The short version
- 01Confirm E1 or E2 and the printer model; these steps cover DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100 and 5800.
- 02Compare the actual loaded paper size with the print job's selected size.
- 03Set the matching paper size through HP app Tray and Paper or Windows Printing Preferences.
- 04Match the Windows tray default under Printer properties > Device Settings when using that route.
- 05Apply the settings and retry the same document to check whether the mismatch clears.
- 06Review HP's official firmware update procedure if matching the settings does not resolve the error.
Raw message
E1 / E2 Paper Too Long or Too Short Paper mismatch
Likely causes
- The print job's paper size differs from the width (E1) or length (E2) of the paper loaded.
- Printer or Windows tray defaults still specify a different paper size.
- A remaining issue may need the firmware update HP lists after the paper-setting checks.
E1 and E2 identify a size mismatch on these DeskJets
HP groups these codes on DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100 and 5800: E1 concerns paper width and E2 paper length. The configured size does not match the sheet loaded. Its E2 article also describes an error after the first page, with a blinking Resume light and a paper-length or mismatch message in the HP app.
Our recommendation is to compare the paper in the tray with the job's size before changing defaults. Use the paper size you intend to print. For another HP model, check its control-panel documentation first; these model-specific menu steps are not universal.
HP app: set the loaded paper size
Select the printer in the HP app, scroll to Printer Settings, then open View all > Tray and Paper. Set Paper Size to the loaded size and apply it. If the app requests a printer PIN, HP identifies the label inside the cartridge access door; an administrator may have set a different password.
Windows: check both the printing and tray defaults
Search Windows for Printers & scanners and select the printer. In Printing Preferences, choose the loaded paper size and confirm. Then open Printer properties > Device Settings, set the Tray paper size to match, apply it and confirm.
Our recommendation is to retry the same document after saving the settings and record the result. If the code changes to a paper-jam message, follow that code's procedure rather than continuing size adjustments.
Use HP's firmware route if the matching settings fail
HP's paper-mismatch article lists a firmware update as the next remedy. Use its linked update document for your model: the HP app's Advanced Settings can check for updates, and HP's download page offers firmware where an update is available. Keep the printer powered during installation.
Before updating, read HP's cartridge notice: on printers with dynamic security, updates can block non-HP chips or modified electronic circuitry, including cartridges that previously worked. Our recommendation is to review that consequence and ask HP support for help if the mismatch remains after the documented steps.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Based on HP's DeskJet 2900, 4300, 5100 and 5800 error table, paper-mismatch article and firmware guidance, read directly in the browser. Comparisons and retesting are editorial guidance. E1 and E2 share this page because HP documents the same size-setting remedy. Glitchary is independent of HP.