- Printers
- Inkjet printer
E8
HP E8 on an inkjet printer: fatal error
Risk level
Medium
Proceed carefully and stop if the check is unclear.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
The printer reports a fatal error. HP says to turn it off, turn it on again and try to print. If the problem persists, contact HP support without opening the printer.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- If E8 keeps coming back, do not keep restarting to force prints: HP refers you to its support when the problem persists.
Safe checks you can perform
- Off and on
- Reset with the cord unplugged
- Test print
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Diagnosis by HP support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Repair or replacement
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.
Diagnosis by HP support
What they doHP support reviews the printer's status and error history to find the origin of the fatal error.
They must show youthe diagnosis and the test that locates the fault.
In writingthe affected system and the proposed fix.
Repair or replacement
What they doIf a fault is confirmed, an authorised technician repairs the printer or HP replaces it under warranty.
They must show youthe warranty status and the proof of the fault.
In writingrepair or replacement, part 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.
Off and on
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- turn the printer off with the power button and turn it on again, as HP says.
- Result that matters:
- start-up without E8.
- If E8 does not appear:
- try printing.
- If E8 returns on start-up:
- do the reset with the cord unplugged.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the code before turning off.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Reset with the cord unplugged
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- with the printer on, disconnect the cord from the printer and the outlet, wait 60 seconds and plug it directly into a wall outlet. Turn it on.
- Result that matters:
- start-up without E8.
- If it starts with no code:
- try printing.
- If E8 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
Test print
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- try printing a simple page, as HP says.
- Result that matters:
- a complete page.
- If it prints:
- note whether E8 returns in the next uses.
- If E8 reappears during printing:
- stop using it and contact HP.
- Evidence to keep:
- the printed page or when E8 appears.
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
- E8 error grave HP
- Error E8 HP
- HP E8
- HP E8 error
- HP E8 impresora
- HP fatal error E8
- HP Smart Tank E8
What it means
On HP Smart Tank 670, 720 and 750 printers, HP defines E8 as a fatal error and gives one user step: turn off, turn on and try to print; if it persists, contact its support. HP does not say which system causes it, so the code points to no part. What separates a one-off lock-up from a fault is whether it returns after the restart.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumeditorial warning
If E8 keeps coming back, do not keep restarting to force prints: HP refers you to its support when the problem persists.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- One-off error that clears on restartPossible
You can tell because the printer prints without E8 after turning it off and on.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
- Fault that needs HP diagnosisPossible
Suspected if E8 returns after the restart. HP gives no origin, so its support determines it.
Evidence: HP Smart Tank 670, 720, 750, 790 Printers - Blinking lights and error codes
Virtual technician
Does E8 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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