Photosmart 526 printer says new cartridge failed

[StevieWunda1]

I have just bought a little used but old Photosmart 526 printer. I have installed a new, sealed cartridge and I get the error message 'cartridge failed'.  Any suggestions for how I can overcome this as the printer is no longer supported by HP due to its age?

[Raj_05]

Hi @StevieWunda1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It's unfortunate to encounter such an error, especially with an older printer model. Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and potentially overcome the "cartridge failed" error.

• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the cartridge you've installed is compatible with your HP Photosmart 526 printer. Sometimes, even though a cartridge might physically fit, it may not be the correct type for your printer model.
• Clean Contacts: Remove the cartridge and clean the contacts (the metal strips on the cartridge and inside the printer) using a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water. Make sure they're dry before reinserting the cartridge.
• Reinstall Cartridge: Remove the cartridge and reinstall it firmly into the printer. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause this error message.
• Reset Printer: Try resetting your printer by turning it off, unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a couple of minutes, and then plugging it back in and turning it on again.
• Update Firmware (if possible): Check if there's any firmware update available for your printer model. Sometimes, updating the firmware can resolve compatibility issues.
• Try Another Cartridge: If possible, try using another new cartridge to see if the issue persists. It's possible that the cartridge you received may be faulty.
• Inspect Cartridge: Carefully inspect the cartridge for any visible defects or damages. If you notice any, it's likely the cause of the error, and you may need to replace the cartridge.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there may be a hardware fault with the printer itself.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support