HP Printer cartridges problem

Hello,
My Photosmart C4480 was ok for 3 years.
Now I am having cartridges problem.It keeps saying wrong kind of cartridges.
Should I just go get a new one?
What is the life span of the printer?
Thanks in advance !!

First pull out the cartrdiges and check the dates on them, if they are expired they might need replacing. Also try to print a testpage by pressing the [Cancel and power buttons together, you should get a message "special key combo" ], then blue, green, gray. You will be in a hidden menu now, in that menu go to Reports Menu and then to Selftest.
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Print Cartridge Problem: Tricolor - HP Officejet J4680 All In One

I am seriously going to have an anxiety attack. I run a business from home & I HAVE to have a printer. I just spent $50 on new ink cartridges. My printer was working fine for the last week, and then tonight I have this error message:
Print cartridge problem: [Tri Color] . Refer to device documentation to troubleshoot
SO I reset the printer, shut it on and off, cleaned the cartridge and the printer, switched out the new cartridge with the old one ~ same problem. Over and over.
I called HP and they said that since my printer is out of warranty they can't help me unless I purchase a new warranty plan. What horrible customer service. This printer is a product of HP and I should be able to get help regardless of when the warranty expired.
This is so frustrating. If I can't get help, I think I would rather buy a new printer of a different brand instead of paying for a warranty after I just spent 50 bucks on ink. GRRR!

The page here has troubleshooting steps that may resolve your issue.
Bob Headrick, HP Expert
I am not an employee of HP, I am a volunteer posting here on my own time.
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Error message: Printer cartridge problem

I'm copying only at the moment. A small stack of papers.
Suddenly the printer seemed like it was taking too long on a page, and it just kept staying in the same position but nothing was happening.
Finally I tried to shut it down but it wouldn't shut down. It said, shutting down, but it wasn't.
So I unplugged it and waited a bit, then plugged it back in.
Then it appeared to be OK but when it started the copying process again, it stopped and gave that error message.
Is it something as simple as it's out of ink? But I don't think it should be. It wasn't showing that it was low.
Any suggestions, anyone?

Hi melegay,
Welcome to the HP Support Forums! I understand you were trying to copy on your HP Printer and the paper was not feeding, you did a hard reset now your printer's front panel is saying 'Printer Cartridge Problem'. Can you please let me know the Exact model of HP Printer you are using?
Please start here: 'Ink Cartridge Problem' Message Displays on the Product Control Panel. Follow these steps in the order presented to resolve the issue. When one of the steps resolves the issue, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.
If you are still getting the error message let me know and leave me with the requested information.
Thank you,
HevnLgh
I work on behalf of HP
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Print Cartridge problem : [Tri Color]

I have HP officejet 4500. On installing the new cartridge, I get error message "Print Cartridge problem : [Tri Color]. Refer to device documentation for troubleshoot." I have run diagnostic test 41 and it shows Previous error as "Pen in left chute has too many good resistors, probably means shorted fires". Can somebody help me what does this error means?

Hello, I see by your post that you are getting the message "Print Cartridge problem : [Tri Color]. Refer to device documentation for troubleshoot." I can help you with this.
Make sure the printer is connected directly to a wall outlet. (don't use a power hub or a surge protector) This ensures the printer is receiving full power and may help this situation. I have provided a document with some steps to try to see if that will resolve the issue. Manually cleaning the cartridges and contacts and resetting the printer.'Incorrect Print Cartridge' or 'Print Cartridge Problem' Message Displays on the Computer. Are you using Genuine HP Cartridges?
What are the ink levels? If you need further assistance, just let me know. Have a nice day!
Thank You.

7520 Photosmart Printer Cartridge Problem Missing or Damaged

I am looking for help because we keep getting a cartridge problem stating one or more cartridges appear to be missing or damaged. When we bought the printer, we had problems getting the cartridges to work. This is our first time changing any color cartridges and we get this same issue. After two days of trying everything, as soon as I logged on to this site, the cartridges decided to work. But I am hoping someone can give suggestions to make this process easier in the future. We followed all directions and put in read HP cartridges that were brand new. We could get all but blue and yellow to work. Then we could get yellow and not blue; then blue and not yellow. The system keeps giving the message Cartridge Problem.

