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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- 8610 and 3rd party ink

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05-07-2025 01:25 PM
I recently changed out an empty 3rd party black cartridge and got an error message-" there is a problem with the printer or ink system". The replacement 3rd party ink cartridge was old and I have auto updates turned on. So the updated software will not recognize a replacement 3rd party ink cartridge, even though the other 3 cartridges are 3rd party and worked just fine, but they were installed probably before an update with the dynamic security feature. Apparently this feature will only detect new cartridges. The printer solution was to turn the printer off and then on which didn't work. The Google solution is to do a factory reboot and down load the newer software after modifying the Dynamic Security feature. I pressed the return arrow 4 times which got me to the menu which contained the factory reboot. I started it and the error msg came back on. I was able to do this twice before the error msg took over and won't allow me to go any further. I don't believe the factory reboot happened. Do I need to spend $100 for the 4 Hp ink cartridges, get the printer to work again, and redownload the update without the dynamic stuff? The 8610 has been good to me, except lately, but it is also 10 years old. The $100, to maybe fix this problem, is almost half way to a good replacement. Is there a way to do a reboot without replacing the cartridges? HELP!
05-08-2025 10:39 AM
Hi @4rw,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer cartridge!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. HP recommends using genuine HP ink or toner supplies available from the HP Store. Go to HP Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud Program for more information on using authentic HP cartridges.
If the error displays with genuine HP cartridges, select No, OK, or Continue. If the print job completes, the issue is resolved but you might need to dismiss the message every time you print until the cartridges are depleted. Otherwise continue with these steps to resolve the issue.
Reset the printer
Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.
- If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.
- Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and to the printer.
- Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
Replace the problem cartridge
Installing a new cartridge usually resolves cartridge errors.
- Obtain a replacement cartridge.
- Printer is enrolled in Instant Ink. Replacement cartridges are part of your subscription. If you have another Instant Ink cartridge on hand, install it. Otherwise, contact HP Instant Ink support for a new cartridge.
- Printer is NOT enrolled in Instant Ink. Go to the HP Store or a local retailer to find and purchase compatible supplies. HP recommends genuine HP cartridges.
- Open the door or lid to the cartridge access area. Wait until the carriage stops moving before continuing.
- Remove the cartridge indicated in the error message, and then insert the new cartridge into the slot.
- Repeat these steps to replace any other cartridges indicated in the error message.
- Close the door or lid to the cartridge access area, and then follow any instructions to align the printer.
I hope this helps.
I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨
Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀
Best regards,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
05-10-2025 04:04 PM
KK,
I don't know which is your first name, so I hope you don't mind that I address this reply to KK. Thanks so much for your kind and timely help, but it didn't work. And sorry that I am a little late with the reply. I ordered another 3rd party cartridge from Walmart and it took 3 days to get here, which is great for Walmart. I was hoping my original replacement 3rd party cartridge was bad, being well over a year old, and hoping the newer Walmart one would work. The other 3 cartridges are 3rd party and do not fail, even when I uninstall and reinstall them. I can go no further than the ERROR MSG on the printer's screen and the
HP Smart app on my Mac will not update the software nor do a reboot to factory settings. So, I am dead in the water and will pick up another printer tomorrow. This HP 8610 is 10 years old, HP ink is too expensive, and I don't know if it is a software update did get thru to stop 3rd party ink, or if my attempts at fixing it may have frozen the software. The cost of HP ink is halfway or better to the price of a new home printer. Anyway, thanks for your help and I will pick up another printer tomorrow, It won't be HP.
Thanks, Greg
05-11-2025 09:19 AM
K,
I have an update on my printer problem. The error msg read that there was a printer ink error not cartridge error. I could do nothing further with the printer because it was stuck on this error. I checked You Tube and ran across a guy that addressed this error by removing the print cartridge container and cleaning all the connections. I did this and then the printer showed I had 2 depleted cartridges. Luckily, I had the 2 in my 3rd party stock pile. I replaced them, and everything is working just fine now. It's not that hard to remove the container and clean the connections, but it is a little messy and you need a small torque screwdriver. Keep the container straight up, don't tilt or turn it cause it has ink in it and any tilting will allow the ink to escape thru the cartridge port or the bottom of the container. Also, put a twice folded paper towel under the container to catch the residue from the bottom.
Again, I want to thank you for your reply. Greg
05-13-2025 08:02 AM
Hi @4rw
Thank you for the response.
Try These steps.
Power Off the Printer and Unplug It.
Wait a few minutes to let internal components cool.
Open the Access Door where the ink cartridges sit.
Let the carriage move to the center.
Carefully remove all ink cartridges.
Unscrew and Remove the Printhead Assembly:
Look for two Torx screws securing the printhead.
Gently lift the printhead straight up (keep it upright to avoid ink spills).
Clean the Electrical Contacts:
Dab a lint-free cloth in isopropyl alcohol.
Wipe down:
The printhead's gold contacts (not the nozzles).
The contacts inside the printer (where the printhead plugs in).
Be gentle — don’t scratch or damage anything.
Dry the Components:
Let the parts air dry for 10–15 minutes.
Ensure no moisture remains.
Reinstall the Printhead and Cartridges:
Place the printhead back in the exact position.
Tighten the screws.
Insert your ink cartridges again (preferably not too old ones).
Power the Printer Back On:
Plug in and turn on the printer.
Wait for it to initialize.
I hope this helps.
I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨
Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀
Best regards,
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee