Printer Photosmart 8450. Using HP black cartridge. Received message saying the printer did not recognize the cartridge because it was not HP. Removed it and tried several times to print. Gave up and inserted a new cartridge and seems to be working fine. The old cartridge was only half used. What is going on?

Regarding your HP94 black ink cartridge error problem and inability to print to your HP PS 8450 printer, this type of problem is probably an internal micro-electronic failure inside the HP94 ink cartridge.

To determine which cartridge is causing the issue and/or to confirm an electrical problem with one of the ink cartridges (or possibly both), perform both the Internal Self-Test page along with the Pen Electrical tests (diagnostics) to evaluate the electrical condition of both ink cartridges....

Please first verify the age of the ink cartridge(s)....look at imprinted date on front (or back) of ink cartridge. If this 'warranty expiration date' has expired, then potential cartridge failures can occur due to internal corrosion, etc.

A. Ensure BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean before proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519

B. Print Self-Test Page:
1. Press CANCEL and SAVE simultaneously (SAVE is the left-most button before POWER on/off.)
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to 'pen electrical test'.
3. Select Enter to print test - evaluate nozzle test pattern.

-- If the printer prints the self test page then this demonstrates the printer is generally functional and that the problem is likely with one of the ink cartridges. Please note this is a 'forced' service test...the printer will attempt to print the test page whether the cartridges are good or bad. If the Self-Test page can be successfully printed but regular/normal printing cannot, then one of the ink cartridges is likely internally damaged. Remove and replace suspect cartridge to confirm.

C. Perform Cartridge Diagnostics tests using either C.1 or C.2 procedure below (varies by printer model):

C.1. Tap 41/43 Diagnostics Test:
1. To enter the Manufacturing Tests menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for >5secs: 'OK', 'CANCEL', & 'SELECT PHOTOS' (or 'Print Photos')
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to Special Reports (or System Menu). Select Enter.
3. Navigate to 'print-mech button tap' menu.
4. Select Ok ('code = 0' will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until 'code = 41' (or attempt 'code = 43' if nothing prints using '41') is displayed.
5. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 41 (or 43) diagnostic test pattern should be initiated and print. Refer to video to help evaluate test pattern. Refer to 2nd video for guidance on how to read the diagnostic test pattern: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741


NOTE 1: A good HP 93/95/97/99 color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 92/94/96/98 black ink cartridge should show 672 good nozzles. If the results yield anything different then the ink cartridge is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. For reference only, refer to the following HP Deskjet video which shows how to read the HP 93-97 ink cartridge diagnostic test print: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1741 (see 2nd video)

C.2. Pen Electrical / Error Bypass Procedure:
1. To enter the Manufacturing Tests menu, press the 3 small, round buttons on the front panel simultaneously for >5secs: 'OK', 'CANCEL', & 'SELECT PHOTOS' (or 'Print Photos')
2. Using left/right arrow keys, navigate to Reports Menu (or System Menu). Select 'pen electrical test'.
3. Select Level 1, 2, or 3. Enter to print test - evaluate nozzle electrical test print.


NOTE 2: Pen recovery level 1, 2 or 3 clears cartridge errors, unblocking the printer to permit you to print the TEST PAGE with the normal MENU / TOOLS /PRINT TEST PAGE choice to aid in printer evaluation.


NOTE 3: Cartridge Error Bypass Message (Emergency Printing only): The Pen Recovery Level 1 clears cartridge errors and permits you to print the TEST PAGE with the normal MENU / TOOLS / PRINT TEST PAGE choice.


For additional information on North American ink refill services at a major retailer near you (should you wish to save ~50% on ink costs), general printing problem resolutions or advanced HP printer diagnosis procedures (error bypass/printer reset methods, etc.), please visit Inkjet411:
http://www.inkjet411.com