hp toner cartridge worked for 3 weeks before error code 11. Why?

[stooge2990]

During the first weeks/months of having this printer, HP sent me a free toner cartridge under the "free ink" deal.  I put the cartridge aside.  I also ordered a new cartridge from HP.  Both cartridges were set aside for weeks.   When my original cartridge went bad, I replaced the cartridge with the on HP sent me for free.  It worked fine I  The inscription on the handle of this cartridge says: HP Instant Ink 134/135 W8007J.   I used this cartridge for about 2-3 weeks before getting the error code 11. "bad cartridge."

I replaced this bad cartridge with the one I had to buy and it got me working again. I contacted hp support and later I got a message that the failed cartridge was a "store bought" cartridge.   I have never in my life bought a store bought cartridge. 

This error code cartridge was sent to me by HP!

What happened???

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

@stooge2990,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe incorrectly flagged the HP-sent Instant Ink cartridge as "store bought," which led to the Error Code 11 ("Bad Cartridge"). Here’s what likely happened and what you can do about it.

Possible Causes of the Error Code 11

HP Instant Ink Cartridge Deactivation

• HP Instant Ink cartridges are tied to the subscription program and require an active connection to HP's servers for authentication. If HP deactivated the cartridge in their system (e.g., due to inactivity or an issue with your account), it could trigger the error.

Cartridge Expiration or Firmware Update Conflict

• If the cartridge was sitting unused for weeks/months, it’s possible that an HP firmware update changed how the printer recognizes cartridges, causing an authentication failure.

Cartridge Serialization and Tracking Mistake

• HP tracks cartridges by serial number, and there might have been an error in their database incorrectly marking your HP-sent cartridge as "store bought," even though it wasn’t.

What You Can Do

Check HP Instant Ink Status: Log in to your HP Instant Ink account and verify if your subscription is active and whether there are any cartridge-related alerts.

Firmware Downgrade (If Recently Updated): If your printer auto-updated its firmware before the error appeared, try rolling it back (if possible). HP has been known to release updates that restrict non-HP or older Instant Ink cartridges.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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