Setup of new Smart Tank 7300 series.

[Tomb666]

Setting up new 7300 printer. Filled tanks with supplied ink. All tanks showing full. Can't move on to printer head installation as "K" is flashing, indicating black is short. But tank is full. Printer setup won't allow me to move forward to head installation.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Tomb666 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for laying that out so clearly. That flashing “K” (black ink) icon is a known hiccup during setup for the HP Smart Tank 7300 series—even when the tank is full. It usually means the printer isn’t detecting the black printhead properly, not that the ink is low.

Let’s walk through the fix together:

1. Check the Printhead Installation

• Open the ink access door and wait for the carriage to stop moving.
• Press the blue button on the carriage to open the printhead cover.
• Remove the black printhead (hold it upright by the sides).
• Double-check:
  • The protective tape on the copper contacts is fully removed.
  • The plugs on top of the printhead are removed.
• Reinsert the printhead until it clicks into place.
• Close the printhead cover and ink access door.

2. Reset the Printer

• Turn off the printer using the power button.
• Unplug the power cord from both the printer and wall.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in directly to a wall outlet (not a surge protector).
• Power it back on.

3. Align the Printheads

• If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to print an Alignment Page.
• Complete the alignment to finalize setup.

If the error persists:

• Gently clean the copper contacts on the printhead with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
• Let it dry completely before reinserting.

4. Check Ink Tank Setup:

• Ensure that the ink tank is properly filled up to the maximum line. Verify that the black ink cap is sealed securely after filling.
• Double-check if the color of the ink matches the tank color code, although you've indicated the tank is full.

5. Re-check the Ink Tank and Bottle Installation:

• Ensure the black ink bottle seal was removed properly and there was no blockage during the ink flow.
• Check for any visible obstructions or air bubbles within the ink tube leading to the printhead.

6. Design within Software:

• Try reconnecting your printer software on your computer or mobile app (such as HP Smart App) to help sync any variations in detection. Ensure your firmware is updated.

Always ensure that the printer is in a stable environment and within suggested startup times for all moving and detection parts to settle. If you’ve already tried some of these steps, let me know what worked or didn’t—I’ll tailor the next move. 

You’ve got this, and I’m right here to help you finish setup smoothly.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye