Every first month of the year, I audit my office machines and other supplies in my home office. What needs to be fixed, upgraded, calibrated or replaced are all checked and listed down. Now here’s where the trouble all began, after going through my usual work ‘tools’, I upgraded my antivirus software about a week ago. Everything seems fine at first and working well until my printer (Epson WF-3640) started flashing errors whenever I’m printing something. Message was: error 0x97.
I’m wondering if it’s due to the antivirus update. To add another problem, my printer was out of warranty a few days ago. Updating the firmware did not improve the situation. Whenever I print, my printer prints 1 page then stops and flashes error 0x97 again. It ejects the paper without prints then flash the error code again. It was so frustrating! Without my warranty, I’m looking at around $200 problem or could be more. After going through the internet and forums, I did fixed it alright but not until I went through a few more troubles. Here’s a few tricks I learned to fix the issue.
Best Solution:
If your printer is still covered with warranty, call their customer support to run through the error with you. Call: (02) 441 9030 then ask them to guide you with some fixes. Why call than run the fixes yourself? Because when the customer support fails to fix the trouble, you can actually opt to ask for a replacement. Error 0x97 is a hardware issue and you could say your printer is basically dead. They do send replacement printers so make the most out of your warranty. It’s legit.
Fixes:
- Disconnect and reconnect the printer.
To do this fix, you must cancel all the print jobs first and remove any paper jams. It’s actually pretty simple and for other it worked. After getting rid of papers, unplug all cables from the printer and everything connected to it. Everything attached to it – USB, cable wires, power cords and ink cartridges. Press the power button to release any remaining power on the printer. Hold it for 60 seconds. Then, reconnect and reinstall everything. Turn on the printer and run a test print to see some improvements.
Did this work? – NO. I did print however 2 pages and the error returned. So on to fix 2.
- On and Off Printer
This is basically almost the same with fix no.1. You need to unplug the cables and plugs. Let the printer rest for 5 minutes. Then, press the power button for 60 seconds. Press and hold the power button while plugging back all the cables. You might need someone’s help on this one. Hold the power button for another 60 seconds then release. Run a test print and see any changes.
Did it work? Yes! For some reason this fix did the trick. But I’m going to throw in some proven solutions as well from other resources. This could help.
- Clean printer head
In some cases, this error could be caused by clogged printhead. So the solution is to clean it. Turn off the printer and access ink cartridge compartment. Release and remove ink cartridges.
Cleaning materials:
- Clean lint-free cloth
- Clean water
Damp the cloth and place it on the center track (where the printer head moves). Leave the cloth there for a few hours. It will absorb all the dried ink. Remove the cloth and dry the printhead. Reinstall cartridges and run a print.
I also read somewhere that the error may be caused by a malware. So install or update your malware protection to be sure.
I hope these fixes help! Thanks for the read.
This is what worked for me. I did the ‘Clean Flush’ on the printer. Shut the printer off. When turning it back on, hold down the power and the Left Arrow hook button at the same time. It will then ask if you want to flush out the printer heads. It takes about 9 minutes and that worked for me.
Tried all fixes but none worked. WF3640 had few missing sections on printhead check. Repeated nozzle cleans just made it worse until no print at all.Got replacement print head on line and installed;- then got no print and message on screen :- “Error Code : Ox97” Enquiries to fix by Epson approved companies := Pay $50 for quote and make decision yes/no? Perhaps best to buy new printer. I don’t need fax. Looking at Epson Eco Tank? Or try my luck with another brand? Comments appreciated?
Followed every troubleshooting method and called epson about 0×97 on my WF-7610. They basically laughed and said buy a new printer. I even mentioned others got theirs replaced out of warranty as comments on this thread said, but nope. They don’t care.
Option 3 worked for me. Laid a damp cloth in the center track for two hours while dipping cotton swabs in hot water to clean the print heads. Dried it out for 4 hours before reconnecting cables and powering up. Nozzle check would generate the Error 0×97 before cleaning. After cleaning Nozzle Check and Printhead Cleaning functions work. Thanks for posting this fix!!
Holding the power button down for 60 seconds while plugging cables back in, then continuing to hold for 60 seconds WORKED!! Thanks!!