HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus screen reads "problem with printer or ink system"

[DabbyDuck]

After installing new HP cyan cartridge, my HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus screen reads "problem with printer or ink system."  I several times reinstalled the cartridge and turned the printer off and on, to no effect.    When I reinstall the depleted cartridge, the only message on the screen refers to the depleted cartridge, so I think the problem is probably the new cartridge, but I don't want to have to purchase another expensive pack to find out, and HP's defenses against my contacting them directly have me overmatched.

[Gaya1239]

Hi @DabbyDuck,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand the error message "Problem with printer or ink system" after installing a new cartridge on your HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus suggests there might be an issue with the new cartridge itself, or the printer is having trouble recognizing it. Here are steps you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Ensure the replacement cartridge is a genuine HP cartridge compatible with your printer model (HP 950/951 series). Sometimes, using third-party cartridges can trigger this error.

2. Clean the Cartridge Contacts

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
• Remove the new cyan cartridge.
• Gently clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge and inside the cartridge slot with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Ensure the contacts are dry before reinserting the cartridge.

3. Perform a Hard Reset

• Disconnect the power cord and wait for 60 seconds.
• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge any residual power.
• Reconnect the printer to the power source and turn it on.
• Reinsert the cartridge when prompted.

4. Reset the Printer’s Ink System HP OfficeJet Printers - 'Printer Failure' Error   There is a problem with the printer or ink system....

1. Remove all cartridges from the printer.
2. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
3. Wait 10-15 minutes, then plug the printer back in and turn it on.
4. Reinstall the cartridges one by one, starting with the cyan cartridge that caused the issue.

5. Test With a Different Cartridge

If possible, test the printer with another cyan cartridge (even if partially used). If the error is resolved, the issue is likely with the new cartridge.

Refer to this document: HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One Printer series - N911 User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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