Error message on your HP printer most times will prevent you from printing until you clear the error. If you see a message saying that you have an incorrect ink cartridge, a flashing cartridge light meaning a bad color cartridge or you are told to remove the color cartridge, you must fix the issue, reset the printer and remove the error before you can continue.
Step 1
Turn on the printer and open the cover where the ink cartridge is located. Remove the cartridge.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Place the ink cartridge back in the carriage. Close the cover. Turn the printer off for a minute.
Step 3
Turn the HP printer on. Print a test page. If this does not correct the problem, move onto Section 2.
Step 4
Turn on the printer and open the cover where the ink cartridge is located. Remove the cartridge.
Step 5
Remove the cartridge and use a clean, lint-free, dry cloth to gently wipe the contacts.
Step 6
Wipe from the top of the contact to the bottom. Do this for each contact.
Step 7
Place the HP ink cartridge back in the carriage. Turn the printer off for a minute.
Step 8
Turn the HP printer on. Print a test page. If this does not correct the problem, move onto Section 3.
Step 9
Turn on the HP Deskjet or Photosmart printer, open the cover and remove both the black and color cartridge. Close the cover.
Step 10
Remove the power cord from the outlet and disconnect the cables running to the computer or router. Wait one minute, plug in the power cord and then plug in the cables.
Step 11
Open the cover and install the black and color ink cartridges. Turn on the printer.
Step 12
Print a test page. If this does not correct the problem, you will need to buy new ink cartridges at an office supply store, such as Staples or OfficeMax, or a discount retailer, such as Walmart or Target.
Step 13
Turn on the Officejet or PSC all-in-one printers.
Step 14
Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and wait one minute.
Step 15
Plug the power cord back into the printer. Press and hold the "Power" button until printer turns on.
Step 16
Print a test page to see if this has fixed the problem. If not, you will need to buy a new color ink unit at any office supply store.
Video of the Day