Troubleshooting Tips for HP Scanjet Scanners

HP Scanjet scanners are usually pretty reliable. However, there may nevertheless be times when you have problems with your Scanjet scanner. In these instances, it is often frustrating and time-consuming to find the exact cause of the problem. Having a series of basic troubleshooting methods can help you to get your HP Scanjet scanner running properly again with a minimum of time and effort.

Check the Scanner's Cables

Quickly check the HP Scanjet's cables to make sure they're securely connected. If the scanner won't power on, the power cable may be disconnected. If you've lost communication between the computer and the scanner, a USB cable may be loose. Also check any other cables that are attached to your Scanjet scanner, such as the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and Transparent Materials Adapter (TMA) cables.

Test the Scanner

Remove the USB cable and the power cable from the back of your HP Scanjet scanner. Make sure the scanner cover is down. After a few seconds, reconnect the cables. If the scanner is in working condition, the warming lamp will come on carriage will move. If you don't hear any movement or see a light under the scanner cover, you may be experiencing a hardware problem.

Check the Document to be Scanned

Some scanning problems are caused by a document that isn't laying flat against the scanner glass. Also, if your document is dusty, this may also cause problems with the scan. If necessary, lay an object over the part of the document that won't lay flat or clean the document, then scan the document again.

Check the Glass on the Scanner

If your scan seems blurry or appears to have dust particles or scratches, the scanner glass may be dirty. Disconnect the scanner from the power, then get a lint-free cloth and some ammonia-free glass cleaner. Clean the scanner glass, then plug the scanner back into the power after the cleaner has dried.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Scanner Software

If you're having problems with the HP Scanjet scanner software, go to "Control Panel" and open "Uninstall a Program" in Windows Vista or 7 ("Add or Remove Programs" in Windows XP.) Select "HP Scanjet Series" in the program list. In Windows Vista or 7, click "Uninstall." In Windows XP, click "Change/Remove." Go to the HP website to download the most current version of the software for your model HP Scanjet scanner. Restart your computer, then reinstall the Scanjet software.

Reset the Scanner

Close all the software that's associated with your HP Scanjet scanner, such as your scanning software, the HP Solution Center software and any image processing software that came with your scanner. Remove the USB cable from the scanner. Turn off the scanner. Shut down your computer and wait at least 30 seconds. Reconnect the scanner's USB cable and turn the computer back on again.

Run Diagnostics on the Scanner

The HP Scan Diagnostic Utility looks for missing or incompatible software parts, then uninstalls the current software so you can do a clean reinstall. Diagnostics can be found in the "General" tab of the HP scanner properties dialogue box. You can also download the utility from the HP website. Click "Test Scanner." If there are problems, the diagnostic software will provide you with an error message. You can look these up on the HP website along with your scanner model number to find the solution to your problem.

If these troubleshooting techniques fail to solve the problem with your HP Scanjet scanner, search for additional help on the HP support website using your Scanjet model number.

For more information on using and maintaining HP products, read How to Use the HP Solution Center Software and How to Fix HP Printer Errors.

Sources:

HP.com; "Trouble Connecting to Your AiO Scanner? Try the HP Scan Diagnostic."