HP, Canon & Epson
Error Codes Decoded

Printer error codes are designed to be diagnostic — but manufacturers often make them deliberately vague to steer users towards paid support or new hardware. This guide decodes the most common codes for HP, Canon, and Epson, explains what's actually happening inside the machine, and gives you the real fix where one exists.

HP Error Codes

Error 0x97 — Print Head Failure

This is one of the most discussed HP errors. It typically appears on HP OfficeJet Pro printers and indicates that the print head has failed or is not communicating correctly. HP's official response is to replace the printer, but a hard reset often resolves it temporarily or permanently when the cause is a communication glitch rather than physical failure.

1. Turn off the printer. Remove all ink cartridges and the power cable.
2. Hold the power button for 30 seconds while the printer is disconnected.
3. Reconnect power, reinsert cartridges, and turn on. Allow the printer to fully initialise before testing.

If the error persists, the print head itself has failed. On older OfficeJet Pro models, replacement print heads are available separately for £25–£50 and are user-installable.

Error 79 — Firmware or Job Corruption

Error 79 on HP LaserJet printers (particularly network models) is nearly always caused by a corrupted print job or a firmware incompatibility. Clear all jobs from the queue, update the printer's firmware, and if the error persists, perform a cold reset: with the printer off, hold the Go button while turning on power, and release when all lights flash.

Canon Error Codes

Error 5B00 / 5B01 — Ink Absorber Full

The ink absorber (also called the waste ink pad) is a sponge inside the printer that collects ink flushed during cleaning cycles. Canon printers have a built-in counter that triggers this error when the absorber is estimated to be full. The absorber may not actually be saturated — the counter resets are often the real fix.

Error B200 — Print Head or Logic Board

B200 is Canon's most feared error code. It indicates a hardware fault — either an overheating print head, a failed print head, or in some cases a mainboard fault. Try the following before assuming hardware replacement is necessary:

1. Remove all cartridges and unplug the printer for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the print head (usually accessible by opening the cartridge access door and sliding the carriage to the centre).
3. Gently clean the print head contacts with a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Also clean the printer's contacts.
4. Reinstall and power on. If the error clears, it was a contact issue.

Epson Error Codes

Error 0x97 — Motherboard Failure

On Epson printers (particularly the WorkForce and ET series), 0x97 is one of the most damaging errors. Unlike HP's version, Epson's 0x97 typically indicates a mainboard failure — often triggered by a power surge or extended period of being left on standby. The hard reset procedure (hold Power + Wi-Fi button simultaneously while powering on) resolves it in some cases. If it doesn't, mainboard replacement or manufacturer repair is usually the only option.

Ink Pad End of Service Life

Epson printers also use waste ink pads and similarly lock up when the counter reaches its limit. The Epson Adjustment Program (a third-party utility widely available online) can reset the counter. As with Canon, inspect the pad physically if you've been printing heavily before resetting — a genuinely saturated pad should be replaced.