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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- printer error "there is a problem with the printer or ink sy...

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07-17-2024 10:31 AM
HP Officejet pro 8600 plus printer is showing this error message "there is a problem with the printer or ink system". This error happened after replacing ink cartridges with new original Hp cartridges and even when putting the old cartridges back in I'm still getting the same error
07-19-2024 05:39 PM
Hi @MissMaizy,
Welcome to The HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand you are getting the "problem with the printer or ink system" error on your HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus can be caused by various factors such as ink cartridge issues, printhead problems, or firmware glitches.
Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
1. Power Cycle the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.
2. Check Ink Cartridges
- Ensure the ink cartridges are genuine HP cartridges.
- Remove the ink cartridges from the printer.
- Inspect the cartridges for any signs of damage or ink leakage.
- Clean the electrical contacts on the ink cartridges with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water.
- Reinsert the cartridges and ensure they are securely seated.
3. Clean the Printhead
- Open the printer's access door and wait for the printhead to move to the center.
- Remove the ink cartridges.
- Lift the latch to remove the printhead.
- Clean the electrical contacts on the printhead and inside the printer where the printhead sits.
- Reinsert the printhead and ink cartridges.
- Close the latch and the printer's access door.
4. Reset the Printer
- Turn on the printer.
- With the printer powered on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and reconnect it to the printer.
- Turn the printer on if it doesn’t turn on automatically.
5. Update the Printer Firmware Update the firmware on an HP printer
- Go to the HP Support website.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware update.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the printer firmware.
6. Check for Obstructions
- Open the printer's access door.
- Inspect the inside of the printer for any paper jams or foreign objects.
- Remove any obstructions carefully.
7. Perform a Semi-Full Reset (Advanced)
A semi-full reset can help resolve more persistent issues. Note that this reset may remove some settings and configurations.
- Turn off the printer.
- Press and hold the "#" and "6" buttons on the printer’s control panel.
- While holding the buttons, turn on the printer.
- Continue holding the buttons until the printer begins to reset.
Refer to this document: HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One Printer series - N911 User manual
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
07-19-2024 06:05 PM
Am having the same exact issue with my HP 8600. I called HP Technical support and they told me that it's a print head issue, that it has to do with the printer and it cannot be fixed - to purchase a new printer. HP Support is giving out false and misleading information. The issue began immediately after replacing a depleted 950XL ink cartridge with a brand new, and obviously defective HP ink cartridge that I order about 5 months ago directly from HP.com. I explained very clearly to HP Technical Support that the ink cartridge they sent was defective and that the ink cartridge was causing the error with printer and causing printer to not work as a result. Support refused to refund money for ink cartridge or send a new, non-defective ink cartridge. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my printer and can prove it as I was able to put the old cartridge back in and it worked just fine. Also, I put another new HP cartridge purchased at a local office supply and printer worked just fine. HP is attempting to scam people into throwing out their perfectly good printers and recommending they purchase new printers and ink systems. In the meantime, I'm out exactly $63.86 for an HP 950XL High Yield Black Original Ink Cartridge. After performing some cursory investigation, it is my understanding that HP is refilling or re-manufacturing these older ink cartridges and sending them to customers without fully testing them first. I will send the new HP ink cartridge HP sent to me back to HP and they will refund full amount including shipping or they will replace ink cartridge with new non-defective ink cartridge. Else, I will definitely file a complaint with BBB and take legal action against HP if necessary. I'm, definitely, not the type of person that will tolerate this sort of nonsense.
07-19-2024 06:12 PM
Gaya1239 - When I called HP Support, they never offered to mention the information you posted on this community site. Thank you, but I've tried all of this and everytime I put the brand new HP ink cartridge in to my HP Officejet 8600, I receive this error and printer stops working. However, when I reset printer and put old cartridge or another new cartridge in printer, printer works just fine. When I called HP support, they were not willing to do or offer anything. In the meantime, I'm out $63.86 for the new and defective cartridge HP.com sent to me. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks again!