Ink cartridges are not empty but printing is not right. Alignment test page also is not right. What can I do?

These types of severe HP 74 black or HP 75 color ink cartridge errors (i.e. refer to documentation / incompatible cartridges, print cartridge(s) problem, etc.) typically indicate the internal micro electronics of the respective HP 74 black or HP 75 color cartridge are damaged. The cartridges electrical wire runs at rear and lower side of the ink cartridge, are very delicate and are somewhat susceptible to ink attack over time, which can lead to premature failures. In addition, the older the cartridge the higher the chance of an internal micro electronics failure. I suggest you first run a Tap 41 diagnostic test to check cartridges electrical health (this is a special forced service test, refer to video so you understand how to read the print out). You may also bypass the error (temporarily) on most models which use HP 74/75 cartridges.

NOTE: Unfortunately, alignment pages and internal self test prints will usually print Ok even if the cartridge is internally electrically damaged. Do not use these test pages as a proxy for determining whether a cartridge is good or bad, only the 'Tap 41/43' diagnostic test report can yield this information.


CONTACT CLEANING / SERVICE TEST DIAGNOSTICS:

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 and hold the CANCEL button.
2. Press the COLOR COPY button. Release both buttons.
3. The self test page should print. The printed pattern will verify printer is generally functional

--- The self test page is a 'forced' test print whether the ink cartridges are good or bad. Inspect color bars to verify proper nozzle/jetting health. If normal/regular printing is still not permitted then the problem is with either one, or both, of the ink cartridges. Activate Tap 41 test to confirm which cartridge is causing the issue.

C. Validate the cartridge's electrical health by running the 'Tap 41' diagnostics test. Refer to video procedure or .pdf document at the following links on how to activate and read the service test report: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=536

1. Load Letter/A4-size paper into paper feed tray.
2. If any lights are blinking, first press Cancel to attempt to clear.
3. Press and HOLD the Cancel button, press Ok button once.
4. At 'Mfg Commands' menu, click Right Arrow once until 'uiaux service' menu is displayed.
5. At 'uiaux service' menu, click the Right Arrow until Special Reports menu is displayed.
6. Select Ok, then click Right Arrow until the 'print-mech button tap' menu is displayed.
7. Select Ok (Code = 0 will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until 'code = 41' is displayed. Use the Left Arrow if you need to decrease numerical count.
8. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 41 diagnostic test report should be initiated and print (whether ink cartridges are good or not, i.e. this is a forced print test). See following 4 paragraphs (or video) on how to interpret diagnostic report.....

NOTE: You may also refer to this document for specific printer model 'Tap 41' diagnostic & 'Cartridge Error Bypass' step-by-step instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

--- Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning the Tap 41 diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 75/75XL color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 74/74XL 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. Refer to video on how to read the printout.

---- If the printer attempts to print the diagnostic test pattern (1 page) then the printer is generally considered operational and functional, if nothing is printed, but the printer attempts to print the pattern, then the tri-color ink cartridge is either empty, clogged or severely electrically damaged (black ink cartridge is not used). You can remove the tri-color cartridge, reactivate the tap 41 test and the printer will print the diagnostic test print in black ink.

You can also test general printer performance by running the 'Tap 10' diagnostic test, use same procedure above and enter "code = 10". Both the 'Tap 41' and 'Tap 10' tests are 'forced print tests' - the printer will make every attempt to print the pattern whether the ink cartridges are good or bad...the patterns should be utilized to diagnose cartridge health. If 'regular' printing is still not possible then one or both of the ink cartridges is damaged.


ERROR BYPASS OPTION (TEMPORARY ONLY):

NOTE: It is possible to 'temporarily' bypass the cartridge error message (for emergency printing purposes only), please refer to link above/below for video/documentation instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

However, if the cartridge is determined to be electrically damaged, largely dependent on the 'Tap 41' diagnostic test results, the cartridge will eventually need to be replaced with a new one. With a marginally performing ink cartridge, this typically results in allowing 1 entire print job to be printed at a time. If this does not permit any print operations then the cartridge has severe internal electrical damage and will need to be replaced.

