HP7858 need setup cartridges or bypass

[pemartin210]

I bought a refurbished printer but it doesn't include the set up cartridges needed for the startup process.  I followed the instructions in other threads to reset the printer successfully but it will still ask for the setup cartridges. Does anyone know how to work around this issue or where could I get them? 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @pemartin210,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

We understand how frustrating it can be to bring home a refurbished HP ENVY Photo 7858 and find yourself blocked by a setup cartridge message.

The printer firmware is designed to require HP Setup Ink Cartridges during the initial startup sequence. If the printer has been factory reset or refurbished improperly, it will prompt for those specific cartridges, even if standard HP ink cartridges are installed.
 

Since your printer is refurbished and missing the original setup ink, this is a case where we need to perform a Trade Override, which is a special process HP uses to bypass the setup cartridge requirement.
 

Please try the steps shared in the image below. This will help to bypass the Setup cartridge error:

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[pemartin210]

This fix did not work on a 7858.

[pemartin210]

This fix did not work. I clicked "Acepted" by mistake.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @pemartin210,

Sorry to hear that you still have trouble. Please let me know if you are using genuine HP ink cartridges or 3rd party ones, and please do share the image of the cartridges showing the name so I can try to check and help you better.

Keep me posted

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[pemartin210]

Yes, genuine HP cartridges. See picture. Same is true of any of my prior inventory of cartridges, HP and other, from my prior HP Envy. This shackling people to HP inks policy should be revisited by HP, I for one think it is doubtful I will ever by another HP product (not just printer) because of this policy.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @pemartin210,

Thank you for sharing the image details. After carefully reviewing them, I noticed something important — you're using mismatched cartridges. You're currently using a regular black HP ink cartridge, but the color cartridge is still a setup cartridge. This combination won’t work.
 

To get things running smoothly, you need to replace the setup color cartridge with a regular HP color ink cartridge. The printer can only function properly when both cartridges are standard HP ink cartridges — think of them like a matching pair of shoes. If one doesn't fit, the whole walk feels off.
 

Once you've swapped in the correct cartridges, go ahead and follow the steps shown in the image above. You should see your printer come back to life — no more errors, just smooth, quiet printing like it should be.

Let me know how it goes!

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[pemartin210]

That's ridiculous. That is how the printer was packaged, shipped and delivered to me. So now you're saying not only can I NOT use my inventory of existing ink (several hundred dollars worth) but in order to even use the printer I bought, I have to buy an additional ink cartridge! Unbelievable. You've confirmed I will NEVER buy ANY HP product again. What a terrible way to do business.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @pemartin210,

When you first unbox and turn on a new HP OfficeJet 7858, the printer must initialize using a specific set of Setup cartridges (which are included in the box). These cartridges are essential for:

• Priming the ink system
• Calibrating the printhead
• Completing the initial setup

If the printer doesn’t detect both Setup cartridges — black and color — it won’t proceed and will display an error.

What You Should Do

1. Check your printer box carefully for both:
   • Black Setup cartridge
   • Color Setup cartridge
2. If you have both Setup cartridges:
   • Insert both and complete the setup process.
   • After setup, you can switch to using your regular HP ink cartridges.

If the Black Setup Cartridge Is Missing:

You can still proceed — but only under this condition:

🔄 Use a regular HP black ink cartridge (not Setup) together with a regular HP color cartridge.

This bypasses the Setup requirement, allowing the printer to initialize as long as both cartridges are standard HP ink, not a mix of Setup and standard.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support 

[pemartin210]

Nope, no other cartridges and your suggested fix doesn't work either.