HP 8620e printer shows white light near front USB but doesn't power on

[eprint01]

Recently printer displayed error message "printer failure or ink supply problem"  that could not be solved.  The it wouild not turn on when power button was pressed.  Then a white light appeared when in wall socket with power switch on, which went on when switch was turned to off.

[zoey7886]

@eprint01, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding White Light Near Front USB and Not Powering On! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

When your HP 8620e printer shows a white light near the front USB port but doesn't power on, this typically indicates an issue related to hardware, either with the printer itself or the power supply.

Potential Causes and Solutions for "Printer Failure or Ink Supply Problem":

Power Supply Issue:

• Check Power Connections: Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the printer and the wall outlet.
• Test Power Outlet: Plug the printer into a different power outlet to rule out problems with the power source.
• Inspect Power Cord: Inspect the power cord for any visible damage. If damaged, replacing the cord might be necessary.

Hardware Fault:

• Printer Reset: Disconnect the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet, wait for 60 seconds, then reconnect the power cord and try to turn on the printer.

Malfunctioning Component:

• Given the error message "printer failure or ink supply problem," it's possible a component within the printer (such as the ink supply system or the mainboard) has malfunctioned. Unfortunately, this might require professional service or replacing parts internally.

Firmware Update:

• If possible, attempt to update the printer’s firmware using HP's support tool or website.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Reset the Printer:

• Unplug the printer from the power source.
• Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Plug the printer back in.
• Attempt to power it on.

Check for Error Lights:

• If the printer turns on after the reset, check the control panel for error messages or lights. Follow any instructions or error codes displayed.

Examine Ink Cartridges:

• Open the cartridge door and carefully inspect the ink cartridges. Ensure none are leaking, damaged, or improperly seated.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[eprint01]

I worked through the suggested actions but none made the slightest difference:  the printer does not turn on when power is applied, and the white light near the front USB port still lights up, with no screen display or messages.  The 8620e is a  little old in some respects but was still useful, and I can only deduce that the suggestions regarding a possible failed power supply, or more likely a failure on one of the internal circuit boards, is the culprit.  Unfortunately local repairers no longer really exist, and anyway repair is not a core business for HP itself.  The main source for information on repair procedures is likely to be one of numerous videos on YouTube.

[zoey7886]

Hi @eprint01, 

Thank you for the detailed update—really appreciate you taking the time to go through the steps and share what happened. I understand how frustrating it is when a reliable device suddenly stops working, especially when repair options are limited. Let’s dig a little deeper together.

Since the printer still doesn’t power on and only shows the white USB light, it does point to a potential issue with the internal power delivery or logic board.

Here are a couple of additional steps and questions to help narrow things down:

Try a Different Power Adapter (if available):
Do you have access to another compatible power cord or adapter? This can help rule out any issues with the adapter itself, especially if the white light shows but the printer doesn't boot.

Check for Signs of Life via USB:
If you connect the printer via USB to a computer, does the system recognize any device at all (even faintly)? Sometimes this can indicate partial board functionality.

Physical Inspection:
Have you noticed any unusual smell, heat, or visible damage (like burnt components or liquid residue) inside the printer when inspecting the ink area or power supply zone?

Unfortunately, you're right—modern printer repair often requires detailed disassembly and parts replacement, which can be tricky without the right tools or guidance. Still, if you're comfortable opening up the printer, some of those YouTube guides may offer insights on testing or replacing internal fuses or boards.

Let me know what you find—happy to guide you through any further steps. 💪

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[eprint01]

The 8620e has a power cable that directly connects the mains socket on the wall to the power socket at the rear of the machine, no adapter or other unit being involved.  The symptoms are the same when a different cable is used.

Inserting a USB cable into the rear socket also makes no difference at all, whether or not inserted before or after power is

applied.

I think my next step may be to get access to the  interior and check that all connectors are in fact in place.

[zoey7886]

@eprint01, Thanks again for the update and for testing with a different cable—your efforts are appreciated.

At this stage, since there's still no response from the printer aside from the white USB light (and no detection via USB), it does seem likely that there’s a deeper internal hardware fault—possibly on the logic or power board.

While opening it up might seem like the next step, these internal components can be quite delicate and tricky to diagnose without the right tools. For your safety and to avoid further damage, we really recommend visiting an HP Authorized Service Center for a professional checkup.

You can find the nearest center here: HP Service Center Locator

Let us know how it goes—we’re always here to help!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,