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*Many cartridges eventually do encounter problems or failures, especially after their original ink is gone and they are re-used, and this is often unrelated to the refill process. The "Incompatible Print Cartridge(s)" / "Print Cartridge(s) Problem" / "Refer to printer documentation" / "Cartridge Error: Cartridge must be replaced" / "Cartridge in left/right slot is not intended for use in this printer" / "Now printing alignment page" error messages are typically indicative of failed micro-electronics internal to the ink cartridge(s). Also note that it is common to have a marginally performing ink cartridge (which was performing ok before) in the adjacent slot (i.e. color), then when a marginally performing cartridge is installed into the other slot (i.e. black), both of the ink cartridge(s) then get flagged with electrical errors. Running the 'Tap 41' cartridge health diagnostics test will confirm the active electrical state of both cartridges.

For additional printer diagnostics information please visit: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813

NOTE: If you are interested in the top 'refill friendly inkjet printer models', our suggested list is posted on-line and our internal labs have verified there are no issues (with ink compatibility or color output/richness) with all of these models: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=3585

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CAUTION: Be advised, the use of compatible/clone cartridges (i.e. sold thru the internet from overseas) are known to be problematic and may cause printer errors. We do NOT suggest refilling these types of ink cartridges.....refilling of HP 74/75 original/genuine ink cartridges is only suggested!

HP 74/75 Ink Refilling Services & Additional Cautions:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqnHRFpbo0w
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If you ever need to purchase a new HP 74/75 ink cartridge(s), we suggest you try a remanufactured ink cartridge from http://www.inkplicity.com/ as their ink cartridges typically have the lowest cost in the USA, have a high reliability rating and provide a 1-year warranty and free shipping over $20 (products available to US residents only).

HP 74 Cartridges:
https://inkplicity.com/shop/?slug=advanced_search_result&keywords=HP%2074

HP 75 Cartridges:
https://inkplicity.com/shop/?slug=advanced_search_result&keywords=HP%2075

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For any additional questions please contact us directly: [email protected]

-Thank you

Regarding your recent inquiry about the HP Photosmart C5280 printer which uses HP 74 & HP 75 cartridges, and error message ("Refer to Device Documentation") and inability to print, this type of error is normally associated to an electrical connection issue between the printer and the cartridge, or more likely, an internal micro-electronic failure inside one of the cartridges (please note is very rare for both ink cartridges to electrically fail at the same time....activate diagnostics below to confirm which cartridge is causing the error condition)....or refer to the Inkjet411 website and select you printer model (...the Inkjet411 site is primarily a self-service sitelet which provides over 85 technical videos and do-it-yourself printer remedies and corrections): http://inkjet411.com/

An electronic failure of the cartridge would be unrelated to the ink cartridge refill process; these same failures can (and frequently do!) occur with brand new ink cartridges and normally occur over time due to natural degradation of the internal micro-electronics.* To help identify the root cause, and to confirm which of the two ink cartridges is causing the failure condition, please run the 'Tap 41' cartridge's electrical diagnostic test below (refer to PROCEDURE C.)
NOTE 1: Your Photosmart printer model must have two (2) good ink cartridges installed to operate/print (unlike all HP Deskjet printer models which may operate using only one (1) ink cartridge).

IMPORTANT: First verify the age of the ink cartridge(s)....look at imprinted date on front of ink cartridge. If this 'warranty expiration date' has expired, then potential internal electrical cartridge failures can (and frequently do) occur due to prolonged internal corrosion of cartridge micro-circuits, etc.

NOTE 2: Unfortunately, alignment pages and internal self test prints will usually print Ok even if the cartridge is internally electrically damaged. Do not use these test pages as a proxy for determining whether a cartridge is good or bad, only the 'Tap 41/43' diagnostic test report can yield this information.


CONTACT CLEANING / SERVICE TEST DIAGNOSTICS:

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 and hold the CANCEL button.
2. Press the COLOR COPY button. Release both buttons.
3. The self test page should print. The printed pattern will verify printer is generally functional

--- The self test page is a 'forced' test print whether the ink cartridges are good or bad. Inspect color bars to verify proper nozzle/jetting health. If normal/regular printing is still not permitted then the problem is with either one, or both, of the ink cartridges. Activate Tap 41 test to confirm which cartridge is causing the issue.

