Legacy Printer

[organicicestorm]

My Windows 10 64-bit desktop was a recent victim of a ransomware attack. My vintage 2012 8600 printer drivers were also victims.

Since shortly before COVID I've used a laser Printer (with no scan feature) and ONLY use the 8600 for scanning. After locating and installing some legacy drivers, the 8600 is locked in the startup loop with the messages "Missing or failed printhead" and "The printhead appears to be missing, not detected or incorrectly installed."

I've removed and reinstalled the 4 toner cartridges more times than I care to count without any success. I've tried various combinations of pulling the plug and letting the unit rest overnight or over the weekend. Since I haven't printed anything on this unit in 5 or 6 years, I have a hunch that the toner cartridges are empty or dried out.  Now that I'm retired I just don't have an extra $100 + for toner cartridges that will never be used.

So my questions for the group are:

1. What if anything can I do with my 4 existing toner cartridges so they register during the printer's boot process.

2. What if anything can I do to bypass the toner cartridge notices during startup to only access the scanner?

3. Any other suggestions??

[zoey7886 · Accepted solution]

@organicicestorm, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the printer issue! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this—especially after a ransomware hit. That’s a rough ride, and I appreciate you hanging in there. Let’s walk through what can be done with your trusty (if stubborn) Officejet Pro 8600.

1. About those cartridges

Even though you're not using the printer function, the 8600 needs to detect a healthy printhead and ink setup before it'll do anything—even scanning. It’s like it wants to check its whole body before lifting a finger. Sadly, dried or empty cartridges can cause the printer to fail startup checks.

There’s no reliable trick to “revive” the existing cartridges if they’ve dried out. You might try gently cleaning the contacts (on both the cartridges and the printhead) with a lint-free cloth and distilled water—sometimes, just sometimes, it helps make a better connection.

2. Bypassing the printhead error to scan

Here’s the kicker: on this model, there’s no built-in bypass to use the scanner without passing the printhead check. It’s frustrating, I know. You can’t access the scan functions until the printer believes the print system is healthy.

3. What you can consider

If the printer is otherwise working and you love its scan quality, it might be worth finding a used set of cartridges online—cheaper than new, just enough to pass startup.

Alternatively, a dedicated USB scanner (you can find good ones under $50) might be a better long-term option—less fuss, less drama.

If you're feeling techy, you could try running a diagnostic firmware downgrade via USB, but it’s risky and not always successful on newer Windows 10 builds.

You're clearly resourceful—getting this far after a ransomware attack says a lot. I wish I had better news, but I hope this helps you make the next move with more clarity.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[organicicestorm]

Hi again, ZOEY7886

Thank you for getting back to me!

This is NOT your fault, but Grrrrrrrrrr.  In the back of my mind I was afraid this was going to be the situation since it's been years since I've printed with this unit.

I spent some time putzing with the print cartridges and contacts without any luck. I'm going to ck on the usual suspects (Walmart / Amazon etc to look for some generic toner cartridges.

I know this is a decision made by folks above your pay grade, but unless I will Powerball I'm just not going to get another inkjet printer esp with the price of the 4 color large capacity cartridges.

Thanks for getting back to me and you confirmed what I suspected. Can I give you kudos on Linkedin etc?

Thanks again and enjoy the upcoming summer.

[zoey7886]

@organicicestorm, A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Regards,