HP C5280 "Refer to printer documentation" error

[and-rex]

without any apparent reason, when I turn on my Hp photosmart c5280 all in one, the message "refer to printer documentation" appears in the printer screen, and it can't print. In the printer  manager software I can see that the black ink cartridge isn't shown, it isn't recognized by the printer. It's a original Hp cartridge, Hp 350 xl, and I always used original parts for my printer. I tried to place an old and empty cartridge in the printer in place of the black un-working one, and the old one is well recognized, in fact printer tell me that the cartridge is empty, but at least it's shown as placed.

How can it happen?? It's an error of the cartridge hardware? How can I fix the problem without buying a new expensive cartirdge?

[tillwiz]

I am having the same problem, went through all the steps, genuine hp, expiration 2010, cleaned and reinstalled, but still the error!  I even tried the old cartridge out of my recycle bin, but it was not recgonized.  I have the 74XL and 75XL cartridges, the old one was just a 75.  I know they are fairly new.  Any suggestions most welcome, before I go back to my old Epson that I was going to recycle (still works great). 

[and-rex]

no one can help?? Could it be a cartridge failure?

[and-rex]

no one can help?? I heard that hp after sale assistance was one of the best, but I start thinking it isn't so...

[DexterM]

Does it show only "Refer to printer documentation" and nothing else? Usually, then error will look something like "Cartridge error/scanner failure/any other error. Refer to printer documentation". So do you see anything else? Also, does this message appear if you insert your old, empty ink cartridge too?

[and-rex]

It says Printing cartridges - refer to printer documentation.

I tried with a hp 350 empty cartridge, and there's no error. Then I suppose the problem is with the cartridge. Maybe the chip on the cartridge without any external reason broke?

[DexterM]

It seems like a cartridge issue, yes. If the cartridge is still under warranty(you can find the end of warranty date on the cartridge itself), then either call HP Tech Support or the retailer for a replacement. I believe you're in Europe, right?

[and-rex]

thank  you very much for your help. Cartridge is still under warranty, but I have no more the receipt, I didn't hold it because I would have never thought about a cartridge failure! It's the same, can I afford cartridge warranty without it?

[DexterM]

I'm not sure what you mean by affording cartridge warranty. Care to elaborate?

[and-rex]

I meant that  warranty is still valid, but I haven't the receipt.