C. Validate the cartridge's electrical health by running the 'Tap 41' diagnostics test. Refer to video procedure or .pdf document at the following links on how to activate and read the service test report: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=536

1. Load Letter/A4-size paper into paper feed tray.
2. If any lights are blinking, first press Cancel to attempt to clear.
3. Press and HOLD the Cancel button, press Ok button once.
4. At 'Mfg Commands' menu, click Right Arrow once until 'uiaux service' menu is displayed.
5. At 'uiaux service' menu, click the Right Arrow until Special Reports menu is displayed.
6. Select Ok, then click Right Arrow until the 'print-mech button tap' menu is displayed.
7. Select Ok (Code = 0 will be displayed); click and hold Right Arrow until 'code = 41' is displayed. Use the Left Arrow if you need to decrease numerical count.
8. Select Ok. Within one minute the Tap 41 diagnostic test report should be initiated and print (whether ink cartridges are good or not, i.e. this is a forced print test). See following 4 paragraphs (or video) on how to interpret diagnostic report.....

NOTE: You may also refer to this document for specific printer model 'Tap 41' diagnostic & 'Cartridge Error Bypass' step-by-step instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

--- Providing the color cartridge is partially functioning the Tap 41 diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health). A good HP 75/75XL color cartridge should display 600 good nozzles, while a good HP 74/74XL 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. Refer to video on how to read the printout.

---- If the printer attempts to print the diagnostic test pattern (1 page) then the printer is generally considered operational and functional, if nothing is printed, but the printer attempts to print the pattern, then the tri-color ink cartridge is either empty, clogged or severely electrically damaged (black ink cartridge is not used). You can remove the tri-color cartridge, reactivate the tap 41 test and the printer will print the diagnostic test print in black ink.

You can also test general printer performance by running the 'Tap 10' diagnostic test, use same procedure above and enter "code = 10". Both the 'Tap 41' and 'Tap 10' tests are 'forced print tests' - the printer will make every attempt to print the pattern whether the ink cartridges are good or bad...the patterns should be utilized to diagnose cartridge health. If 'regular' printing is still not possible then one or both of the ink cartridges is damaged.


ERROR BYPASS OPTION (TEMPORARY ONLY):

NOTE: It is possible to 'temporarily' bypass the cartridge error message (for emergency printing purposes only), please refer to link above/below for video/documentation instructions: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf

However, if the cartridge is determined to be electrically damaged, largely dependent on the 'Tap 41' diagnostic test results, the cartridge will eventually need to be replaced with a new one. With a marginally performing ink cartridge, this typically results in allowing 1 entire print job to be printed at a time. If this does not permit any print operations then the cartridge has severe internal electrical damage and will need to be replaced.

------------------------

* The "Incompatible Print Cartridge(s)" / "Print Cartridge(s) Problem" / "Refer to printer documentation" / "Cartridge Error: Cartridge must be replaced" / "Cartridge in left/right slot is not intended for use in this printer" / "Now printing alignment page" error messages are typically indicative of failed micro-electronics internal to the ink cartridge(s). Also note that it is common to have a marginally performing ink cartridge (which was performing ok before) in the adjacent slot (i.e. color), then when a marginally performing cartridge is installed into the other slot (i.e. black), both of the ink cartridge(s) then get flagged with electrical errors. Running the 'Tap 41' cartridge health diagnostics test will confirm the active electrical state of both cartridges.

For additional HP printer diagnostics information please visit: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1813

Please let us know if you have any additional questions regarding procedures outlined above and/or questions relating to the provided technical information. If you are interested in the top 'refill friendly inkjet printer models', our suggested list is posted on-line and our Inkjet411 internal labs have verified there are no issues (in ink compatibility or color output) with all of these models: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=3585

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INK CARTRIDGE REFILL SERVICES:
Costco USA (464+ stores): http://www.costcoinkjetrefill.com
Costco Canada (62+ stores, more coming soon): http://www.ca.costcoinkjetrefill.com
Costco United Kingdom (7 stores):http://uk.costcoinkjetrefill.com/
Costco Mexico (35+ stores): http://es.costcoinkjetrefill.com/
Fry's Electronics (34 stores): http://www.frys.com/ads/page195
Best Buy Canada (13 stores): www.geeksquad.ca/inkrefill/
10 Major Universities in USA & Canada
Ink Cartridge Refill Store Map Locator: http://www.go2ris.com/

Alternatively, if you need to purchase a new HP 74/75 ink cartridge(s), we suggest you try a remanufactured ink cartridge from http://www.inkplicity.com/ as their ink cartridges typically have the lowest cost in the USA, have a high reliability rating and provide a 1-year warranty and free shipping over $20 (products available to US residents only).
---

For any additional questions please contact us directly: [email protected]

-Thank you
Inkjet411 Team Member

This type of HP 901 ink cartridge error ("Refer to Device Documentation", etc.) condition is likely an internal micro-electronic failure inside the HP 901 (or 901XL) black ink cartridge. These failures typically occur due to natural degradation of internal micro-electronics over time and can occur with brand new ink cartridges.

