Printer says HP cartridge is incompatible after weeks of use

[RosaLondon]

Help! I have an old but very good HP Photosmart 4200. Genuine HP black cartridge, been in use for weeks - suddenly wont print and message says INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE. I've turned printer on and off, waited, almost lost my sanity ringing multiple HP numbers and got no answer - any ideas? Thank you so much.

[Raj_05]

Hi @RosaLondon,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If your HP Photosmart 4200 printer suddenly displays an "HP cartridge is incompatible" error message after weeks of use, there could be a few possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can try.

• Verify Cartridge Compatibility: Ensure that the cartridge you are using is compatible with your HP Photosmart 4200 printer. Double-check the cartridge model number and compare it to the printer's specifications. If you are using a third-party or refilled cartridge, it may not be recognized by the printer.
• Clean the Cartridge Contacts: Over time, the electrical contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer can accumulate dust or debris, which may interfere with proper communication. Turn off the printer, remove the cartridge, and gently clean the contacts on both the cartridge and inside the printer using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water. Make sure the contacts are completely dry before reinstalling the cartridge.
• Reset the Printer: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve temporary glitches or errors. Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for about 1-2 minutes. Then, plug it back in and turn it on. This process can help clear any temporary issues that may be causing the compatibility error.
• Update Firmware and Software: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Visit the official HP support website, enter your printer model, and check if there are any available firmware updates. Additionally, make sure you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer. Outdated software can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.
• Perform a Hard Reset: If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, you can try performing a hard reset on your printer. This process may vary depending on the specific model, so refer to your printer's manual or visit the HP support website for instructions on how to perform a hard reset.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support