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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- My 6700 said to replace R, then it says Y, now it says K. wh...

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07-11-2024 09:54 AM
My 6700 HP printer first said replace R ink cartridge. As soon as I did that it said replace Y cartridge even though both R and Y had lots of ink in them. After replacing both is now says replace "K" cartridge. What is K cartridge? Has the suit against HP for programming their system so you have to replace cartridges that still have ink in them ever been settled, and how can someone who has owned 7 HP printers and had to replace 100s of cartridges that still had ink in them get a refund?
07-13-2024 10:10 AM
Hi @neillhough,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
I'd be happy to help you!
The "K" cartridge in your HP printer refers to the black ink cartridge. The abbreviation "K" stands for "Key," which is a term used in the CMYK color model to denote black.
Here are the steps to address the issue with your HP OfficeJet 6700 printer:
1. Check Ink Cartridges
Remove and Reinsert Cartridges:
- Turn on your printer.
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Remove the "K" (black) ink cartridge and inspect it for any damage or leaks.
- Reinsert the cartridge firmly into its slot.
Check Cartridge Compatibility:
- Ensure that you are using genuine HP ink cartridges compatible with the HP OfficeJet 6700. Sometimes, third-party cartridges can cause errors.
2. Clean the Cartridge Contacts
Turn Off the Printer:
- Turn off your printer and unplug it from the power source.
Clean Contacts:
- Open the ink cartridge access door and remove the cartridges.
- Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to gently clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer.
Reinsert Cartridges:
- Allow the contacts to dry for a few minutes, then reinsert the cartridges.
Turn On the Printer:
- Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
3. Update Firmware
- Check for Firmware Update:
- Visit the HP Support website and check if there is a firmware update available for your printer model.
- Download and install any available updates following the instructions provided.
Kindly check the next set of 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-Moderator
I am an HP Employee
07-13-2024 10:12 AM
Hi @neillhough,
Please find the next set of steps below.
4. Reset the Printer
- Perform a Hard Reset:
- With the printer turned on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and the wall outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and the printer.
- Turn on the printer and check if the issue persists.
5. Replace the Black (K) Cartridge
- Replace the Cartridge:
- If cleaning the contacts and performing a reset does not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the black (K) ink cartridge with a new one, even if the current one seems to have ink.
6. Check for Error Messages
- Follow On-Screen Instructions:
- If the printer displays any specific error messages, follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot further.
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there may be a more complex problem with the printer's hardware or software. Contact HP Phone Support for further assistance.
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-Moderator
I am an HP Employee