Generic "Cartridge(s) Problem" with Deskjet F2210 and HP 21 black ink cartridge

[jayt684]

Problem Description
Problem with HP 21 cartridge. Unable to print via Windows nor make copies directly on the printer itself.

Printer Model

HP Deskjet F2210 All-in-One

Operating System  (including service pack revision)
Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Connection Method - USB, Hardwired LAN, Wireless?
USB

Error messages - on printer screen and/or computer, any blinking light patterns.
HP Solution Center shows a generic "Cartridge(s) Problem" error message. The Estimated Ink Levels tool and the lights on the printer indicate that there is a problem with the black ink cartridge (HP 21). The copy count indicator on the printer shows an "E".

Attempted solutions and other information
I have tried cleaning the electrical contacts on both the cartridge itself and the printer carriage as well as cleaning the area around the ink nozzles on the cartridge, all to no avail. I'm hesitant to buy a new black ink cartridge, as the current one is less than 6 months old and had an ink level near 75% before the last print job. That last successful print was about a week and a half ago, though I did notice it was much slower than usual - about 5 minutes for a single black and white page, and the print quality was streaky and sub-par.

I'd appreciate any suggestions that the community could provide.

[CaptainTJ]

HI,

You've done all of the traditonal cleaning steps to no avail. This is what I have done before replacing my cartridges if they've been that old. 

If you haven't tried the Clean cartridges steps, try them first.  If that doesn't clean the printing up then...

You've cleaned around the nozzles, so the next step would be to clean the nozzle area.  HP typically doesn't support this method but it is my method that works sometimes to recoup my cartridge.

I take a very warm moist almost dripping paper towel with tap water and set the ink cartridge on it with the nozzels pointing down.  I let it set 30-45 minutes or so... the paper towel gets some ink bleed on it.  When I think the nozzels appear to be unplugged, I then wipe the nozzels gently to remove any moisture or ink (hoping not to plug the nozzles). If this didn't work, I'd be buying a new cartridge anyway.  If and when possible I would then re-run the "clean the cartridge" steps listed in this document Clean cartridges.

[jayt684]

Thanks for the information. I did try the Clean Cartridges and Align Cartridges steps as well, but the printer would not even execute those commands due to the cartridge error.

I'll attempt to clean the nozzles this evening and report back with my results.

[jayt684]

Unfortunately, cleaning the nozzles did not help. Unless there are any other suggestions, it sounds like my only option is to purchase a new HP 21 cartridge and hope that it resolves the problem.