HP 4500 printer

[Bob19691973]

My HP 4500 printer won't make a copy when I hit "start black copy" on the control panel, but it prints a document perfectly from the internet.  Scanning from control panel won't work either. Printer is ten years old.  Is there a fix, or do I just need to buy a new printer?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Bob19691973,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Given that your HP 4500 printer is ten years old and is having issues with copying and scanning but prints documents perfectly, it suggests a potential issue with the copy or scan functions rather than a general hardware malfunction. Here’s a structured approach to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check for Error Messages

• Display Messages: Look for any error messages on the printer’s control panel. If there are any, refer to the printer’s manual or HP’s website for specific troubleshooting related to those errors.

2. Check Scanner and Copy Settings

• Settings Review: Verify that the settings for copying and scanning are correctly configured. Ensure the paper type and size are set correctly in the printer settings.

3. Perform a Power Cycle

1. Turn Off: Turn off the printer using the power button.
2. Unplug: Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait: Leave the printer unplugged for about 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect and Power On: Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on. Try copying or scanning again.

4. Check for Paper and Document Placement

• Paper Check: Ensure that the paper tray is loaded correctly and that there are no jams.
• Document Placement: Make sure that the document you are trying to copy or scan is placed correctly on the scanner glass or in the document feeder, if applicable.

5. Update Printer Drivers

• Driver Update: Visit the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for your printer model. Sometimes driver updates can resolve issues with copy and scan functions.

6. Perform Printer Maintenance

• Clean Printheads: Run a printhead cleaning cycle from the printer’s control panel or software. This can sometimes resolve issues with copying if the problem is related to the printhead.
• Check for Ink Levels: Ensure that the ink cartridges are not empty or low, even if printing works. Low ink can affect copy quality.

7. Test Copy and Scan Functionality

1. Copy Test: Try making a copy of a simple document. If the problem persists, try copying from different source documents to rule out issues with specific documents.
2. Scan Test: Use the printer’s software to perform a scan. Check if the scanner function works when initiated from your computer.

8. Check for Firmware Updates

• Firmware Update: Check for any available firmware updates for your printer model on the HP Support website. Updating the firmware can sometimes resolve issues with printer functionality.

9. Perform a Factory Reset

1. Reset Printer: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, perform a factory reset on the printer. This option is usually available through the printer’s menu. Note that a factory reset will restore the printer to its default settings.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support