incompatible cartrige

[Larryg77]

I have a hp 7740 after replacing the cyan color cartridge it shows incompatible cartridge I ordered another cartridge but continue to get the same error.  when I reinstalled the empty cartridge, it shows empty and then the yellow shows incompatible cartridge so replaced the yellow and the cyan and the trouble went back to the cyan being incompatible.  I'm lost we only use HP ink

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Larryg77,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

I understand how confusing this is with your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer. You have already tried another cyan cartridge and replaced the yellow cartridge, but the Incompatible Cartridge message keeps shifting between cyan and yellow. Since you are using Original HP cartridges, I would not recommend purchasing any more cartridges until the following checks are completed.

1. Check the cartridge numbers
First, confirm that every installed cartridge is compatible with your printer and the country/region where the printer is being used. HP notes that cartridge compatibility can depend on where the printer was manufactured.

1. Open the cartridge access door and wait until the carriage stops moving.
2. Check the cartridge labels against Which cartridges work with my HP printer? | HP® Support.
3. Make sure each cartridge is installed in its correct color-coded slot.
4. If the printer was moved from one country/region to another, different cartridge numbers might apply, and HP Support might need to assist with regionalization.
5. If enrolled in Instant Ink, the cartridges should be marked Instant Ink. See for related cartridge errors.
6. Make sure every cartridge is firmly seated. If one sticks out farther than the others, press it in until properly seated.
7. Replace only a cartridge confirmed to be incompatible with the correct compatible cartridge.
    

2. Clean the cartridge electrical contacts
A cartridge can also be reported incorrectly if it is not making proper electrical contact with the carriage. HP specifically identifies poor cartridge contact as one possible cause of a cartridge error.

1. Open the cartridge access door and wait for the carriage to stop.
2. Push in the cartridge identified in the error to release it.
   
3. Wipe the copper-colored contact on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth. If the copper-colored contact is missing or damaged, the cartridge must be replaced.
   
4. Slide the cartridge back into its matching color-coded slot until it clicks into place.
5. Repeat these steps for any other cartridge identified by the printer.
6. Close the cartridge access door.

Additional steps are shared in the next post

[VikramTheGreat]

Follow the steps shared below

3. Check for cartridge replacement eligibility
Since you have already tried replacement cartridges:

1. If enrolled in Instant Ink, use your reserve cartridge or contact HP Instant Ink Support for a replacement.
2. Remove the affected cartridge and check the Warranty Ends date printed on it.
3. If the Warranty Ends date has not passed, you may be eligible for a replacement cartridge from HP.
4. If the date has passed, obtain a compatible replacement from the HP Store or a local retailer.
5. Install the replacement cartridge.
    

4. Reset the printer

1. Press the Power button to turn off the printer. If it does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and then to the printer.
5. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
    

5. If the error remains
If the Incompatible Cartridge error continues after confirming the cartridge numbers, cleaning and reseating the cartridges, checking/replacing the affected cartridge, and resetting the printer, use https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact  to review the available service options.

Since the issue is now occurring with more than one Original HP cartridge, completing the cartridge compatibility and electrical-contact checks above is the right next step before purchasing additional ink.

HP Source Guide: HP ink cartridge issues including, incompatible, missing and not recognized errors | HP® Support

[Larryg77]

I have attempted all the steps listed in your replies to no avail I have also attempted to have the printer clean the print head which did not appear to work it sat buffering for a very long time and I did not hear it doing anything.  is it possible the print head is at fault, Iwould hate to invest in one if it will not fix the error your thoughts. Thanks