Ink error

[Pdfly21]

Office jet pro 6978 in cartridge error note: 

 “older generation cartridges”

printer not accepting cartridges. How can I get around this? 

thank you in advance

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Pdfly21,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are getting the "older generation cartridges" error on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 usually indicates that the printer's firmware does not recognize the installed cartridges as compatible or that the cartridges are not from the correct region. Here are steps to resolve the issue:

1. Verify Cartridge Compatibility

Ensure you are using cartridges specifically compatible with the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978. These should be HP 902, 902XL, 906XL cartridges. Verify the part number matches your printer model.

2. Check the Cartridge Generation

HP printers may require updated cartridges depending on the firmware version. Older cartridges might not work if your printer's firmware has been updated.

• Solution: Purchase the latest generation cartridges from HP or authorized sellers.

3. Reset the Printer

Sometimes, a hard reset resolves the issue.

• Turn off the printer and disconnect it from the power source.
• Wait for at least 2–3 minutes.
• Reconnect and turn on the printer.
• Try reinstalling the cartridges.

4. Disable Cartridge Protection (if applicable)

If you previously enabled "Cartridge Protection" through HP Smart or printer settings, it might block non-original or older cartridges.

• Open HP Smart or access your printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS) via its IP address.
• Navigate to Settings > Printer Security > Cartridge Protection.
• Turn off Cartridge Protection and save changes.

5. Reinstall Firmware (Rollback or Update)

HP often updates printer firmware to block older or third-party cartridges.

Rollback Firmware (if using third-party cartridges):

• Check if older firmware is available on HP's support site.
• Download and install it on your printer.

Update Firmware (if using genuine HP cartridges):

• Use the HP Smart app or HP's website to ensure you have the latest firmware.

6. Check for Region Locking

HP cartridges may be region-locked. If you purchased the cartridges in a different region than where the printer was set up, they might not work.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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