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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Error: missing or damaged ink cartridge

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03-12-2025 10:15 AM
When I removed and replaced my ink cartridges I got an error saying that one of my cartridges are missing or damaged. I replaced them I cleaned them and I removed and replaced all my power lines with no improvement
03-18-2025 10:24 AM
Hi @CrowleyP
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.
The "missing or damaged cartridge" error on your HP OfficeJet Pro 9018 can be frustrating, but here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve it:
Check Cartridge Compatibility:
Ensure you're using genuine HP cartridges compatible with the OfficeJet Pro 9018 (e.g., HP 962 or HP 962XL cartridges).
Inspect the Cartridges:
Remove all cartridges and inspect them for damage, especially around the contact points and nozzles.
Gently clean the cartridge contacts with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
Inspect the Cartridge Slots:
Turn off the printer and disconnect it from the power source.
Examine the interior of the cartridge slots for any debris or ink buildup. Clean the printer’s cartridge contacts with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Restart the Printer:
Perform a hard reset by turning off the printer, unplugging it, and waiting for at least 60 seconds. Plug it back in and turn it on.
Update Printer Firmware:
HP regularly releases new firmware versions for printer enhancements, app updates, or issue fixes. Update the firmware regularly to get the most out of your printer.
Click on the link below for instructions on how to update the firmware of your printer.
https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/ish_1776648-1643972-16
Test Cartridges Individually:
Insert each cartridge one by one to identify if a specific cartridge is causing the error. If the error reappears with a particular cartridge, it may be defective.
Reset the Printer:
Access the printer’s control panel menu and navigate to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore Factory Defaults.
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Regards,
Hawks_Eye
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