Ours is now working, but I have no way of knowing what we did differently to get the cartridge to work. They are all HP cartridges. We just kept putting them in over and over. I had given up and logged on to this chat room and suddenly it recorgnized the last cartridge. I was hoping someone could give us a hint of what the problem would be so we could avoid it next time. My only suggestion to you is to keep trying. Sometimes it helped with one cartridge to tilt it slightly. It is very frustrating because you are correct that you cannot do ANYTHING until you fix the problem. If you could at least print in black and white, it would not be so irritating. We have owned a number of HP printers, and this has never been an issue with the prior ones.

C7280 Brand new printer cartridge problem-

Printer status shows yellow cartridge is good- brand new HP org. just installed. But all the software I try to print with comes up with a message that says... you need to install a yellow cartridge press. .... button to continue to print in black or cancel...
I've cleaned the heads a couple of times.... I've taken out the cartridge an put it back in.....
Help....
This question was solved.
View Solution.

As some programs do work and others dont its most likely not an hardware issue. As wel that printing from a memory chip works as wel proves this. So its most likley a software issue.
On the software disc of the printer find the Folder UTIL, and in there find the folder CCC. In that folder there should be a file called Uninstall_L4.bat (with or without the .bat added to it depending on your computers settings. Run that file and it will remove and cleanup your software. Reinstall it after that and try know.
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Sorry - color printer cartridge problem?

Unit has been working fine. Suddenly, I get "remove and check color cartridge" message - no longer can print. Installed 3 new cartridges and no change. Any thoughts. Appreciate any help.

Okay, nothing like a newbie to screw things up. The unit is an HP Officejet 7410 All-in-one. Maybe now it is a good question.

How to resolve the "Incompatible Print Cartridge" Message

Hello everyone
Have you ever received the "Incompatible Print Cartridge" message? This can be caused by defective cartridges, dirty cartridge contacts, or using the wrong cartridges for your printer or region. If you get this message after moving to a different country and using a different HP ink you will need to call HP support and have them explain how to change the region of your printer.
If, however, you have not moved and you are getting this message with a new or current cartridge there is quite a bit of troubleshooting that can be done. There is both an article and youtube video to help you through resolving this issue They are both excellent tools to help with troubleshooting. If the steps don't resolve your issue make sure to try a different cartridges as this helps isolate the issue to the printer or the cartridge.
The 'Incompatible Cartridge', 'Incorrect Print Cartridge', or 'Print Cartridge Problem' Message Disp...
Fix an "Incompatible Print Cartridge" Message - HP Officejet J4680 All-in-One Printer
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This question was solved.
View Solution.

If anyone has any questions let me know and I will be happy to help. The above video and article is for the Officejet J4680 but there are other version of the article for other printers that may have more cartridges than just two.
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Cartridge Problem....lights flashing

The printer won't print anything...test page, alignment page, cleaning page...nothingThe check paper light, and the check print cartridge light are flashingthe black, start copy light is blinking. Power light is steady green, unless you try to press cancel, or any other button which causes it to flash for several seconds.I installed the HP info for the printer, and its says there is a problem with the black printer cartridge. I follwed advise and cleaned it....3 times...no luck. This ink cartridge has only ever printed like 10 pages, so I know it's not empty. I stopped even trying and was going to just go buy another printer, but it seems like such a waste, and I really can't afford itHelp Please!!

Hi , I see by your post that you having a problem with the black cartridge. I will do my best to help you with this issue. I have provided a document to go through the steps to see if it will help resolve this issue.'Incorrect Print Cartridge' or 'Print Cartridge Problem' Message Displays on the Computer.When doing the manual cleaning, clean the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer to make sure it isn't clogged up. Here is another document for performing self Diagnostics test, cleaning and aligning the printer.Fixing Ink Streaks, Faded Prints, and Other Common Print Quality Problems. Are you using Genuine HP Cartridges?
Check the date on the cartridges to make sure they are still in warranty. (not old stock)
What are the ink levels? What were the results for the hardware Diagnostics Report? If you appreciate my efforts, please click the 'Thumbs up' button below. Thank You.

Psc1215 cartridge problem

My psc1215 suddently reported a cartridge problem just after printing some photos without any problem. I changed both cartridges, rebooted etc etc but the problem remains.
Any ideas please?

Hi , I see by your post that you having a problem with the black cartridge. I will do my best to help you with this issue. I have provided a document to go through the steps to see if it will help resolve this issue.'Incorrect Print Cartridge' or 'Print Cartridge Problem' Message Displays on the Computer.When doing the manual cleaning, clean the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer to make sure it isn't clogged up. Here is another document for performing self Diagnostics test, cleaning and aligning the printer.Fixing Ink Streaks, Faded Prints, and Other Common Print Quality Problems. Are you using Genuine HP Cartridges?
Check the date on the cartridges to make sure they are still in warranty. (not old stock)
What are the ink levels? What were the results for the hardware Diagnostics Report? If you appreciate my efforts, please click the 'Thumbs up' button below. Thank You.

