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- HP Community
- Printers
- Scanning, Faxing, and Copying
- Re: Scan issue - insufficient printer memory

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07-22-2023 04:35 PM
My scanner stopped scanning. I'm using Laser Jet Pro MFP M29w with Win-11.
In the HP-Smart app's dashboard I saw a "insufficient printer memory" under the printer status. When trying to print I'm getting a "Scan Canceled - scanning was canceled from the scanner" message.
I saw online some information supporting "Memory is Low" message but the info wasn't helpful in my case.
I tried to uninstall/install the HP-Smart app, but that didn't help.
Wonder what should I do?
07-25-2023 06:36 PM
Hi @EranDro,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If you're experiencing an "insufficient printer memory" issue while trying to scan on your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w, it indicates that the printer's internal memory is not enough to handle the scanning process. This can happen when you try to scan large or complex documents that require more memory than the printer has available.
Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Reduce the Scan Resolution: Lower the scan resolution on the printer settings. Higher resolutions require more memory to process. Try reducing it and see if the scanning works.
- Scan in Parts: If reducing the resolution doesn't help, try scanning the document in parts. Instead of scanning the whole document at once, scan it in smaller sections. This will reduce the memory required for each scan.
- Use Compression: Some printers allow you to enable compression for scanned documents. This can reduce the file size and, consequently, the memory needed for scanning.
- Clear Printer Memory: If the printer has any pending print jobs or other tasks in its memory, try canceling them to free up memory for scanning.
- Update Firmware/Drivers: Ensure that your printer's firmware and drivers are up to date. Sometimes, manufacturers release updates that can optimize memory usage and fix known issues.
- Use a Computer for Scanning: If the printer's memory is still insufficient, consider scanning from a computer instead. You can connect the printer to your computer and use scanning software that can manage memory more efficiently.
- Add More Memory (if supported): Check if your printer supports memory expansion. Some printers have slots to add more memory, allowing them to handle more complex tasks.
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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator
07-28-2023 01:59 PM - edited 07-28-2023 05:22 PM
Regarding the solutions:
- Reducing resolution, scan area, output (color/gray) and present (document/photo) results with the same error.
- No compression option.
- No pending print jobs.
- Latest firmware/software updates are installed.
- I installed a different scanning app (a very basic app called "scan") and also used the "windows fax and scan". Using it worked for a few scans, but eventually stooped working giving me an error ("a problem prevented the document from being scanned").
- Adding memory is not applicable (also not a solution to the issue).