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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Re: Office Jet Pro 8720 message "Problem with the supply sys...

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11-08-2024 12:15 PM
Hi @humpndunk,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
The "Problem with the supply system" error message on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is likely due to the off-brand cartridges. HP printers are designed to recognize and validate HP-branded cartridges, and using third-party or refilled cartridges can sometimes trigger this type of error.
Here are a few steps to try to resolve the issue.
Remove and Reinsert Cartridges: Turn off your printer, unplug it, and remove all cartridges. Wait a few minutes, reinsert the cartridges, and power on the printer.- Reset the Printer: Unplug the printer while it’s on, wait about 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This can sometimes clear any memory errors.
- Check for Firmware Updates: HP may release firmware updates that can affect how the printer recognizes cartridges. Check if there’s an update for your model and install it through the HP Smart app or your printer’s settings menu.
- Revert to Genuine HP Cartridges: If the error persists, you may need to replace the off-brand cartridges with genuine HP cartridges. HP printers often have a chip to verify cartridge authenticity, and using genuine cartridges may resolve this issue.
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!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator
11-10-2024 01:22 PM
Thanks for the suggestions. Here's how it went. Note that this problem began with off-brand cartridges. Purchased new HP-branded cartridges, and that is what I have installed now.
"Remove and Reinsert Cartridges: Turn off your printer, unplug it, and remove all cartridges. Wait a few minutes, reinsert the cartridges, and power on the printer." - Cannot remove cartridges when the printer is off. Carriage is off to the side, not in the center.
"Reset the Printer: Unplug the printer while it’s on, wait about 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This can sometimes clear any memory errors." - This did not resolve the problem.
Removed the cartridges (with printer on), closed the cover, waited for it to tell me there were no cartridges installed, then unplugged without shutting down. Waited 2 minutes before plugging it in. Same error. Powered down properly, then on again, same error.
Checked for updates - there are none.
11-11-2024 12:48 PM
Hi @humpndunk,
Thank you for your response,
Thank you for the detailed feedback and for trying the initial steps. Since you’re still experiencing the “Problem with the supply system” error, despite switching to genuine HP cartridges and attempting multiple resets, here are a few advanced troubleshooting steps that may help.
Manually Reset the Ink System:
- With the printer on, open the cartridge access door and remove each cartridge.
- Close the access door without the cartridges, allowing the printer to display the “Cartridge Missing” error.
- Power off the printer, unplug it from the wall for about 5 minutes, then reconnect and power on the printer.
- Once it prompts for cartridges, reinsert each one carefully to ensure good contact.
Clean Cartridge Contacts:
- Power off the printer, unplug it, and remove each cartridge.
- Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water to clean the copper-colored contacts on each cartridge, as well as the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
- Allow the contacts to dry completely before reinserting the cartridges and powering the printer back on.
Check Cartridge Authenticity with HP Software:
- Use the HP Smart app (or HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows) to verify the cartridge status. Sometimes the app can detect errors or provide more specific information regarding cartridge issues.
Perform a Semi-Full Reset (Factory Reset):
- This reset clears most errors and settings but should only be performed as a last resort. To do this:
- On the printer’s control panel, go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore > Restore Factory Defaults.
- Follow the prompts and be prepared to reconfigure your network and other settings afterward.
Update Firmware (Reattempt):
- Even if you didn’t initially find updates, sometimes firmware might be available only on HP's official website. You could download and manually install any available firmware update by visiting the HP support page and entering your printer model.
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!
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator
11-12-2024 03:33 AM
I've run through all of these advanced suggestions, including the "Last Resort" suggestion, and no good. I keep getting the same error. I think this printer is headed to the dump. Just too bad I have so much good ink to throw away with it.
11-12-2024 12:04 PM
Hi @humpndunk,
Thank you for your response,
I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.
Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.
I hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator