Photosmart C7280 ink cartridges - what now?

[Far2busy]

I can no longer override the ink cartridge "low" message and continue printing as I used to be able to do in the past. I have scoured the HP websites for a solution to the fact that the 02 cartridges are no longer available, other than oem "compatible" products from alternative sources. 

Yes, I know this is an older model but it works just fine, so the solution is not to go buy a new printer. What is the suggested solution that HP offers? (I spent a significant amount of time trying to do the override, as is suggested in the online documentation that the C7280 should still print using the override process, see link below.... but no love.)  

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-photosmart-c7200-all-in-one-printer-series/3204782/model/320...

[Bob_Headrick]

The override you describe from the HP site refers to the use of "expired" cartridges, beyond their end of life in years.  It appears the issue you are having is cartridges that are physically empty or low enough on ink that reliable printing cannot be assured.  As a cartridge becomes low the printer will first warn and allow to continue, but at some point there is not enough ink to keep the plumbing working.  At this time the printer will block printing to avoid causing damage to the printing system.  Air in the plumbing can cause damage to the printhead and/or clogging of dried ink in the tubing.

You will need to replace the depleted cartridges to enable printing.

I was not aware the HP 02 cartridges were no longer available, I will ask to have the case escalated to see if there are alternatives.

[Far2busy]

Bob, thanks so much for your response. The issue is two-fold: one cartridge is almost empty (dark magenta), and another cartridge that still has some ink is expired (yellow). I tried to switch the print options to "print in black/white only" hoping that would circumvent the color cartridge issues, but it didn't work. 

And as you note, the fundamental problem is that 02 ink is no longer available from HP, and there doesn't seem to be a work-around. The "02" ink I have found online is labelled as "remanufactured" or "replacement" from oem vendors.

[Bob_Headrick]

Unfortunately, your printer will need adequate ink in all the cartridges.  While it may be possible to bypass the "expired"  ink,  the "depleted" cartridge(s) will need to be replaced.  Even while printing in black ink only the printhead is waving around in the air.  There must be enough ink available to perform servicing to keep the printhead from clogging and avoid air ingestion into the printhead.

I have asked for clarification on the HP 02 cartridges from a path I have into HP.  I expect I should hear something within a few days.

[Far2busy]

Again, Bob, I thank you for your follow up and escalation. Lydia

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Far2busy,

I'd like to help!

I have escalated your issue to HP’s Support Team in your region. They will review and check for possible options available, if any, to resolve your issue.  You should be contacted within 2-4 business days (this does not include weekends or holidays).  Response times may vary by region

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Community.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

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[Far2busy]

Hi Jay_G24 - I was never contacted  by anyone from the HP Support team regarding the printer ink issue and if there was an alternative solution for a printer that works perfectly well, save the ink issue that HP created.

Disappointing - yes. Surprising - no.

I appreciate your assistance. Thank you.

[Bob_Headrick]

@Far2busy - my contact in HP sent me a link to this document that indicates the HP 02 cartridges were discontinued in November 1, 2020.  It seems this was a very quiet event, I was unable to find this in a Google search.  I was surprised the cartridges have been discontinued for more than a year, I have a Photosmart 3310 that is probably scrap now :-(.

At this point there may be options on eBay or with third party suppliers.  I would suggest if you purchase non-HP supplies you make sure the parts have a warranty in case you need replacements.