6968 wont print color after replacing genuine cartridges

[avlcek84]

I replaced my cartridges with genuine HP that I purchased from Office Depot. My 6968 will no longer print any color at all. Black, which I didn't replace is printing fine. The printer and my computer recognizes the cartridges are full. I have done a factory reset, cleaned cartridges, cleaned printhead, uninstalled/reinstalled, tried different devices, etc. Nothing works. Please help. I just need to print a document. Calling support to get refunded next if this message board doesn't work.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @avlcek84,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you've already taken many of the right steps to troubleshoot your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968. Since you’ve done a factory reset, cleaned the printhead, and reinstalled the printer software, we can focus on a few other potential fixes to resolve the color printing issue:
 

Steps to try:

Check Printer Settings:

• Ensure that the print settings on your computer are set to print in color:
  • Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Right-click on the HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 > Printing Preferences. Ensure that "Print in Grayscale" is not selected.
  • Mac: In the print dialog box, ensure that "Color" is selected under the Presets.

Run Printer Diagnostics:

• Use the built-in diagnostic tools on your printer:
  • Go to the printer’s control panel, navigate to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Print Quality Tools.
  • Run a Print Quality Report and see if any color sections are missing or look abnormal.
  • Then, try running the Clean Printhead utility from the same menu. Perform multiple cleanings if needed.

Test Print with Different Paper/Print Mode:

• Try printing on a different type of paper, like photo paper, and check if the colors come through.
• Test printing in different quality modes (Best, Normal, Draft) to see if the color prints in a specific mode.

Update Printer Firmware: Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date. Sometimes firmware issues can cause color printing problems:
  • Download and install the latest firmware from HP’s website for the OfficeJet Pro 6968 HP Support page.

Hard Reset:

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the wall for about 60 seconds, and then plug it back in. Sometimes this power cycling helps reset internal errors.

Cartridge Reinstallation:

• Remove the color cartridges, clean the electrical contacts gently with a lint-free cloth, and then reinstall them. Make sure they are properly seated in their slots.

Disable Cartridge Protection (if applicable):

• In some cases, HP’s cartridge protection settings can cause issues with recognizing the cartridges properly.
  • From the printer’s control panel, navigate to Settings > HP Cartridge Protection and turn it off.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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