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Microsoft Windows 11

my printer, HP inkjet 2542 indicated a bad black ink cartridge so I purchased a new one HP# 61 at best buy but my printer will not recognize the new cartridge.

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @Larry0942,

 

Welcome to HP Support Community.  


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

 

If your HP inkjet 2542 printer is not recognizing a new HP #6 black ink cartridge, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue.

 

  • Ensure Proper Installation: Make sure the ink cartridge is properly installed. Open the printer's cover and ensure that the cartridge is securely seated in its slot.
  • Check for Protective Tape: Ensure that you have removed any protective tape or seals from the new ink cartridge. Sometimes, these tapes can prevent proper contact with the printer.
  • Clean the Cartridge Contacts: Turn off the printer and remove the cartridge. Gently wipe the copper-colored electrical contacts on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with distilled water. Make sure the contacts are clean and dry before reinserting the cartridge.
  • Restart the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for a few minutes. Then, plug it back in and turn it on. Sometimes, a power cycle can help resolve cartridge recognition issues.
  • Update Printer Firmware: Check if there are any available firmware updates for your printer on the HP website. Installing the latest firmware can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.
  • Try Another Cartridge: If you have another compatible HP #6 black ink cartridge available, try installing it to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the cartridge itself.
  • Reset the Printer: You can try resetting the printer to its default settings. To do this, refer to your printer's manual or visit the HP support website for specific instructions on how to perform a factory reset.

 

Additionally, it's important to ensure that you are using genuine HP ink cartridges, as third-party or refilled cartridges may not always work correctly and can lead to recognition issues. Genuine HP cartridges are designed to work seamlessly with HP printers.

 

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

 

Alden4
HP Support 

Raj_05
HP Support Community Moderator
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