HP 12c (platinum) - Resetting the Calculator

Sometimes a calculator will lock up or will not respond correctly. The calculator may require a reset for a variety of reasons. These resets will erase the memory on the calculator and restore the calculator’s defaults. For this reason, it is important to back up any critical data.

The easiest reset is done from the keyboard. To reset the hp 12c (HP12C) or hp 12c Platinum calculator, follow the procedures below in the order presented.

• Press ON to turn off the calculator.
• Press and hold { - }.
• Press and release ON.
• Release { - }.
• The screen will display ‘Pr Error’
• Press {Enter} and the calculator will reset to the default settings, and the memory will be erased.

If the above reset did not restore the calculator to normal, continue to the next section.

If the HP12C calculator is still performing unexplained errors or will not turn on, it might have a static charge. This means the capacitor is full. The previous reset will not drain the capacitor. With this calculator, there are two options for draining the capacitor. The option to use is dependent upon the serial number of the calculator to be reset. The first option is a paperclip reset.

A paperclip reset can be performed on all HP 12C calculators. These calculators will have three 1.5 volt button cell batteries. Follow these steps:

• Remove HP12C the battery door.
• Take the batteries out.
• Take a paper clip and bend it out enough to cross over from one terminal to the other.
• Hold the paper clip across the battery terminals for approximately ten seconds.
• Replace with a fresh set of batteries, being sure to follow the polarity assigned. Note the picture beside the battery cover.
• Replace battery door.
• Turn on the HP12C calculator. The display should read ‘Pr Error’. Press and release the ON key twice.