I moved with my printer - but ink number is different here!

[ADAM-Fam]

We have a C6188 All-in-one, working so far fine. We got it in China where we I was stationed from my company. The ink cartridges we got there are labeled "801". Now, back in Germany the cartridges are called "363" (HP C8772E e.g.) and the printer will not accept them. I still have some 801 cartridges, but some colors I need to install 363 type.

Is there any patch available - or should we get a new printer - of course NOT HP in that case.

Cheers, Andy

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

Your printer requires a regionalization reset.  This will require that you call HP support while having access to your computer and printer. You will need a complete set of the German region cartridges and after the reset the printer will no longer accept the China region cartridges.

[vin_yap]

so...looks like there's a region code after all.......

[ADAM-Fam]

Firstly - thanks for you help!

So, we will stay about a year now in Germany - then we am going to move most likely to Mid-East for the next 2-4 years.

Then I need to change the region code again? Holy CRAP! That is unconvinient like hell!

We kinda liked that All-in-one and the driver software under Win7 is great... but somehow that policy makes not much sense - doesn't it?

Of course, the cartridges e.g. in HK/China/India are cheaper as the one in Germany - but marginal. I would not even consider to waste time to go and by them there during a trip and waste space in my suitcase for that....

So, if we move on - and the printer is still up and running - can it be re-reset? Is there a limitation, like for DVD drives where you can change e.g. 3 times the country code?

[vin_yap]

Hi ADAM, I'm facing similar problem as you. I'm moving to North America from Asia and I've asked a similar question regarding region code for HP ink cartridges in another post. But looks like the code lock is in the printer itself.

Well, looks like I'll be considering getting a new printer (may not be HP) after the move rather than bringing the one I have here (saves luggage space).

Good luck mate!

[Bob_Headrick]

HP has four regions for supplies as described in the table at the bottom of this web page.  There is a limit to how many times a printer can have the region reset but it should not be a factor.

[vin_yap]

Thank you very much Bob. This information is indeed very helpful.

Cheers!

[remson5yahoo]

Bob I guess you aren't as mobile as some of us. That limit on regionalization is 3 times. Planned obsolesence. Pretty ecologically  irresponsible on HP's part. Wish the packaging would mention that the printer is only good with cartridges from that region. I understand that this will not affect the majority of people but if you do a search on regionalization you can see what a problem this is for our more and more mobile society.

[ballario]

I have contacted HP support. After 10 calls they have been able to explain what was above, they gave me the code, it did not worked. they said I should buy a new printer. Isn't HP GREAT?!?!?!

[ConégoZ]

I found this response in the Forum only after I'd called HP 'Support', where (after some 30 minutes of obnoxious hold muzak interspersed with self-serving announcements) after explaining everything twice and having to repeat my serial numbers three times, I was finally told by the Customer 'Service' agent that since I had bought my printer in Portugal and then returned to the US, I would just have to buy a new printer.

It's a shame that HO Support staff aren't better trained, because the man I spoke to had never heard of "Regionalization Codes", or resetting them!