• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
If you're having print quality issues Click here for more tips!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit)

My printer has a sticker on it. The sticker lists three ink cartridges that I can use, 952, 952xl, and 956xl.
I bought and installed one of the cartridges, 956xl. The printer error message says "The indicated cartridge is an older generation cartridges that does not work in your printer."

 

I called HP and the man said that my printer was out of warranty. Does this matter?

 

He kept trying to sell me some lease/monthly payment to make the printer work. Why would I want to make monthly payments for ink?

 

My main issue is obtaining a ink cartridge that will work in my printer. He could not answer the question.  Does anybody know if my printer obsolete except for a monthly payment for ink?

 

Regards,

Pat

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

Hi @reggut, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 has a regional ink lock or a firmware issue that is preventing your 956XL cartridge from working. Here’s what’s likely happening and how to fix it:

Understanding the "Older Generation Cartridge" Error

HP sometimes releases new versions of ink cartridges with updated security chips. If your printer firmware is updated, it may reject older cartridges even if they physically fit.

Solution: Find the Correct Cartridge Version

  • Check the Cartridge Generation: HP ink cartridges have an "Ink Cartridge Generation" number on the packaging or chip. Your printer may only accept newer versions.
  • Buy from a Reliable Source: If you bought the 956XL from a third-party seller, it might be old stock that is no longer compatible.
  • Use Official HP Cartridges: Make sure you're purchasing genuine, updated HP ink from an authorized seller.

Alternative Cartridges for Your Printer

  • HP 952 Standard (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
  • HP 952XL High-Yield (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
  • HP 956XL High-Yield (Black only, but may require a specific generation)

Check Firmware Updates

  • HP has firmware updates that block third-party or older cartridges. If your firmware is updated, it may reject the cartridge.
  • You can downgrade the firmware to allow older cartridges if necessary. Let me know if you need steps for this.

Next Steps

  • Buy a newer HP 952XL or 956XL from HP directly or a trusted retailer.
  • Consider rolling back the firmware if the issue started after an update.

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! 

 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

View solution in original post

2 REPLIES 2
HP Recommended

Hi @reggut, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 has a regional ink lock or a firmware issue that is preventing your 956XL cartridge from working. Here’s what’s likely happening and how to fix it:

Understanding the "Older Generation Cartridge" Error

HP sometimes releases new versions of ink cartridges with updated security chips. If your printer firmware is updated, it may reject older cartridges even if they physically fit.

Solution: Find the Correct Cartridge Version

  • Check the Cartridge Generation: HP ink cartridges have an "Ink Cartridge Generation" number on the packaging or chip. Your printer may only accept newer versions.
  • Buy from a Reliable Source: If you bought the 956XL from a third-party seller, it might be old stock that is no longer compatible.
  • Use Official HP Cartridges: Make sure you're purchasing genuine, updated HP ink from an authorized seller.

Alternative Cartridges for Your Printer

  • HP 952 Standard (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
  • HP 952XL High-Yield (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
  • HP 956XL High-Yield (Black only, but may require a specific generation)

Check Firmware Updates

  • HP has firmware updates that block third-party or older cartridges. If your firmware is updated, it may reject the cartridge.
  • You can downgrade the firmware to allow older cartridges if necessary. Let me know if you need steps for this.

Next Steps

  • Buy a newer HP 952XL or 956XL from HP directly or a trusted retailer.
  • Consider rolling back the firmware if the issue started after an update.

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! 

 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

HP Recommended

Max3Aj,

 

Kudos/Thumbs Up"

 

I now bought a black starter cartridge with an expiration date  2022  and it works fine. Thanks for your reply to me.

 

Regards,

Pat

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.