To confirm root cause and check the internal electrical condition of both black and color ink cartridges, please execute the 'Tap 41' cartridge's electrical diagnostic test below (refer to procedure B).

CAUTION: Be advised, the use of remanufactured ink cartridges is considered somewhat unreliable since the cartridges are already on their 3rd life when purchased new (off the internet or at select retailer stores). As well, the use of compatible/clone cartridges (i.e. sold thru the internet from China) are known to be problematic and may cause printer errors.

NOTE 1: Unfortunately, alignment pages and internal self test prints will usually print Ok even if the cartridge is internally electrically damaged. Do not use these test pages as a proxy for determining whether a cartridge is good or bad, only the 'Tap 41/43' diagnostic test report can yield this information.

DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS:

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

B. Validate the cartridge's electrical health by running the 'Tap 41' diagnostics test. Refer to 2nd video procedure at the following link on how to activate and read the service test: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=620

a. Load Letter/A4-size paper into paper feed tray.
b. If any lights are blinking, first press Cancel to attempt to clear.
c. Press the * and # keys simultaneously.
d. Enter 124 at keypad. The 'Underware' menu should be displayed.
e. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the System Menu. Select Ok.
f. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the 'print-mech tap test'. Select Ok. Printer screen should display "code = 0".
g. Use the arrow keys to enter "code = 41" (or just enter 41 on keypad). Select Ok. The Tap 41 diagnostic test pattern prints.

--- Providing the HP 901 (or 901XL) color cartridge is partially functioning the Tap 41 diagnostic test print will be printed (this is a forced service print test which is mainly used for the evaluation of ink cartridge electrical health - the printer will attempt to print the diagnostic test print). A good HP 901 color cartridge should display 1248 good nozzles, while a good HP 901/901XL black ink cartridge should show 336 good nozzles. If the results yield anything different then the ink cartridge is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. Refer to 2nd video on how to read the diagnostic test print: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=620

---- If the printer attempts to print the diagnostic test pattern (1 page) then the printer is generally considered operational and functional, if nothing is printed, but the printer attempts to print the pattern, then the tri-color ink cartridge is either empty, clogged or severely electrically damaged (black ink cartridge is not used). You can remove the tri-color cartridge, reactivate the tap 41 test and the printer will print the diagnostic test print in black ink.

For more diagnostic tests and error bypass procedures, please visit the Inkjet411 support center: http://www.inkjet411.com

Hopefully this helps....

Solution There are several reasons why the HP All-in-One may fail to align the cartridges. The most common reason is an ink cartridge that has one of the following problems:

• One of the ink cartridges is low or out of ink. Black and all three colors must be available.
• The paper has already been printed on or is colored paper.
• Protective tape on a new ink cartridge has not been removed.
• Contacts on the ink cartridge are not meeting the contacts in the carriage correctly.
• Cartridge is remanufactured or refilled. Refilled or remanufactured ink cartridges may have been damaged during the refilling process or have clogged ink nozzles.
• The ink cartridge is defective.

Follow the steps below to resolve the problem Step one: Examine the paper the alignment page was printed on The alignment page must be printed on clean plain paper of either letter or A4-size and that has a brightness level (as printed on the paper package) of at least 85. Colored papers or paper that already has printing on it will cause the alignment to fail. Back to top Step two: Does the alignment page print correctly For the HP PSC 900 series, if the page ejects immediately or a Paper mismatch or Paper too narrow message is displayed, the 4 x 6 paper tray selector located on the paper output tray is pushed forward. Move the selector all the way toward the front of the product. Look at the alignment pages that the product printed. Compare the alignment page to those that are included in the "Examples of alignment pages" section in this document. If any of the colors or the black is missing from your alignment page, a cartridge-related problem exists. Click here for information about troubleshooting ink- and cartridge-related problems (buu02176) (in English). Back to top Step three: Perform an print cartridge cleaning procedure The product can perform an print cartridge cleaning procedure even after the alignment message has displayed. Follow these steps to perform an print cartridge cleaning procedure at the front panel:

1. On the front panel, press the Menu or Setup button (depending on the model).
2. Press the right arrow button (>) until Maintenance or Tools is displayed, and then press the OK or Enter button (depending on the model).
3. The Clean Print Cartridges message should display on the front panel. Press Enter or OK to begin the cartridge cleaning process.

