HP 6978 OfficeJet Pro will not print color on test page after installing 3 NEW HP color cartridges

[Technbuff42]

HP 6978 OfficeJet Pro will not print color on the TEST PAGE after installing 3 NEW HP color cartridges. This is ON the test page! It has NOTHING to do with Windows Drivers. I have tried “remove all the software & drivers. Reset to factory settings” 2X.  I did a hardware reset by unplugging the printer from the wall.  **ARE the WINDOWS DRIVERS/software used in printing the TEST page? I have ALSO tried printing THE TEST PAGE with HP Smart.  Same result. [Submitted on Sat. May 10, 2025.] (Is there any way I could get a credit to buy a new printer? Please email me at stevepitts@mindspring.com if this is possible.) My understanding is that paying for a repair from HP is not cost effective (if repair is available). Thanks.

[Garp_senchau]

@Technbuff42, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Confirm Cartridges Are Genuine and Recognized:

Go to the printer’s control panel > Tap Ink Icon.

Make sure all color cartridges show as installed and at full or high levels.

If any say "not recognized" or "low," reseat them or clean the chip with a lint-free cloth.

Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page:

On the printer screen: Setup > Printer Maintenance > Print Quality Report.

This page helps identify clogged nozzles or ink flow issues.

Check if cyan, magenta, and yellow bars print properly.

Run the Printhead Cleaning Cycle (Multiple Times):

Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Printhead.

After cleaning, print another test page.

You may need to run this 2–3 times (allowing a few minutes between) for dried ink to loosen.

Check for Clogged Vents on Cartridges:

Look at the top vent of each cartridge (tiny hole near the label).

If clogged, gently clear with a pin or by dabbing with a cloth.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[Technbuff77]

I checked everything—genuine cartridges, New out of box,. Checked vents. All the cartridges are recognized. The print quality page does NOT print out correctly. Still no go. Is there anything else to be done?  Regards, Steve Pitts PS I tried to see your latest response. The website says, "The item you are trying to access is not available." Could you have the system send another email with the correct link? Thank you. Posted 18 May 2025 

[Technbuff77]

I checked everything—genuine cartridges, New out of box. I checked the 4 vents. All the (new) cartridges are recognized. The print quality page does NOT print out correctly. Still no go. Is there anything else to be done?  Regards,  PS I tried to load your latest response in your most recent email. The website says, "The item you are trying to access is not available." Could you have the system send another email with the correct link? Thank you. Posted 18 May 2025 and 19 May 2025 - I have tried all those solutions. The printer is out of warranty. I do not believe HP has a service to repair the printer. IF there is a way at HP to get the printer repaired, is there a way to get an estimate?  Pasted 19 May 2025. Thanks.