ALWAYS scans crooked from the top scanning bed.

[jakeycat]

Scans always show up on PC crooked, even when perfectly aligned with edges of glass on scanner bed.  Updated firmware and everything, still scans crooked.  Printer is practically brand new and has done this since day one.  What gives?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@jakeycat 

Brand new printer would not normally scan crooked.

Scan requires a solid connection as it uses a lot of resource to accomplish the task.

Scan should not shift the image being scanned.

Product introduced early 2018

I am a bit concerned that the printer is perhaps two years old - if the warranty is no longer valid,  your options may be more limited. 

Reminder:  This information may be wrong and my opinion carries absolutely no influence.

Assuming

• I am wrong about the age of the printer - and the printer is new and under warranty,
• You have completed the unpacking and setup correctly, 
• If using the ADF (top feed): You are using / scanning appropriate paper (not too thick, not too thin, not too dry, curled/folded, or even too damp),
• You have completed the troubleshooting and tried to correct the problem

then

• The printer should be able to scan the item.

Known solutions for scan issues:

 Improving Scan Quality

and

Specifications > including Paper Handling, ADF, and Scan 

and

The Doctor can help with several issues, including driver, connection, and "jobs stuck in the queue".

HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows

and

User Guide > Chapter 10 - Solve a problem > Scan issues - Page 111

What else?

Since the printer has always done this,

Printer is apparently new and under warranty,

Troubleshooting has apparently not resolved the issue (test prints work and the printed diagnostics print correctly):

Contact HP Technical Support in your region.

Open a case, explain the problem and perhaps add a bit of what you have tried, ask for help.

HP Technical Support - HP Contact Information

Reminders

• Use the serial number of the device to submit the case (do not post that information on the Community).

• Chat is not available in every region. In those areas where Chat is an option, Chat service hours are likely restricted.  In the event that Chat is not available in your region:  Call the number provided in the HP directory, else submit your case online (to receive phone contact information)

• HP will advise you there is a fee for phone support and / or other services when your computer / device is no longer under warranty.  This is normal business practice.

• HP may tell you that certain services are not covered under warranty.  This is normal business practice.  Standard Warranty typically covers specific hardware issues as explained in the Warranty contract. Care Pack coverage and warranties differ by package.

• If the HP Contact (phone) number is not immediately provided:  Contact information is displayed on your screen after you submit your case online.  

• HP websites are the only ones allowed to use the HP copyright circle/logo.  Look for the copyright on any website claiming to be HP. If in doubt, scroll to the bottom of the Website to find HP copyright logo.

“Everywhere” Contact Information - HP Technical Support

Open website  HP World-Wide Support

 Select your region and follow the prompts

Option – Regions

USA / Canada

Submit information / case online: Contact HP Support – Assistance Portal

1. Sign in or continue as a guest

UK

1. For faster support, first submit information / case online HP Customer Support UK
2. Contact by Phone: Contact HP UK – Phone Assist

Option - HP Support is on Facebook!

HP on Facebook

From HP:  HP Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself from Scams, Report Suspicious Calls

From HP > CAUTION

Recently, HP has seen an increased number of third-party support websites selling HP driver downloads or diagnostic tools. Many of these websites use the HP trademark symbol and claim to be official HP distributors.

If your product supports your operating system, HP offers your driver and software at no additional cost through the HP website.

Use caution when dealing with any website that asks you to pay for HP driver downloads or tools that claim to diagnose your HP products. These websites might not be affiliated with HP in any way.

Do not install BIOS updates from a motherboard manufacturer's website. Only install BIOS updates from HP. Installing BIOS updates from the motherboard manufacturer can prevent the computer from accepting an HP system recovery. This could result in a loss of data.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn how to use your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[jakeycat]

Well, while I'm a bit dismayed to find out the printer is 2 years 'old' when I just purchased it on Amazon a few months ago and it was marketed and sold to me as 'new' and was in brand new, never opened condition, it does seem that running the HP Print and Scan Doctor fixed the issue.  Though I'm really not sure why or how, or what it really did that I couldn't have done myself, and I have an associate's in computer repair.  Not really sure either why HP would sell a printer without testing it first to make sure the scanned image aligns with the actual copy in the bed, especially if all I had to do to fix it was run a seemingly arbitrary utility, but regardless the problem does seem to be resolved.  Not my most satisfying purchase, but it works now.  Thank you.

[Dragon-Fur]

@jakeycat 

You are welcome.

I do not pretend to know the extent that HP or any other printer manufacturer tests individual printers.  Top manufacturers, including HP, are serious about producing quality products.

HP Scan and Print cannot not fix hardware - so the printer is capable of operating as hoped and expected.

So, good news.

In general, the Doctor does check and process steps that one can do manually.  The Doctor does run the checks and repair processes in a particular order.  Though it is not always obvious, the order in which the steps are followed can be important, sometimes it is the difference between success and failure.

Observation:

At least in the USA, Amazon (frequently / always?)  lists the "Date first available" in the Additional Information section  for a particular product.   I have used this more than once when shopping or just looking.  It is not a "hard manufacturing" date, of course.  Amazon tends to get (offer for purchase) major brands and products in a timely fashion when they are released - the information can usually be used as a "general" reference.

Example:  

Date First Available

April 1, 2018

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