HP9012e scanner shows rainbow coloured bars across half of the scan

[Bozzley]

Our 9012e scanner was working perfectly well (it prints OK), but it now shows a multicoloured range of bars across half of the scan. I assume there is something on the scanner optics which is partially obscuring it?

Does anyone have any ideas of what to do to to resolve the issue and/or, if it is actually fixable?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Bozzley,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

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

Try these steps:

Turn Off and Unplug the Printer

1. Power off the printer: Press the power button to turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord: Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall outlet.

Clean the Scanner Glass

1. Open the scanner lid: Lift the scanner lid to access the scanner glass.
2. Clean the scanner glass:
   • Materials needed: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild glass cleaner.
   • Apply cleaner to the cloth: Never spray directly on the glass. Lightly dampen the cloth with the glass cleaner.
   • Wipe the glass surface: Clean the entire scanner glass, removing any dust, smudges, or debris. Pay special attention to the area where the rainbow bars appear.

Clean the Scanner Components

1. Clean the white strip (if present):
   • Some printers have a white reference strip on the underside of the scanner lid. Clean this strip gently with the same lint-free cloth.
2. Clean the ADF scanner glass (if your model includes an Automatic Document Feeder):
   • Open the ADF cover and clean the smaller glass strip used by the ADF. This glass is used when scanning documents through the feeder and might also be causing the problem.

Inspect for and Remove Any Obstructions

1. Check for obstructions: Carefully inspect for any small objects, stickers, or foreign materials stuck on or around the scanner glass and remove them.

Reassemble and Test

1. Close the scanner lid: Ensure it is properly seated.
2. Reconnect and power on the printer:
   • Plug in the power cord and turn on the printer.
3. Perform a test scan: Place a test document on the scanner and perform a scan to check if the issue is resolved.

Perform Scanner Alignment and Calibration

1. Access printer settings: Go to your printer's settings interface (either on the printer's control panel or through the HP Smart app/software).
2. Find maintenance tools: Look for options to align or calibrate the scanner.
3. Follow on-screen instructions: Perform the alignment or calibration process as instructed.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,