Printer won't scan. I changed the ink cartridge and it requires me to scan a page

[Paulette478]

I just changed the ink cartridge. The printer required me to print an alignment page and then scan it. The scanner wouldn't work (it was previously working). Now every time I turn on the printer it requires me to print the alignment page again ( have printed it three times so far) and try to scan it. So, now I can't copy or print because I can't scan the alignment page.

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Paulette478,

I'd like to help!

I understand you are unable to complete the alignment process.

This could be caused by either the cartridge quality or the scanner not working correctly.

Let's try a couple of steps to identify and resolve the error -

Reset the product

• With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
• Wait at least 60 seconds.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
• Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
• Turn the printer on. HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

Lift the scanner lid and  try and make a copy to check if the scanner bar lights up and moves

 Also, try updating the printer's firmware -HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

 Check the alignment page

Alignment might fail due to defects on the alignment page. Check the page for defects, such as missing colors or sections.

NOTE: 

Depending on your printer, the alignment page might have multiple colors or only black ink. Most alignment pages include a series of lines and blocks.

Example of an alignment page without defects

• If you find any defects, continue to the next step.

Clean the ink cartridge and carriage electrical contacts

Remove any debris or buildup from the contacts on the cartridges and in the carriage.

1. Open the door or lid to the cartridge access area. Wait until the carriage stops moving before continuing.

2. Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message from the carriage.

   • Carriages with cartridge latches: Open the latch, and then pull the cartridge up and out of the slot.

     

   • Carriages without cartridge latches: Gently press down on the cartridge to release it, and then pull it out of the slot.

     

3. Holding the cartridge by the sides, remove any protective tape that still might be on the contacts.

   CAUTION: 

   Do not touch the ink nozzles or the copper-colored electrical strip. Touching or trying to remove these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.

   

4. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then wipe the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.

   

5. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth or swab with distilled water, and then clean the electrical contacts in the carriage.

   

6. Wait 10 minutes for the contacts to dry, and then reinsert the cartridge into its color-coded slot.

7. Repeat these steps for the other cartridge if it was indicated in the error message.

8. Close the door or lid to the cartridge access area.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

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