HP Officejet Pro 8600 error message when changing ink cartridges

[Mary1248]

I am having a very difficult type findings ink cartridges with "AN" on the end.  When I tried ink cartridges that end in "A" I got the error message "problem with ink system".  Are there any HP cartridges that are still available that work with my HP 8600 Pro?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Mary1248,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

The HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus typically uses HP 950 and HP 951 ink cartridges. The "AN" suffix indicates that these are non-standard or possibly older versions of the cartridges. The difference between the "A" and "AN" versions can sometimes be due to regional coding, manufacturing changes, or packaging, but both should technically work with your printer. If you're getting an error with the "A" cartridges, it's likely a compatibility issue related to the specific cartridge type or possibly a firmware issue.

Steps to Resolve the Issue:

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Sometimes, a firmware update can help resolve compatibility issues with ink cartridges. Visit the HP Support website and search for firmware updates for your HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus.

Use HP Genuine Cartridges:

• Ensure that you're using genuine HP cartridges, as non-HP or refilled cartridges can cause issues. Look for HP 950 (black) and HP 951 (cyan, magenta, yellow) cartridges that are specified as compatible with your model.

Regional Compatibility:

• Ensure that the cartridges are intended for your region. HP sometimes codes cartridges based on geographical regions, and cartridges from one region might not work in another.

Try a Different Source:

• If you’re finding it difficult to locate the "AN" cartridges, try purchasing from different reputable retailers, including HP's official store, Amazon, or large electronics or office supply stores that might carry older stock.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Mary1248,

Please find the next steps below.

Cartridge Availability:

As of now, HP still manufactures and supplies cartridges for the Officejet Pro 8600 series, but depending on your location, stock availability can vary. If local stores are running low, checking online retailers or HP's official website is a good alternative.

In summary, while "AN" cartridges may be difficult to find, the standard HP 950 and 951 cartridges should work, provided they're compatible with your printer’s region and firmware.

If you're still unable to find the correct cartridges or if the "A" cartridges continue to give you errors, contacting HP phone support directly might be necessary. They can provide information on where to obtain compatible cartridges.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Mary1248]

Thank you, I do appreciate your response.  I can definitely check for firmware and download that.  Main problem is that the outside packaging does not indicate the specific "suffix", if applicable, of the cartridge inside the package.  Stores do not refund you for open packages of ink.  There is no way to determine if you have the correct ink cartridge.  HP has made this process way more difficult than it needs to be ... cartridges determined by your region?!

I purchased ink from Amazon and Office Depot; both were "A", not "AN" -- even though Office Depot specifically said they were "AN" on their website, but were actually "A" when I opened it.

There is no economical way to trouble shoot this.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Mary1248 ,

Thank you for performing the recommended steps, I see that it has not helped. 

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue. 

I've sent you a private message with further instructions. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers