• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
If you're having print quality issues Click here for more tips!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
Locked

‎07-26-2025 02:21 PM

HP Recommended
Product: HP Officejet Pro 8600 e-All-in-One Printer - N911a
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I accidentally put in an empty black cartridge and now it says all 4 cartridges are damaged and they were all 4 replaced with new ones.  We have never installed anything but Genuine HP cartridges.  

1 person had the same question
1 REPLY 1

‎07-29-2025 06:41 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @JER39 

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

 

Thanks for explaining that—it’s definitely frustrating to see a “damaged cartridge” message after replacing all four with genuine ones. 

 

Let’s walk through a few steps that may help clear the error and get your printer back on track:

 

1. Power Cycle the Printer

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
  • Wait at least 60 seconds.
  • Plug it back in and power it on. This can help reset internal sensors.

 

2. Clean Cartridge Contacts

  • Open the cartridge access door and remove all cartridges.
  • Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean the copper-colored contacts on each cartridge and inside the printer.
  • Allow everything to dry completely before reinserting the cartridges.

 

3. Reset the Printhead

  • Lift the latch next to the cartridges and carefully remove the printhead.
  • Clean the gold contacts on the printhead and inside the printer using the same method as above.
  • Reinstall the printhead and cartridges, ensuring each one clicks firmly into place.

 

4. Update Firmware

 

5.  Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

  • In the HP Smart app, click Printer Settings > Diagnose & Fix.
  • Let it run a scan—it will automatically fix common connection issues.
    You can also access this tool on HP’s support page if needed.

 

If the error persists after these steps, the printhead may need servicing or replacement. Let me know how things go—I’ll be right here to help you through the next step if needed.

 

 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
Warning
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask the community
† 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>.