Solved Error

How to Fix Epson Printer Error Code 0x97

Quick Fix

Most people clear error 0x97 with a full power drain reset: 1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord, USB cable, and any network cable. 2. Remove the ink cartridges and set them aside safely. 3. Wait 5-10 minutes to let any residual electrical charge fully drain. 4. Reconnect the power cord only and turn the printer on to see if the error clears. 5. If it clears, reinsert cartridges and run a test print. If not, move to the deeper checks below - this error usually points to a hardware fault.

What this error means

Epson error 0x97 (sometimes displayed as 0X97 or "Error #0x97") is a fatal internal hardware error. The error code 0x97 indicates a hardware or mechanical failure, which is considered fatal for the printer, suggesting there may be an issue with the print head or the logic/mainboard rather than a software problem. It shows up most often on Epson WorkForce inkjet models. Epson Error Code 0x97 is most common on several Epson WorkForce (WF) printers, including the WF-3640, WF-4630, WF-3620, WF-7620, and WF-7610, though it can occur on other Epson printers as well. When it appears, it is activated when the printer experiences an internal hardware malfunction while printing, and it will immediately stop your print job until the issue is fixed. The printer's own display typically tells you to power cycle it. When error 0x97 occurs on an Epson printer, the indicator requires that the printer be turned off and then on again, which requires unplugging from the power supply and plugging back in. Note this is a hardware-level fault, not a driver bug on your PC, so software reinstalls rarely fix it on their own.

Step-by-Step Guide

Fix 1: Full power-drain reset

1Turn off the printer using its power button. This clears the error for some users, especially if it was triggered by a power surge or static charge rather than a true component failure. Cancel any pending print job and turn the printer off using its power button (not just the wall switch).
2Unplug all cables. Disconnect the power cord, USB cable, and Ethernet cable if connected. Unplug all USB and cables attached to the printer.
3Remove the ink cartridges from the printer. Open the cover and remove the ink cartridges, setting them aside on a clean surface.
4Hold the power button for one minute while unplugged. Press and hold the power button for about one minute while everything is unplugged. This will release any remaining current left in your printer.
5Leave it unplugged for 5-10 minutes. Some users report needing much longer. One user noted there was static in the power cord and suggested unplugging it from the wall and waiting 10 minutes before plugging back in, and reported waiting overnight resolved it.
6Reconnect power and turn the printer back on. Reconnect the power cable first, turn the printer on, and check if the error is gone.
7Reinsert cartridges and run a test print. Reinsert the ink cartridges and run a test print if the error cleared.

Fix 2: Check for paper jams and obstructions

1Open all access panels and inspect the paper path. A stuck sheet or foreign object in the paper path can trigger this fatal error code. Open every access panel (front, rear, and top) and inspect the full paper path.
2Remove jammed paper or debris from the printer. Remove any jammed paper or debris, pulling gently in the direction paper normally feeds to avoid tearing it. Carefully open the printer and inspect the paper path for any obstructions or jammed paper, removing any paper or foreign objects that you find.
3Check the ink cartridge area for leaks. Inspect the printer for any signs of ink leakage - if you find any, clean it thoroughly and replace any ink-soaked components if necessary.
4Confirm cartridges and covers are fully seated - a loose cover sensor can also register as a hardware fault. Confirm that all printer components, including cartridges, covers, and cables, are in place and properly connected.
5Power cycle the printer again after clearing obstructions. Power cycle again after clearing anything you found, using the same unplug-and-wait steps from Fix 1.

Fix 3: Clean the print head

1Remove ink cartridges and place them upside down. A clogged or dirty print head is a known trigger for this code on WorkForce printers. Remove each ink cartridge one at a time, placing them upside down on a clean towel or paper.
2Carefully remove the print head from the printer.
3Wipe the print head with a dampened lint-free cloth. Wipe the underside of the print head with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled or warm (not hot) water, focusing on the nozzle area until no ink residue remains.
4Let the print head air-dry for about 15 minutes. Let the print head air-dry on a paper towel for about 15 minutes before reinstalling it and the cartridges.
5Reinstall the print head and run a nozzle check. Turn the printer on and run a nozzle check / test print from the printer's maintenance menu. This is a delicate process — if you are not comfortable handling internal print head components, skip to Fix 4 instead.

Fix 4: Update firmware and rule out driver/malware issues

1Check for firmware updates. Visit Epson's official support site, search your exact model, and install any available firmware update. Visit the Epson website and check for firmware updates specific to your printer model, and if available, download and install the latest firmware.
2Update the printer driver to the latest version. Update the printer driver on your PC to the latest version from Epson's site.
3Run the Windows printer troubleshooter tool. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter (Windows only): go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your Epson printer, and choose Run the troubleshooter.
4Scan for malware if the error started suddenly alongside other PC issues. One user reported this problem began a few days after the hsrd.yahoo.com virus infected my computer, so a security scan is worth ruling out if timing lines up.

When to seek further help

If the steps above do not clear the error, or it returns after only a few pages, the issue is very likely a genuine internal hardware fault rather than something fixable at home. In 90% of cases, the error code 0x97 indicates a hardware issue, and you will likely need to take the device to a service center for replacement. If your Epson printer's warranty is still valid, contact Epson's customer support department for troubleshooting help, and request a replacement if they cannot fix the issue. On many consumer inkjet models, a motherboard or print head replacement can cost close to the price of a new printer, so compare quotes from a service center against buying a new unit. Back up any saved settings or scanned documents from the printer's memory (if applicable) before sending it in for repair, since a hardware swap can wipe stored settings.

Sources:

Heads up: this guide was drafted with AI assistance from the real sources listed below, and structured by our team for clarity. It may not cover every possible cause — if it doesn't fix your issue, let us know and we'll take a closer look. See how we create our fixes.

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