- Printers
- Inkjet printer
E5
HP E5 on an inkjet printer: scanner not working
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The printer reports that its scanner is not working. HP says to restart the printer and try scanning again. Printing may still be possible; the alert concerns the scan function.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not open or take apart the scan unit to inspect it: HP's user step is to restart and scan again.
Safe checks you can perform
- Printer restart
- Full reset with the cord unplugged
- Scan test
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Scan unit diagnosis
- Do not attempt this professional task: Warranty review
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Scan unit diagnosis
What they doAn HP-authorised technician checks the scan unit and its connection to the board with the printer open.
They must show youthe failing test against HP's specification.
In writingpart replaced, part number, reason and a correct test scan.
Warranty review
What they doHP support checks warranty before repair or replacement.
They must show youthe warranty status.
In writingrepair or replacement, and cost.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Printer restart
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- restart the printer by turning it off with the button and on again, as HP says for E5.
- Result that matters:
- the printer starts without E5.
- If E5 clears:
- go on to the scan test.
- If E5 stays:
- do a full reset with the cord unplugged.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the code before the restart.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Full reset with the cord unplugged
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- with the printer on, disconnect the cord from the printer and the outlet, wait 60 seconds, plug it directly into a wall outlet and turn it on.
- Result that matters:
- start-up without E5.
- If it starts with no code:
- try scanning.
- If E5 returns:
- contact HP support.
- Evidence to keep:
- note the date and time of the reset.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Scan test
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- try to scan again from the printer or the HP app, as HP says.
- Result that matters:
- a complete scan.
- If it scans:
- the fault was a one-off.
- If it does not scan or E5 returns:
- keep the evidence for HP support.
- Evidence to keep:
- the scanned file or a screenshot of the error message.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Printers
- Brand
- HP
- Product type
- Inkjet printer
Known code variants
- E5 escáner HP
- Error E5 HP
- HP E5
- HP E5 error
- HP E5 impresora
- HP scanner E5
- HP Smart Tank E5
What it means
On HP Smart Tank 670, 720 and 750 printers, HP links E5 to the scanner not working. Its first instruction is to restart the printer and try scanning again, and it points to its scanner not found or not connected guide. The code does not say whether the fault is in the scan unit, its internal connection or the electronics that drive it; that is why the restart is the test that separates a one-off fault from a persistent one.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Do not open or take apart the scan unit to inspect it: HP's user step is to restart and scan again.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- One-off scan function faultPossible
You can tell because it clears after a restart and scanning works again.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
- Persistent scan unit or electronics faultPossible
Suspected if E5 returns after the restart. Only a technician can confirm it.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Virtual technician
Does E5 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
HP Support · official_doc
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