why does

[franksolich]

I a couple of months ago downloaded a Kodak 5300 printer/copier/scanner, but had to stop halfway through.

Thus far, the scanner works.

Anyway.

Why does scanning use ink from the ink cartridge?

I can understand it using ink in printing and copying, but--

Where does the ink go to after one is done scanning?

I mean, when printing or copying, it goes on the paper.

By the way, try to avoid Kodak if one can, and has plans of refilling cartridges. 

While cartridges for other brands are readily refillable, apparently Kodak makes their non-refillable.

[LC EFA]

Short answer is that it doesn't actually use ink to scan.

The device may need the ink "tanks" installed and operational to function and they may move around with the head while scanning but I can't see it actually using ink.

[franksolich]

Hmmm.

Okay.

I got this Kodak printer/copier/scanner two years ago, and then the computer at the time that I had, crashed, and so I tossed it.

I used an old library computer during that time, where one couldn't download or even change any of the original settings; during that time, then, the printer/copier/scanner was in storage.

I got this computer, and downloaded the Kodak onto it.

I scanned excresenceloads of photographs and documents; I dunno how many, but it was lots and lots.

And then this morning, the red light came on, advising me I needed a new black ink cartridge.

I have NOT yet printed or copied anything (as I'm not sure it's going to work); I only scanned things.

Maybe the ink was dried out, and it didn't use any ink at all in scanning, but because the printer/copier/scanner was in storage for two years?

[LC EFA]

...
Maybe the ink was dried out, and it didn't use any ink at all in scanning, but because the printer/copier/scanner was in storage for two years?

Yes.

The ink is dried out or the cartridge has expired. Depending on the device you may be able to get it refilled but I suspect the black ink "tank" at the least will need to be replaced.

[MrsSmith]

Another possibility...though I"m not sure if printers still do this...ink jet printers used to release a small amount of ink periodically when on, to keep the cartridge openings clear.  One older type of Canon printer actually had a small tube up to that area, and would suction off a tiny bit of ink every time.  This proved to be stupid, the tube eventually became blocked and caused multiple problems.  However, I do think printers still refresh and clean the inkjet somehow...and this would eventually use up all the ink if the cartridge had been very low when you started using it.