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- HP Community
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- HP Deskjet 2542 - Using remanufactured inl cartridges

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11-17-2018 02:59 PM
I have an old HP 2542 printer and want to use remanufactured ink cartridges (because of price)...
After thours of searching the net for a solution, I have disabled the cartridge protection, saved it, turned off the computer and the printer and turned everything back on but the black cartrige light continues to blink and I cannot print anything...
PLEASE HELP WITH SIMPLE INSTRUCTION TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
THANKS
11-18-2018 01:05 PM - edited 11-18-2018 01:05 PM
This printer model does not (and never did) have any "locks" in place against non-HP cartridges.
The "cartridge protection" you describe is likely the optional cartridge lock that keeps HP cartridges locked to a particular printer. The protection is provided for use in work environments or other locations where cartridge theft might be a problem. Once locked, an installed cartridge cannot be simply removed and shoved into another printer. Instant theft deterrent.
OK - if the cartridge won't work, it is not working for "some other reason".
HP does not warranty, guarantee, or support the use of non-HP cartridges. The practice to use "unsupported" materials is not prohibited - it is simply not supported. In particular, the use of remanufactured ink (of any brand in any brand printer) can damage the printer. Printer Manufacturers do not support the use of materials that might, by the very nature of their lack of quality standards, damage the device in which these materials are used.
That is a fancy, convoluted way of saying, "Use of non-supported materials may not work."
What to do?
Might be a "bad" cartridge.
Return the cartridge to the vender from whom you purchased the material - ask for a replacement or refund.
Try again, using a different cartridge. If the printer can do so, it may accept the replacement cartridge.
What else?
Printer is perhaps dirty - try a thorough cleaning of the rollers and other areas of the printer that can be reached.
The following documents are from Section Troubleshooting > Ink or Toner, Paper & Accessories
- An 'Incompatible Ink Cartridge or 'Ink Cartridges Missing' Error Message Displays for HP Deskjet 151...
- 'Used or Counterfeit ink cartridge Detected' or 'Counterfeit ink cartridge Advisory' Error
What else?
Peruse the Troubleshooting sections for possible help / solutions to the issue.
Reference and Resources – Places to find help and information for your Printer
Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”
Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more
HP Deskjet 2542 All-in-One Printer
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