Workaround fix: use default GPIB-address of "9" and other GPIB-devices addresses were adjusted accordingly. Works probably as long as the machine is still usable.
Hewlett-Packard 3852A Data acquisition / Control unit printed some "39: MEMORY LOST" error and manuals don't give any reason for it.
Not sure about that specific device, but i have one of their storage scopes that has a small lithium battery on the main board that maintains calibration data. About 8 or 10 years is the limit on it's life. You can swap the battery then you will need to re-calibrate it. HP's manuals are quite good with detailed calibration instructions.