A page will be printed during the cleaning process with all of the colors on it. If any of the colors (including black) are missing, faded, or streaked on the alignment page, there is a ink cartridge problem. Back to top Step four: Try to align the page again HP products have two methods for aligning the ink cartridges, fully-automatic and semi-automatic. The steps are different for each type. Refer to the information below to determine which alignment method your product uses.

• Automatic - these products use a sensor to check the alignment page as it is printed. You are not required to take any action to complete the alignment process. Click here if your model does not print an instruction page.
• Semi-automatic - these products print the alignment page and instructions for scanning the alignment page using the scanner assembly. Click here if your model prints an instruction page.

Automatic cartridge alignment Perform the following steps to align the ink cartridges:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the unit, wait five seconds, and then plug it back in. This will reinitialize the unit.
2. Print another alignment test page. If the Press Enter to align message is not currently on the front panel display, complete the following steps to print an alignment page:
   1. Press Setup or Menu on the front panel (depending on the model).
   2. Press the right arrow button (>) until Maintenance or Tools is displayed, and then press Enter or OK (depending on the model).
   3. Press the right arrow button (>) until Align Print Cartridges is displayed, and then press Enter or OK (depending on the model).
3. To determine if the automatic alignment is functioning correctly, look into the output tray as the alignment page is printing; a blue light should be visible periodically on the page as the cartridges move back and forth. If this light is not visible, the product will not be able to align the cartridges and will require service. Service the product.
4. If the blue light is visible and the alignment pages are printing correctly, but the alignment pages still fails, there still may be a hardware problem with the unit.
   

Hi there,
Working with print cartridges
To ensure the best print quality from HP All-In-One, you will need to perform some simple maintenance procedures and when prompted by a message on the display replace the print cartridges.

A) Handle the print cartridges
Hold the print cartridges by their black plastic sides, with the label on top. Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles.
Note : Handle the print cartridges carefully. Dropping or jarring cartridges can cause temporary printing problems or even permanent damage.

B) To replace the print cartridges
1) Make sure the HP All-In-One is off whenyou open the print cartridge door to access the print cartridges, the Hp A-ll-In-One will not release the cartridges for changing. You might damage the HP All-In -One. If the print cartridges are not docked safely on the right side when you try to remove them.
2) Open the print cartridge door.
The print carriage should now move to the far right side of the HP All-In-One. If the print cartridge does not move to the right side, close the door. Then trun the HP-All-In-One offm and then on again.
3) Wait until the print carriage is idle and silent, and then lightly press down in a print cartridge to release it.
If you are replacing the tri-color print cartridge, remove the print cartridge from the slot on the left.
If you are replacing the black print cartridge, remove the print cartridge from the slot on the right.
4)Pull the print cartridge toward you out of its slot.
5. If you are removing the print cartridge because it is low or out of ink, recycle the print cartridge.
6. Remove the new print cartridge from its packaging and, being careful to touch only the black plastic, gently remove the plastic tape by using the pink pull tab.
Caution Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or ink nozzles.
Touching these parts can result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections.
7. Slide the new print cartridge forward into the empty slot. Then gently push on the upper part of the print cartridge forward until it clicks into the socket.
If you are installing the tri-color print cartridge, slide it into the left slot.
If you are installing a black print cartridge, slide it into the right slot.
8. Close the print cartridge door.
9. If you installed a new print cartridge, the print cartridge alignment process begins.
10. Make sure you have plain paper loaded in the input tray, and then press OK.
The HP All-in-One prints a print cartridge alignment sheet.
11. Load the print cartridge alignment sheet print side down and top first in the center of the document feeder tray, and then press OK.
The HP All-in-One aligns the print cartridges. Recycle or discard the print cartridge alignment sheet.

