Your Canon printer suddenly freezes. It’s a small, usually friendly screen now displays only a menacing set of letters and numbers: Error 5B00. Here’s a little “rebellion” in the world of home printing. For loyal users of Canon G1000, G2000, G3000, E400, MP287, and the like, these error codes are a nightmare that too often comes true.
Then, what exactly is Error 5B00?
At its core, Error 5B00 is a cry for help from your printer. This is a Waste Ink Counter that reaches its maximum limit. Each time your printer performs an automatic printhead cleaning, a small amount of residual ink is flowed into a special absorbent sponge called a Waste Ink Absorber.
Over time, these sponges will be full. The printer, which has been programmed to prevent ink from overflowing and damaging the electronic components inside, will automatically lock itself and display Error 5B00. This is a security feature; it doesn’t mean your printer is completely broken.
However, the impact can be fatal if left unchecked:
- Printer Crash Completely: You can’t print at all, not even a single page.
- Pending Jobs: Stacked deadlines, important paperwork on hold, and unnecessary stress.
- Risk of Permanent Damage: If the full Waste Ink Absorber continues to be forced, the ink can overflow and damage the printer’s mainboard, which can mean very expensive servicing costs or even having to buy a new printer.
Getting to Know Canon Service Tool
Any Canon printer user will know that when Error 5B00 appears, the print job immediately stops completely. But not many people understand that behind the quick fix to these errors, there is a professional software designed directly for the needs of Canon technicians: the Canon Service Tool.
What Is a Canon Service Tool and How Does It Work?
Canon Service Tool is an official utility application from Canon that is used to perform internal printer maintenance, repairs, and resets. Its function is similar to that of the “digital service panel,” which can only be accessed through a printer-specific mode, namely Service Mode.
When the printer is in this mode, the software has full access to the internal system to:
- Reset the waste ink counter.
- Resetting EEPROM data.
- Initialize a specific component to return the printer to its original factory state.
In simple terms, the Canon Service Tool works by sending commands directly to the printer’s firmware to delete the ink discharge logs stored in the internal memory. Once the command is executed, the printer will return to normal function without a 5B00 error or similar.
This software is widely used by professional printer technicians because of its fast, lightweight, and non-Internet connection capabilities. You can simply run it from a portable file (.exe), connect the printer via a USB cable, and the entire reset function is ready to go.
Key Features of Canon Service Tool
This software is not just a reset tool, but a multi-functional utility with a variety of essential features that support printer maintenance. Here’s a detailed explanation of each feature:
1. Reset Waste Ink Counter
The main feature used to delete waste ink counter data.
This function allows the printer to re-recognize its absorber as “empty”, so that the Error 5B00 message disappears and the printer can reprint as before.
2. EEPROM Operation
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) stores all the printer’s internal data, including ink usage information, print count, and hardware configuration.
With this feature, you can read, delete, or rewrite EEPROM data, allowing the printer to be restored to factory settings (factory default).
3. Ink Absorber Counter Initialization
This feature performs a total initialization of the absorber ink counter, not just a temporary reset.
Suitable for printers that have been used for a long time, where the physical absorber has also been cleaned or replaced.
With this initialization, the printer “forgets” the entire history of old ink disposal.
4. Print Head Alignment & Maintenance Mode
Additional functions that technicians often use:
- Align the position of the print head for more precise prints.
- Perform nozzle check and cleaning without having to open the printer driver on the computer.
- Runs Maintenance Mode for in-depth maintenance and diagnostics of printer conditions.