paper jam, just discover ink leaked all in computer gunky hard to get out is it ruined for life now?

[Beljoy]

I was dealing with a paper jam but nothing showing in the three locations. On a suggestion of one of the contributors, I took a flashlight and found just below the ink storage was this built-up goop. Looks like a small piece of paper was under the ink supply, can't imagine how that got there but looks like inked leaked everywhere in right hand corner. I gently cleaned out but HP is not working. I think it's a goner. I had 2 years and  9 months to go. don't know what to do, do I call for repair, or renew printer what?

[YourITBuddy]

It sounds like you're in a frustrating situation with your HP Envy Inspire 7258e, Beljoy. Dealing with a paper jam that then reveals a messy ink leak is never pleasant, especially when the printer stops working afterwards. Let's break down your options.

The first thing to clarify is your statement, "I had 2 years and 9 months to go."

• Did this refer to an active warranty or HP Care Pack? If so, you might still be covered for a repair or replacement.
• Or, did it refer to how much longer you expected the printer to last?

The path forward will heavily depend on your warranty status.

1. Check Your Warranty Status

Your HP Envy Inspire 7258e typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty (often one year, potentially extendable to two years if you activated an HP+ offer at setup).

• How to check: Visit the HP Support website (support.hp.com). You'll need your printer's serial number, which is usually found on a label on the back or bottom of the printer, or sometimes inside the cartridge access area. Enter this on the warranty check page.
• This will tell you definitively if your printer is still under warranty.

2. Final Troubleshooting Steps (If You Haven't Tried These)

Before assuming it's a "goner," if the printer powers on but isn't functioning correctly:

• Ensure Thorough Cleaning (Safely): You mentioned cleaning the "goop." Ensure the printer is unplugged. Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water (or a 50/50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol for stubborn ink, but use alcohol sparingly and avoid direct contact with electronics or encoder strips).
  • The "goop" near the ink supply could be from a leaking ink cartridge or an issue with the service station (where the printer cleans/maintains printheads, and some ink buildup is normal). However, a large, sudden leak is a concern.
  • Carefully check the ink cartridges themselves for any visible cracks or damage.
  • Ensure no small paper fragments remain in any part of the paper path or carriage path.
• Reset the Printer: After an issue like a jam or ink spill (once dry), a full reset can sometimes resolve persistent errors.
  • Power Reset: With the printer on, disconnect the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet. Wait for at least 60 seconds. Plug the power cord back into a wall outlet (HP recommends direct to wall, not a surge protector) and then back into the printer. Turn it on.
  • Factory Reset: Many HP Envy Inspire printers allow a factory reset through the control panel menu (often under 'Settings', 'Printer Maintenance', or 'Tools', then 'Restore Defaults' or 'Restore Factory Settings'). Consult your printer manual or the HP support site for specific instructions for your 7258e model, as the exact steps can vary. Note: A factory reset will erase your settings, including network configurations.

3. Repair Options

• If In Warranty: Contact HP Support immediately. They will guide you through their repair or replacement process. The "2 years and 9 months to go" would be highly relevant here if it means you have a long warranty period active.
• If Out of Warranty:
  • HP Repair Services: HP often offers out-of-warranty repair services. You can inquire about this through their support channels. They may charge a diagnostic fee, and then provide a quote for the actual repair. Be sure to ask about all associated costs.
  • HP Care Packs: Even if your initial warranty expired, HP sometimes offers post-warranty HP Care Packs that you can purchase to cover repairs. Check the HP website or ask support if this is an option for your model and region.
  • Authorized Third-Party Repair Shops: Depending on your location, there might be local electronics repair shops that service HP printers.

4. Deciding Between Repair and Replacement

This is often a financial decision, especially if the printer is out of warranty:

• Cost of Repair: Get a quote if possible. Out-of-warranty repairs can sometimes be expensive. For instance, general printer repairs can range from $50 to over $200, with specific issues like printhead replacement potentially costing $75-$150, and more complex mechanical failures costing more. Diagnostic fees can add $40-$70 to this.
• Cost of a New Printer: A new HP Envy Inspire 7258e appears to retail for around $140 USD (prices can vary by retailer and location). Compare this to the repair quote.
• Age and Condition of the Printer: If the printer is already a few years old and now has a significant ink leak (which could lead to other problems), investing a large sum in repair might not be the most economical choice in the long run.
• Nature of the "Goop" and Leak: If the ink leak was substantial and has coated internal components, it might be difficult to clean completely and could cause future issues even if one part is repaired. This sounds like more than just a minor paper jam.

Recommendation Based on Beljoy's Description:

Given you found "inked leaked everywhere in the right-hand corner" and the printer is "not working" even after gentle cleaning, it does suggest a potentially serious issue beyond a simple jam.

1. Action 1: Determine Warranty Status. This is your most critical first step.
2. Action 2: Try a Full Reset (if not done).
3. Action 3: If out of warranty, carefully consider the costs. If a repair quote approaches or exceeds 50-60% of the cost of a new, comparable printer, replacement is often the more sensible option, especially as a significant ink leak can be a bad sign for long-term reliability.

It's a tough spot, but by systematically checking your warranty and then comparing repair costs versus replacement, you can make the best decision for your situation.