HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 printer won't accept HP951 Magenta and HP950XL ink

[Aneshek]

I have a HP Officejet 8600 Series printer with new HP 951 ink cartridges.    I am sure that the printhead and ink cartridges are correct for my printer.  However, 2 of the the HP 951 ink cartridges will not physically click and attach into the HP printhead slots, no matter what I do.  They are the HP 951 Magenta and the HP 951XL Black cartridges. These are brand new HP cartridges replacing the exact number on the old cartridges.  I called Staples and they said that they can not return them if the package is open.  The only way I found out that they didn't fit was because I opened the package and tried to replace the 4 cartridges and found out that 2 of the 4 won't click into the printer.  I'm extremely frustrated because I've called the store and spent over an hour on this website trying to figure out what I can do short of dropping the printer off of a bridge and buying a different brand printer and starting over.  Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Aneshek,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Try these steps:

Verify Cartridge Compatibility:

• Ensure that the cartridges are the correct HP 951 and HP 950XL types specifically for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 series.

Inspect the Cartridges:

• Check the cartridges for any dust, dirt, or residue on the electrical contacts.
• Examine the cartridge itself for any visible deformities or discrepancies that may prevent proper insertion.

Inspect the Printhead Slots:

• Check inside the printhead slots for any obstructions or debris that may be preventing the cartridges from clicking in securely.

Reinstall Cartridges Properly:

• Align the cartridges correctly with their respective slots. Push the cartridges into place firmly until they click. This might require slightly more pressure, but be careful not to force them too hard which could damage the printer.

Clean the Cartridge Contacts:

• Gently clean the cartridge and printhead contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water. Allow the contacts to dry before reinserting the cartridges.

Power Cycle the Printer:

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source for about a minute, then plug it back in and power it up. This can sometimes reset the printer's status and resolve recognition issues.

Check for Printer Firmware Updates:

• Visit the HP Support website to see if there are any firmware updates available for your printer model. An update can fix bug-related issues.

Try the Cartridges in Another Printer:

• If possible, try inserting the cartridges into a different compatible printer to test if the issue persists. This will help determine if the problem lies with the cartridges rather than 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,