writer for Toshiba® printer ends with message CPD338A: Cannot resolve to remote device name.
If the Printer Error Message (PRTERRMSG) parameter in the LAN printer device description is set to *INQ for an Inquiry message instead of *INFO for an Informational message, message CPA403D: Operator action required on device (C R), will be seen in the message queue.
Note that this issue is not specific to HP® or Toshiba® printers and could impact any make and model of ASCII printer.
Symptom
Writer for an HP® or Toshiba® printer ends abnormally when attempting to print a spooled file.
Cause
Some printer manufacturers have started disabling PJL on newer printers and through firmware updates.
Check the printer hardware manufacturer's website or firmware documentation for details. If not clear, contact the printer hardware manufacturer's support group for additional details.
Environment
IBM i OS using LAN attached ASCII printer configured to use *HPPJLDRV or *IBMPJLDRV system driver program.
This issue has also been seen on HP® printers even though the printer device is configured to use the *IBMSNMPDRV System Driver Program (SYSDRVPGM), but does not have *IBMSHRCNN specified for the User Defined Options (USRDFNOPT).
Diagnosing The Problem
If the writer ends shortly after it is started or when attempting to print a spooled file, review the writer job log for message CPD337C: Session with device ended abnormally, and the writer's message queue for CPD337F: Remote device rejected an attempt by the writer to open a connection. Messages CPD338A: Cannot resolve to remote device name, and inquiry message CPA403D: Operator action required on device (C R), may be seen too.
Resolving The Problem
Change the system driver program (SYSDRVPGM) from *HPPJLDRV or *IBMPJLDRV to *IBMSNMPDRV and add *IBMSHRCNN to the User Defined Options (USRDFNOPT) parameter.
If the printer device is currently configured to use SYSDRVPGM(*IBMSNMPDRV), ensure the USRDFNOPT includes *IBMSHRCNN.
VRYCFG CFGOBJ(PrinterDeviceName) CFGTYPE(*DEV) STATUS(*OFF)
CHGDEVPRT DEVD(PrinterDeviceName) USRDFNOPT(*IBMSHRCNN) SYSDRVPGM(*IBMSNMPDRV)
CHGDEVPRT DEVD(PrinterDeviceName) USRDFNOPT(*IBMSHRCNN) SYSDRVPGM(*IBMSNMPDRV)
VRYCFG CFGOBJ(PrinterDeviceName) CFGTYPE(*DEV) STATUS(*ON)
STRPRTWTR DEV(PrinterDeviceName)
STRPRTWTR DEV(PrinterDeviceName)
NOTE: This configuration requires the use of SNMPv1 on the printer hardware, network and IBM i. If SNMPv1 is disabled on any of these, this configuration will not work. Support for SNMPv3 is available. This may require PTFs depending on release of the OS and will require additional configuration on the printer hardware, network and printer device description. For more information on using SNMPv3 with printers, refer to the section titled Notes on SNMPv3 Printing Support in Configuring a *LAN 3812 SNMP Device Description: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/644613.
Related Information
Document Location
Worldwide
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Product Synonym
IBM i 7.1; IBM i 7.2; IBM i 7.3; IBM i 7.4; IBM i 7.5; IBM i 7.6
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Document Information
Modified date:
12 August 2026
UID
ibm16189825