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Issue started with a low magenta cartridge.  Replaced cartridge with new HP Brand cartridge.  Printer gave printer failure without error code.  Reset printer several times by turning it off, wait and back on after 60 seconds four times.  Unplugged printer from power and computer with cartridges out, waited 60 seconds or more, and reconnected three times.  Cleaned cartridges and printer contacts. Used HP Doctor which says there is a printer failure.  De-installed and reloaded printer drivers.  Will not allow factory reset at printer touch panel.  Continues to show all four cartridge as empty and says the cartridges are missing.  Don't understand why this suddenly happened, when it worked just the day before without issue. 

2 REPLIES 2
HP Recommended

Hi @dogman5001,

 

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

 

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

 

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP Officejet Pro 8610 is not recognizing the new HP brand cartridges and showing them as empty and missing, even after multiple resets, cleaning, and troubleshooting, this suggests a firmware, electrical, or hardware issue. Here’s a structured approach to fix it:

1. Verify Cartridges & Installation

  • Check that the cartridges are genuine HP: Sometimes, even HP-labeled cartridges can be defective.
  • Reinsert the cartridges firmly: Make sure they click into place.
  • Inspect for packaging remnants: Ensure all protective seals, stickers, or plastic films have been removed.
  • Try a different set of cartridges: If possible, install another set of HP cartridges to rule out cartridge defects.

2. Reset Printer Again (Full Power Reset)

Since a basic power cycle didn't work, try this extended reset:

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  2. Remove all ink cartridges.
  3. Hold the power button for 60 seconds (with the printer unplugged).
  4. Leave it unplugged for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet (avoid power strips).
  6. Turn it on without the cartridges installed.
  7. If it prompts for cartridges, install them one by one, waiting for recognition after each.

3. Firmware Rollback (If Possible)

  • If your printer updated its firmware recently, it might have blocked third-party or even some genuine HP cartridges.
  • Check firmware version:
    • On the printer control panel: Go to Settings → Printer Information.
    • Compare it with HP’s latest firmware for your model: HP Support
  • If a recent update might be the issue, try rolling back the firmware:
    • Go to HP’s website → Find older firmware versions.
    • Disable automatic updates in Settings → Printer Updates.
    • If rollback is not available, you may need HP Support to reset it.

4. Factory Reset (Bypass Touchscreen Block)

Since the touchscreen won't allow a reset, try this hidden menu reset:

  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Hold down the lower-left corner of the touchscreen while turning the printer on.
  3. Continue holding until the HP logo appears and disappears.
  4. Release and check if it enters the Support Menu.
  5. Navigate to Reset Options → Select Full Reset.

5. Check Ink Cartridge Sensors & Electrical Issues

  • If all cartridges are missing, the problem might be with the cartridge sensor or printhead.
  • Open the printer and inspect the cartridge slot for:
    • Bent or damaged metal pins that touch the cartridges.
    • Ink spills—clean with distilled water and a lint-free cloth.
  • Try removing and reinserting the printhead:
    1. Open the printer.
    2. Lift the gray latch holding the printhead.
    3. Gently remove the printhead and clean the contacts.
    4. Reinsert and lock it back in place.

I hope this helps. 

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!


A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
HP Recommended

Hi @dogman5001,

 

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

 

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

 

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP Officejet Pro 8610 is not recognizing the new HP brand cartridges and showing them as empty and missing, even after multiple resets, cleaning, and troubleshooting, this suggests a firmware, electrical, or hardware issue. Here’s a structured approach to fix it:

1. Verify Cartridges & Installation

  • Check that the cartridges are genuine HP: Sometimes, even HP-labeled cartridges can be defective.
  • Reinsert the cartridges firmly: Make sure they click into place.
  • Inspect for packaging remnants: Ensure all protective seals, stickers, or plastic films have been removed.
  • Try a different set of cartridges: If possible, install another set of HP cartridges to rule out cartridge defects.

2. Reset Printer Again (Full Power Reset)

Since a basic power cycle didn't work, try this extended reset:

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  2. Remove all ink cartridges.
  3. Hold the power button for 60 seconds (with the printer unplugged).
  4. Leave it unplugged for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet (avoid power strips).
  6. Turn it on without the cartridges installed.
  7. If it prompts for cartridges, install them one by one, waiting for recognition after each.

3. Firmware Rollback (If Possible)

  • If your printer updated its firmware recently, it might have blocked third-party or even some genuine HP cartridges.
  • Check firmware version:
    • On the printer control panel: Go to Settings → Printer Information.
    • Compare it with HP’s latest firmware for your model: HP Support
  • If a recent update might be the issue, try rolling back the firmware:
    • Go to HP’s website → Find older firmware versions.
    • Disable automatic updates in Settings → Printer Updates.
    • If rollback is not available, you may need HP Support to reset it.

4. Factory Reset (Bypass Touchscreen Block)

Since the touchscreen won't allow a reset, try this hidden menu reset:

  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Hold down the lower-left corner of the touchscreen while turning the printer on.
  3. Continue holding until the HP logo appears and disappears.
  4. Release and check if it enters the Support Menu.
  5. Navigate to Reset Options → Select Full Reset.

5. Check Ink Cartridge Sensors & Electrical Issues

  • If all cartridges are missing, the problem might be with the cartridge sensor or printhead.
  • Open the printer and inspect the cartridge slot for:
    • Bent or damaged metal pins that touch the cartridges.
    • Ink spills—clean with distilled water and a lint-free cloth.
  • Try removing and reinserting the printhead:
    1. Open the printer.
    2. Lift the gray latch holding the printhead.
    3. Gently remove the printhead and clean the contacts.
    4. Reinsert and lock it back in place.

I hope this helps. 

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!


A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.