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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.....
--- 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.
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.
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!
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).
Regarding your recent inquiry about the HP 74, 75, 74XL or 75XL ink cartridge error message ("Cartridges Not Aligned" or similar printer alert condition) and inability to print with your HP OJ J578 printer, 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 ink cartridges (.....it is very rare for both cartridges to fail at the same time). 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.* To help identify the root cause, and to confirm/determine which of the two ink cartridges is causing the failure condition, please run the 'Tap 41' cartridge's electrical diagnostic test below (refer to C.)
Please 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 occur due to internal corrosion, etc.
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.
DIAGNOSTIC STEPS:
A.Ensure BOTH carriage/flex cables and BOTH ink cartridge contacts are thoroughly clean before proceeding: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=1519
B.Print Extended Self Test:
1.Press CANCEL + OK buttons at the same time.
2.The extended self test page should print.
--- Verify all colors and all stair-step nozzles are firing (i.e. no missing horizontal lines should be visible in the stair-step grid patterns). (NOTE: 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: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=544
1.Press the * and # keys simultaneously.
2.Enter 124 (or 123) at keypad.
3.Use the arrow keys to navigate to the System Menu. Select Ok.
4.Use the arrow keys to navigate to the 'print-mech tap test'. Select Ok. Should display 'code = 0'.
5.Use the arrow keys to enter 'code = 41' (or just enter 41 on keypad). Select Ok. The Tap 41 diagnostic test pattern should begin to print.
NOTE 1: The 'Tap 10' (extended self test) can also be activated by pressing CANCEL + OK buttons at the same time. Whether ink cartridges are good or not, i.e. this is a forced print test). Refer to following 4 paragraphs (or video) on how to interpret diagnostic report.....
--- 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.
NOTE 3: 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. 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: http://inkjet411.retailinkjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/HP-74-75-Problem-Resolution_v10.pdf
D. Cartridge Error Bypass ( Emergency Printing Only - http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=544 ):
1. Press the * and # keys simultaneously.
2. Enter 123 (or 124) at keypad. The 'Underware' menu should be displayed.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Information Menu. Select Ok.
4. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the 'checksum for relock data input'. Select Ok. LCD should display a 5-digit number after a few seconds.
5. Attempt to send a print job to printer
NOTE: 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.
*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 state of both cartridges.
For reference, the following page provides a complete review of the majority of cartridge error messages you may observe on your printer at one point or another: http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=509
However, if your printer works routinely after inserting a brand new HP 74 and/or HP 75 ink cartridge in it, then this will confirm root cause of failure as being limited to one of the ink cartridges.
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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!
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 (remanufactured ink cartridges which have been thoroughly tested; purchases are only available by USA residents).
For any additional questions please contact us directly: [email protected]
With respect to the HP 60 cartridge error message ("Incompatible Print Cartridges") and inability to print with your HP Deskjet F4480 printer, 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 the cartridge itself (which is typical of the 'incompatible error' alert). These same failures can (and randomly do) occur with brand new ink cartridges.* To help identify the root cause, please run the 'Tap 41' cartridge's electrical / diagnostic tests below (refer to A. and B), this will identify which ink cartridge is causing the issue:
Please 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 occur due to internal corrosion, etc.
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.
As a temporary workaround, or if you are unable to determine which cartridge is causing the issue, remove one of the ink cartridges from the printer....this might place the printer into the 'single cartridge printer mode'....print jobs may then be executed from the computer (only):
An internal electrical failure of a cartridge can be confirmed by performing the following corrective/diagnostic steps:
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 DIAGNOSTIC TAP 41 video procedure at the following link on how to activate and read the service test:
1.While holding the Power button, press Cancel (X) button 4 times, then press the Color Copy button once.
2.Release the Power button.
3.The 'Tap 41' diagnostic test print should print.
--- 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 60/60XL color cartridge should display 1248 good nozzles, while a good HP 60/60XL 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 printout. http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=440 (HP 60 - Deskjet F2400/F4400/F4500 models) http://inkjet411.com/?page_id=444 (HP 60 - Deskjet F4200 model)
---- 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.
NOTE: To our team's knowledge there is no 'cartridge error bypass' method available for the HP Deskjet printer model. The cartridge will mostly likely need to be replaced with a new one.
We also have ink refilling centers in many University bookstores across the USA & Canada:
Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University Bookstore - Idaho (BYU-I),
Cornell University (CU), Kansas University (KU), New York University (NYU), San Diego State University (SDSU), University of San Diego (USD), University of Wisconsin - Madison,
University of Virginia (UVA): http://www.cavaliercomputers.com/inkjetrefill.asp?
Queens University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada) & University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Our network of retailers stand behind the product and performance - guaranteed. Customers who have questions regarding the use of refilled ink cartridges can visit http://www.inkjet411.com or contact us directly at [email protected]
Take the cartridge out and clean the contacts off with something (ie: pencil eraser, your thumb...) That worked for me! I couldn't find a solution anywhere even after chatting with online tech support from HP. Quick and painless! I hope this helps...
had the same problem I just kept putting it in and taking it out until the msg stopped. also sometimes when you see this msg you can push the ok button and the printer will go to correct mode.
i had the same problem with the hp 4580. i needed to replace the black ink which i did. then the error message appeared "incompatible print cartridge tri color"...chatted with hp customer support, wasted a hour. claimed its a hardware problem need to have it fixed. i asked would i be charge he said yes but the printer was under warranty. he asked other questions...bottom line i left the chat box....bought another hp 4580, used same cartridges, same message...THEN finally i replaced the color cartridge...and BAM! it worked on both printers. solution...replace the color cartridge...cons..if this happens again its a waste of money to keep buying the colored ink...
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