"E" in Start Copy Box . . . why? Can I fix this?

[SHESASPICEGIRL]

HP DESKJET F4180 (all-in-one)

Windows Vista Home Premium

There is an "E" continuously displayed in the Start Copy box on the printer.  There is no paper jam.

Have run diagnostic utilities - driver up to date, nothing amiss.

Running on printer backup mode (new black ink cartridge installed, no color cartridge installed - both lights are blinking continuously).

If I try to use HP Solution Center to generate a print copy, the computer says "Device Is Busy".

I can print my documents from my files.

I can't print using the printer by pressing the black color button on the printer itself.

Have unplugged cable, cord and reinserted.

Please advise.  Thanks.

[pcwizard]

Hi SHESASPICEGIRL, 

Remove all the cartridges from the printer. Power off the printer for 1 to 3 minutes, and then power it back on. Do you still have the same message before reinserting the cartridges?

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00867129

[SHESASPICEGIRL]

Hi and thank you for a reply. 

I went ahead and bought a new color cartridge and new black ink cartridge, inserted them and did the alignment scan.

As far as the blinking lights and "E" in the start copy box . . . that's gone. 

For some reason, and this has happened before, I can't scan a document or picture using the "SCAN" button on the printer.  The START button blinked about 48 times but nothing happens.

I can scan with the printer if I go to HP SOLUTION CENTER and click "scan".  I don't know what this is all about.

Any ideas?

Thanks again.

[pcwizard]

Hi SHESASPICEGIRL, 

Glad to hear the issue with the error message is resolved. For the problem with the scan buttons I would turn the printer off for 1- 3 minutes, and then turn on and try using the buttons. If you still have the same issue there is a good chance that the buttons on the panel board are not working correctly anymore or are getting worn out. Let me know what you find out?

[SHESASPICEGIRL]

I actually had the printer off all night.  I turned it on this morning.  Pressed "scan".  Nothing but around 47 blinks of the "on"  button.

Tried again.  Nothing.

At least I can scan from the HP Solution Center site.  Better than nothing. 

[pcwizard]

Hi SHESASPICEGIRL, 

Yes, It sounds like you are having a hardware failure with the copy buttons. I provided a link below to some of our newer model printers if you are interested. 

http://shopping2.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Printers/Printers