Align the print cartridges
The HP All-in-One prompts you to align cartridges every time you install or replace a print cartridge. You can also align the print cartridges at any time from the control panel or by using the software you installed with the HP All-in-One. Aligning the print
cartridges ensures high-quality output.
To align the print cartridges from the control panel when prompted
1. Load letter, A4, or legal unused plain white paper into the input tray.
Note If you have colored paper loaded in the input tray when you align the print cartridges, the alignment will fail. Load unused plain white paper into the input tray, and then try the alignment again.
If the alignment fails again, you might have a defective sensor or print cartridge. Contact HP Support. Go to www.hp.com/support. If prompted, choose your country/region, and then click Contact HP for information on calling for technical support.
The HP All-in-One prints a print cartridge alignment sheet.
2. Load the print cartridge alignment sheet print side down and top first in the center of the document feeder tray, and then press OK.
The HP All-in-One aligns the print cartridges. Recycle or discard the print cartridge alignment sheet.
To align the cartridges from the control panel at any time
1. Load letter, A4, or legal unused plain white paper into the input tray.
Note If you have colored paper loaded in the input tray when you align the print cartridges, the alignment will fail. Load unused plain white paper into the input tray, and then try the alignment again.
If the alignment fails again, you might have a defective sensor or print cartridge. Contact HP Support.
2. Press Setup.
3. Press 6, then press 2.
This selects Tools and then selects Align Print Cartridge.
The HP All-in-One prints a print cartridge alignment sheet.
4. Load the print cartridge alignment sheet print side down and top first in the center of the document feeder tray, and then press OK.
The HP All-in-One aligns the print cartridges. Recycle or discard the print cartridge alignment sheet.

Black Cartrige no . :27/21
Tricolor Cartridge no . 22

Hope this helps.
have a good day.

Hi there,
To install the ink cartridge
1) Press the On button. After you press the ON button, wait for the print cartridge prompt before continuing.

2) Open the print cartridge door. Lift the print cartridge door. The print cartridge moves to the right side.

3) Remove tape from both cartridges. Pull the tab to remove the tape from both print cartridges.
Important : Do not touch copper-colored contacts or retape the cartridges.

4) Insert the tri-color print cartridge.
Caution : The device must be On before you can insert the print cartridges.
a) Slide the tri-color print cartridges into the left slot.
b) Push the top part of the cartridges firmly up and into the slot until it snaps into place.

5) Insert the black print cartridge.
a) Slide the black print cartridge into the right slot.
b) Push the top part of the cartridge firmly up and into the slot until it snaps into place.
c) Make sure both cartridges are secure, Close the print cartridge door.

6) Align the print cartridges.
a) Press OK to print the alignment page, (Make sure you have loaded plain white paper in the bottom tray,)
b) Remove the alignment page from the output tray.
c) Place the alignment page face down into the document feeder.
d) Press OK to scan the alignment page.
After the page has scanned, alignment is complete.

Hope this helps. Please rate my response.
Thanks
Have a good day.

1. On your computer, go to "Start," "Programs," "Lexmark Series." Click "Lexmark Control Program."
   
2. Step 2 Select the "Cartridges" tab. Click "Change Cartridges." The Change Cartridges screen appears, displaying the animated instructions for installing or changing cartridges. When you have finished viewing the animation, click the "Finished" button.
   
3. Step 3 Remove the tape covering the print head of the new print cartridge. Insert the new print cartridge as shown in the animation.
   
4. Step 4 When the "Choose Cartridges" screen appears, select the cartridge(s) you installed in your printer from the list boxes. Click the appropriate box to reset the ink levels to full. Click "OK."
   
5. Step 5 The Automatic Alignment screen appears. Click "Align" to align the print cartridges for best print quality. The printer prints a page with a bi-directional alignment pattern. On the printed test page, locate the number that comes closest to forming a straight line under the bi-directional alignment pattern. Enter that number as the bi-directional alignment setting in the Alignment Cartridge dialog box. Click "OK."
   

hi Alignment of ink cartridges is very essential for the for the printer to print so first of all be sure that you are using geniun ink cartridges now lets try a reset on your printer press the # and 3 button on your printer together and then unplug the power cord from your printer and keep pressing the buttons now wait for 5 sec and while pressing # and 3 replug the power cord wait for the printer to initialize and see if it prints alignment page if no page is printed then click on the start button of the computer and then go to printers and faxes and then right ckick on the icon of your printer and click on printing preferences now go to the features tab and click on the button that says align print cartridges wait for the alignment page to print and now try and see if it prints fine

I just got off the HP help line.  After changing my black ink cartridge a test page was printing each time I turned the machine on.  This is very costly, in both time and ink as the cartridges themselves for this machine hold very little ink.  I tried to learn from HP tech how to turn off the test-print while keeping my color cartridge empty.  It turns out that you cant do it.  HP requires you to keep buying and using cartridges whether you need them or not.If you buy the color ink it will use it up in its testings.  And if you dont buy the color cartridge it will use up your black ink by printing the test each time you turn on the printer.  The printer was inexpensive sure, but I'm paying for it in wasted ink.