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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- what ink cartridge can i use in my printer?

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03-12-2025 06:59 PM
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
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
03-19-2025 06:45 AM
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
03-19-2025 06:45 AM
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