Printer won’t print

[MarVan8]

I have an old hp printer office jet 5740. I want to start using it again but it won’t print anything on the paper. It’s blank. I’m not sure if I should invest in cartridges if it won’t work. How can I verify if the printer will work with new cartridges? It currently has one almost full black cartridge installed and no color one.

[zoey7886]

@MarVan8, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding OfficeJet 5740 Printing Issues! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

To determine if your HP OfficeJet 5740 will work with new cartridges, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Check for Error Messages

1. Turn On the Printer: Make sure your printer is turned on.
2. Check the Display: Look at the printer's display panel for any error messages or warnings that indicate a problem, such as "No Color Cartridge" or "Replace Cartridge."

Step 2: Examine the Black Cartridge

1. Open the Cartridge Access Door: Wait for the carriage to move to the center of the printer.
2. Remove the Black Cartridge: Carefully remove the black cartridge and inspect it for any obvious damage.
3. Check the Contacts: Ensure the copper contacts and the ink nozzles are clean. If they are dirty, gently clean them with a lint-free cloth.
4. Reinsert the Cartridge: Place the cartridge back into its slot and make sure it is securely seated.

Step 3: Install a Color Cartridge

Since the printer might require both cartridges to be installed to function properly, try to:

1. Install the Missing Color Cartridge: If you have an old color cartridge, even if it's empty, install it to see if this resolves the issue.

Step 4: Run a Test Print

1. Print a Test Page: Use the printer's control panel to print a test page. This option is usually found in the printer's settings menu.
2. Check the Print Quality: If the test page prints out correctly, the printer’s hardware likely works fine, and investing in new cartridges should be worth it.

Step 5: Update Printer Firmware

1. Connect to Your PC: Make sure your printer is connected to your PC.
2. Check for Updates: Go to the HP support website to check if there are any firmware updates available for your OfficeJet 5740. Updating the firmware might resolve some issues.

Step 6: Print a Diagnostic Report

1. Access Printer Reports: From the printer's control panel, print a diagnostic report. This will give a detailed analysis of the printer’s health and potential issues.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,