• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Experiencing 'Printer Blocked' or 'Printer Error' message? Click here for more information.
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP Officejet 6700 Premium e-All-in-One Printer - H711n

Receiving a printerhead error that will not clear. No option to run a test print or anything. The screen stays locked on the error. 

 

I have:

-restarted the printer multiple times (cycle on/off, unplug for 5-10 min)

-changed the ink cartridges

- removed the printer head assembly and inspected/cleaned all contacts with no issues found

- removed any ink clumps, etc. 

 

What can I do next? This printer is about to make its way to the dumpster!!!

 

 

2 REPLIES 2
HP Recommended

Hi @sk7123 ,

 

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

 

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

 

I understand you're dealing with a stubborn Printhead Error on your HP Officejet 6700 Premium, and you've already done a great job troubleshooting by trying many of the typical solutions. Sometimes, these types of errors can persist despite cleaning and checking connections, but there are a few more steps you can try before giving up on the printer entirely.


1. Perform a Hard Reset

You’ve done a basic restart, but a full hard reset may sometimes clear out stubborn errors that a regular power cycle can't.

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait 2-3 minutes to ensure all power has drained.
  • While unplugged, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to discharge any residual power.
  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check if the error clears after the reset.

2. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults

If a hard reset didn’t do the trick, you can try resetting the printer to its factory defaults. This often clears internal errors, including issues with the printhead.

  • On the printer control panel: Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore Defaults.

Check the manual if you can't locate the specific option for your model, but it should be under the settings or maintenance menu.

3. Check for Firmware Updates Update the firmware on an HP printer

Sometimes, a firmware issue can cause persistent errors. To check for firmware updates:

  • On the printer's control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Firmware Update.
  • You can also check the HP website for any available firmware updates and instructions on how to update via USB or network.

4. Printhead Cleaning or Reseating

You mentioned that you cleaned the printhead and contacts, but sometimes re-seating the printhead can fix the issue, especially if the error involves poor contact between the printhead and the printer’s electrical contacts.

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  • Remove the printhead assembly (which you've already done).
  • Inspect the printhead for damage or any foreign debris that may not have been cleaned up.
  • Re-seat the printhead carefully to ensure it is positioned properly and makes a solid electrical connection.
  • Reinsert the ink cartridges and plug the printer back in.

5. Use the HP Printhead Diagnostic Tool 

HP has a printhead diagnostic tool for some printers, which may help identify if the printhead is malfunctioning or needs to be replaced.

  • Visit HP’s official website and search for HP Printhead Diagnostic Utility for your printer model.
  • Run the diagnostic tool to see if it suggests any further steps or a printhead replacement.

6. Perform a Deep Clean on the Printhead

If you still have the same error, sometimes the printhead may be clogged or obstructed internally, even if it looks clean. On some models, there is an option to run a Deep Clean of the printhead.

  • Go to Printer Maintenance or Tools on the printer’s control panel.
  • Select Clean Printhead or Deep Clean.

This can sometimes clear more severe clogging that regular cleaning didn’t fix.

Refer to this document: HP Officejet 6700 Premium e-All-in-One Printer series - H711 User manual 

Clean the printhead 
How to Clean Printer Heads: A Guide to Better Ink Efficiency

I hope this helps. 

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 


A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
HP Recommended

Hi @sk7123 ,

 

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

 

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

 

I understand you're dealing with a stubborn Printhead Error on your HP Officejet 6700 Premium, and you've already done a great job troubleshooting by trying many of the typical solutions. Sometimes, these types of errors can persist despite cleaning and checking connections, but there are a few more steps you can try before giving up on the printer entirely.


1. Perform a Hard Reset

You’ve done a basic restart, but a full hard reset may sometimes clear out stubborn errors that a regular power cycle can't.

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait 2-3 minutes to ensure all power has drained.
  • While unplugged, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to discharge any residual power.
  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check if the error clears after the reset.

2. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults

If a hard reset didn’t do the trick, you can try resetting the printer to its factory defaults. This often clears internal errors, including issues with the printhead.

  • On the printer control panel: Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore Defaults.

Check the manual if you can't locate the specific option for your model, but it should be under the settings or maintenance menu.

3. Check for Firmware Updates Update the firmware on an HP printer

Sometimes, a firmware issue can cause persistent errors. To check for firmware updates:

  • On the printer's control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Firmware Update.
  • You can also check the HP website for any available firmware updates and instructions on how to update via USB or network.

4. Printhead Cleaning or Reseating

You mentioned that you cleaned the printhead and contacts, but sometimes re-seating the printhead can fix the issue, especially if the error involves poor contact between the printhead and the printer’s electrical contacts.

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it.
  • Remove the printhead assembly (which you've already done).
  • Inspect the printhead for damage or any foreign debris that may not have been cleaned up.
  • Re-seat the printhead carefully to ensure it is positioned properly and makes a solid electrical connection.
  • Reinsert the ink cartridges and plug the printer back in.

5. Use the HP Printhead Diagnostic Tool 

HP has a printhead diagnostic tool for some printers, which may help identify if the printhead is malfunctioning or needs to be replaced.

  • Visit HP’s official website and search for HP Printhead Diagnostic Utility for your printer model.
  • Run the diagnostic tool to see if it suggests any further steps or a printhead replacement.

6. Perform a Deep Clean on the Printhead

If you still have the same error, sometimes the printhead may be clogged or obstructed internally, even if it looks clean. On some models, there is an option to run a Deep Clean of the printhead.

  • Go to Printer Maintenance or Tools on the printer’s control panel.
  • Select Clean Printhead or Deep Clean.

This can sometimes clear more severe clogging that regular cleaning didn’t fix.
 

Refer to this document: HP Officejet 6700 Premium e-All-in-One Printer series - H711 User manual 

Clean the printhead 
How to Clean Printer Heads: A Guide to Better Ink Efficiency

I hope this helps. 

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 


A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.