Black printer cartridge Office Jet 4500

Referr to device documentation to troubleshoot: print cartridge problem (black) Officejet 4500
Changed cartridges and prints a few times and comes up again.

Hi MJDillman , and welcome to the HP Forums.
I see you are experiencing cartridge issues. I would like to help.
I would recommend removing the ink cartridges, and perform a power reset. Disconnect the power cord from the printer and the power outlet, then wait 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, plug the printer back in. Ensure you plug the printer directly to a wall outlet. Make sure to bypass any sort of surge protector or power bar.
I would also recommend following this document on an 'Incorrect Print Cartridge' or 'Print Cartridge Problem' Message Displays on the Computer.
Good luck and please let me know the results of your troubleshooting steps. Thank you for posting on the HP Forums!
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Jamieson
I work on behalf of HP
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Constant cartridge problems

Every time I install a new ink cartridge, I get an error message stating that the new cartridge is either missing or damaged. I have to keep taking the cartidge out and putting it back in (over and over again), until it finally reads that the cartidge is okay. Often times during this process, the error message will expand to the other catridges, as well. It's very frustrating and time consuming. please help me figure this out. I've tried cleaning the print heads., checking the alignment...I don't know what else to do.
Thanks for yor help.

Hi ljfb,
Could you let me know you printer model? It could be where the printer makes electrical connection with the supply being dirty.
If you scroll down to solution three on this link it shows how to clean the contacts in this particular printer Print Cartridge problem troubleshooting
Hope that is some help.
Dermot
Although I am an HP employee, I am speaking for myself and not for HP.
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Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

HP C4180 All-in-One Printer cartridge access door problem

It says my printer cartridge access door is open, but it is not. I've reinstalled the ink cartridges & unplugged printer to try to reset, still no luck Any suggestions?

Hello there again;
This is part of this article GO HERE specifically step eight. Ok try this;
If the product is turned off, press the On button ( ) to turn it on.
Unplug the power cord from the back of the product.
Press and hold OK and the Cancel button ( ) while plugging the power cord into the product.
Continue pressing and holding the buttons until the product turns off.
Press the On button ( ). OOB NVM Reset displays on the control panel.
Print a self-test page
Press the Setup button ( ).
Press the down arrow button ( ).
Press the right arrow button ( ).
Press OK .
Let me know the outcome and will keep doing my best to help you.
Hope this helps;
RobertoR
And remember . . .
You can say THANKS by clicking the KUDOS STAR. If my suggestion resolves your issue Mark as a "SOLUTION" this way others can benefit Thanks in Advance!

Print Quality problems

My print quality for Reds & Greens is coming out streaked. The blacks and blues are fine. I use HP ink cartridges anad keep them cleaned and aligned. But on the Alignment page the reds & greens are streaked and cannot be cognized. Could this be a print head problem ?

Hello novemberwolf,
Welcome to the HP Forums.
I see that you are having some printing issues when attempting to print in colour.
Please click on the following link on Fixing Print Quality Problems for the HP Officejet Pro 8600 e-All-in-One Printer Series.
If the troubleshooting does not help resolve your issue, I would then suggest calling HP's Technical Support to see about further options for you. If you are calling within North America, the number is 1-800-474-6836 and for all other regions, click here: click here.
Thanks for your time.
Click the “Kudos Thumbs Up" at the bottom of this post to say “Thanks” for helping!
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
W a t e r b o y 71
I work on behalf of HP

Need to find compatible print cartridge

Hi!
This is very urgent.
I bought my printer- Photosmart C4280 in Europe and used the 350 and 351 print cartridges. Iam living in Israel now and i had problems to find the right cartridges as it doesnt excist here under the same numbers.
An employee in a media shop found on the israeli HP homepage the right ones and i bought the 140xl and 141xl.
After all, my printer says 'incompartible print cartridges'...
I NEED THE RIGHT NUMBERS! WHICH CARTRIDGES TO BUY IN ISRAEL FOR THE C4280???
Please help me, i have to print a lot by the end of the week!
Thanks for any advice!
Ps: I did a reset already.

Hi,
140 & 141 probably are thr right number but the printer does not know it because it is sold in Europe. Please check the following article and call HP in your area for help, they will show you how to reset thr printer:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&docname=c02558798
Regards.
BH
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HP Printer cartridges problem

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