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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Older Generation Cartridge

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
12-20-2021 12:08 PM
I just put in brand new HP ink cartridges, the exact name numbers and everything, and am getting the message "The indicated cartridge is an older generation cartridge that does not work in your printer." The black tank is the second cartridge from a two-pack that the first cartridge is the empty one I am replacing. One cartridge from the pack worked, and now the second one is "older generation" and won't work? Any advice or fixes? I've been trying things all morning and am about ready to throw everything in the dumpster and never buy HP products again.
12-21-2021 04:18 AM
@AlainBB, Welcome to the HP Support Community! I’m here to help.
I understand you are not able to use the new black ink cartridge due to this error. To assist you better,
- Are you sure this is an HP genuine ink cartridge?
- Validate this by clicking here - HP Anti-Counterfeit and Fraud (ACF) Program
If this is a genuine HP ink cartridge, I would need some information related to the ink cartridges and the printer which cannot be shared on a public post for security reasons.
I have sent you a private message, reply to the message with the required details.
In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link.
Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click on the YES button to reply that the response was helpful and/or to say “Thank You”.
Have a great day!
KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee
12-30-2021 04:52 PM
I replaced the 952 bundle of cartridges in my HP OfficeJet Pro 8720. However, it tells me that these are cartridges for an older generation printer and won't work with mine. I'm confused because I've replaced them before with no problem.
I wrote to customer support and was told that:
> The error message pop-up window you’re seeing while installing your ink cartridges happened because your printer cannot properly identify the cartridge. Please try removing the cartridge and ensure nothing is preventing a good connection (debris/dust) between the electrical contacts on the cartridge and in the printer carriage. Then, re-insert the cartridge and see if this corrects the problem.
I reinstalled and got the same message. I l know they're installed correctly because I first get a message indicating that these are genuine HP cartridges. Then I get that older generation message.
What should I do?
Thanks!
01-06-2022 08:58 AM
Here is the solution.
"HP has issued a warning on its website that it will “update” 902-909 and 952-959 ink cartridges with warranty-end dates between January to April 2021, in December this year.
The OEM came under criticism and been subject to anger from industry groups and consumers for issuing updates, sometimes covertly, that prevent them from using third-party supplies in their printers.
The company claims that the ink cartridges that will be updated are compatible with both current and future printers that use these cartridge numbers. Cartridge and printer availability and compatibility may vary by region."
Here is the website that shows you how to downgrade your printers firmware, which will then allow you to use your older HP print cartridges.
https://www.rtmworld.com/news/hp-warns-updates-will-impact-consumers-and-aftermarket/
Shame on you HP!!
01-20-2022 02:37 PM - last edited on 05-31-2022 06:07 AM by MarcusC
I couldn't find a firmware reset process on this website. For an other possible workaround, try this website. I was able to use my older genuine HP ink cartridges after following the process on this website. Use at your own risk, and I would run virus/malware scans on anything downloaded. Not all printers are supported. [Content Removed]
02-16-2022 08:47 AM - edited 02-16-2022 08:47 AM
Phils1952: Thank you for your post. This was the correct answer. It is amazing to me that HP intentionally makes their own cartridges not work based on something like the warranty date, even though it is the correct model number and they package them in multiples (i.e. I buy them two at a time from Costco, more when on sale). Using your instructions worked like a charm. My old printer was back, working well, and accepting my genuine HP Cartridges.
The really sad thing is that HP knows what they have done, but sends their customers down a support hell path by telling them to unplug, reset, clean contacts, etc. all while knowing they intentionally made their own cartridges obsolete by date. They have also told customers that it is impossible to roll back the firmware (I have seen this in other threads on this same topic). Obviously, it is not impossible. I did notice that many sites that were offering archive images of the older firmware were now not accessible (i.e. sites that used google drive were showing the error that this download violated their policy on copyright). That is a big question, as fair use law seems to support the ability to re-install the firmware and features you bought when obtaining the printer.
Again, Thank you for your post, That was indeed the solution I needed.