How to Fix Canon E-11 Error When Using External Waste Ink Tank and Reset Software

Customer Question:

I recently bought a new waste ink tank and I’m still waiting for the bottle, connector, and tubing to arrive. But I’m already seeing the E-11 error on my Canon printer. I also bought a reset code, but when I try to use the software, my antivirus flags it as malware and blocks it. How can I reset this error and get things working?

Answer:

Understanding the E-11 Error and How to Resolve It

The Canon E-11 error typically signals that the printer’s waste ink absorber is full. This built-in counter keeps track of how much ink has been used during cleaning and maintenance cycles. It doesn’t necessarily mean the physical sponge inside your printer is soaked, but the firmware thinks it is.

Here’s what’s going on and how to fix it:

Step 1: Physically Divert the Waste Ink

You’re on the right track by purchasing a waste ink bottle, tubing, and a connector. The idea is to divert the waste ink out of the printer, bypassing the internal sponge absorber. This prevents ink overflow and makes your printer more serviceable in the long term. However, the E-11 error is not just about hardware—you must tell the printer to reset its internal waste ink counter.

Step 2: Reset the Waste Ink Counter Using Software

To reset the E-11 code, many users turn to third-party software such as the Inkchip.net reset utility, which can write a new waste ink counter value into your printer’s memory. Our YouTube video covers this step: How to Reset E-11 Error on Canon Printers [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QusB6GCtft8].

However, a key detail in the video is that your antivirus software will likely flag the Inkchip reset tool as a potential threat. Unfortunately, this is very common with unofficial firmware tools. This doesn't necessarily mean the tool is malicious, but it does use low-level access to your printer, which many security programs will interpret as suspicious behavior.

To proceed successfully:

1. Disable your antivirus (including Windows Defender or any third-party AV software).

2. Download and install the reset utility from Inkchip.net.

3. Use your purchased code to activate the reset.

4. Restart your antivirus protection once done.

We understand disabling your protection is not ideal, but this is currently the necessary workaround. Reenable your antivirus immediately afterward and only download the software directly from trusted sources like https://inkchip.net.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Trying to reset without connecting the printer via USB.

• Forgetting to disable the antivirus/firewall during the reset process.

• Entering the reset key on the wrong model selection in the software.

A Note on Repairs and Troubleshooting Support

Fixing printer issues often requires hands-on interaction with the hardware, so unfortunately, we’re unable to provide real-time or remote troubleshooting support. However, we do offer in-person printer diagnostics and repair at our local repair facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may be several weeks. We can service your entire printer or targeted components with clear repair options—but we fully acknowledge that our rates may not be the most affordable.

For many customers, the best starting point is DIY research. Visit our YouTube channel homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies] and use the search icon on the right-hand side of the menu bar, next to “About.” This helps you locate videos on specific issues. With over nine years of video tutorials, it's difficult to recall every one individually, and YouTube’s search suggestions can also help find content from other helpful channels.