Scanned images are suddenly coming out very dark

[Jjbb]

The above scanner has worked brilliantly until today. It scanned one image perfectly well, then the second and subsequent scans are now coming out really dark. 

in the preview screen it's just perfect but once the scan has finished, it's darkened it . 

Even if I use manual mode and fiddle around trying to anticipate how light or dark  it needs to be, the final scan is still dark and unusable.

ive reloaded the printer onto my computer and reset to factory settings in the event I might have accidentally set something that's changed all the settings. All to no avail. 

I've switched it off, disconnected for a day and re started. Still the same problem.

would truly appreciate any advice.

i don't want to invest  in a new scanner/photocopier if there's a possibility I can fix this one.

thank you 

[DavidSMP]

Hi @jbb,

Good Day. A warm welcome to the HP community. I reviewed the case regarding issues with scanning I will be delighted to assist you here.

Superb description, brilliant troubleshooting and terrific observations made before posting. Kudos to you for that. 🙂

To assist you with accurate information I would require more information regarding this:

• Did you try to make 2 copies directly from the printer and check if the copies come out correctly?

For now, try these steps:

• Please make 2 copies directly from the printer without any communication from the computer.
• Now check if it copies correctly to ensure that the printer does not have a hardware issue.
• If it fails to copy correctly, then perform all the recommended steps from this link: http://hp.care/2DFhPNl (HP Printers - Improving Copy Quality)
• Now check if the issue gets fixed.

If it continues, then the copier has a hardware issue and the printer needs to be replaced by contacting HP phone support. I am being honest about it by keeping your best interest in mind, without beating around the bush.

HP Technical Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: http://hp.care/2r9wSvP

• Once the support page opens please select the country in which you're located. Next, enter your HP model number on the right.
• Next, choose the 'Contact Support' tab at the top and scroll down to the bottom of the 'HP Support- Contact' page to fill out the form provided with your contact information.
• Once completed click the 'Show Options' icon on the bottom right.
• Lastly, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select 'Get phone number.' A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

They will be happy to assist you immediately.

If the unit is under warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty should take care of it for you.

Please perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. 

Hope this helps. Let me know how this goes. I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. Please reach out for any issues and I'll be there to assist you.

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care now and have a splendid week ahead. 🙂