can't install non HP cartrdiges on Officejet Pro 8740

[JoeZ9]

I know I'm not supposed to use other than HP cartridges but I can get aftermarket cartridges much cheap so why on Earth am I forced to buy more expensive cartridges? My 8740 is a great printer. Love it- but not the cost of HP ink. So, a company that sells cheaper cartridges, which happen to work perfectly (used them for years) warned to not allow the printer to upgrade its firmware.  Some months ago, I think I did allow it upgrade forgetting why I shouldn't. In fact, I had the printer loaded with non HP cartridges that were working perfectly. After the firmware upgrade, the machine refused to recognize them. I consider this a theft. Yes, HP said don't use them- but they shouldn't have the right to stop us. What if a car company said you had to buy gas from them? Makes no sense. So, here's my question, is it possible to go back to a previous version of the firmware upgrade? The company that sells the cheaper ink said don't buy another HP printer. Maybe I'll give up on HP if I can't get these cartridges to install correctly. I could see if the company said using other inks will negate the machine's warranty- or that the other ink won't work as well. I'll grant them that- but not that if you buy other ink, they won't work at all.

[zoey7886]

@JoeZ9, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Non-HP Ink Cartridges on HP Printers! 

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

HP printers, including your OfficeJet Pro 8740, are designed to work with HP genuine cartridges to ensure the best performance and quality. After a firmware update, printers may no longer accept third-party or refilled cartridges due to updated security features.

Unfortunately, downgrading the firmware isn’t supported, and we can’t guarantee compatibility with non-HP cartridges.

We always recommend using original HP ink to avoid these issues and maintain the health of your printer. Let us know if you need help finding the right HP cartridges or have any other questions.  

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, 

[JoeZ9]

Come on now, HP makes a fantastic profit off ink. The real reason you restrict printers from using other ink is you want that profit- not because other ink won't work well- as it's proven because I used an after market ink for several years with that printer. You say going to a previous version of the firmware is not supported. Well, that would be an easy to decision to change your mind if you wanted to. I will never again buy an HP printer. The after market ink is about a third the cost of HP ink cartridges. I've also bought after market ink cartridges for my HP Laserjet 1320 and several older HP printers. It always worked perfectly. I wish HP would be honest about this. As I said in the first message, it would be one thing if HP said "if you buy other ink then HP will not warranty it". Fine. That's reasonable but making the printer NOT work when it was working the moment before the firmware upgrade. Please pass this along to the higher ups- then I'd appreciate getting back to me as to how I can go back to a previous firmware. Of course this is possible. The printer is several years old and way out of warranty. If an after market cartridge ruins the printer, of course that's my problem- but it was working perfectly. And that's several almost loaded cartridges- so having to replace all of them will cost me hundreds of dollars. If you want me to buy any more HP printers, I want that older firmware.

[Hawks_Eye]

@JoeZ9 

ZOEY7886 is away for now; however, I'm Hawks_Eye, and I'll be happy to help you out!

Thank you for sharing your concerns. 

I understand your frustration with this situation, and I apologize for any inconvenience caused. 

Unfortunately, HP does not support downgrading firmware on their printers. Once a firmware update is installed, it cannot be reverted to a previous version.

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye

[JoeZ9]

You said, " it cannot be reverted to a previous version". Come on now, we both  know that's not true- that is, that of course it could be reverted to a previous version if HP allowed it. Obviously, I'm not going have that option so I'll let it go and never again buy an HP printer. It's a bad decision for HP to demand that we only buy HP cartridges. You do not need to reply because it's obvious that I will get no satisfaction. Too bad, as I do like the 8740.

[Hawks_Eye]

@JoeZ9 

I'm truly sorry for the frustration you’re experiencing with your HP OfficeJet 8740 and the limitations regarding cartridge compatibility.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I deeply regret that this has led to dissatisfaction with the printer and its features. 

If there’s anything else I can do to assist you, I’m here to help. Regardless, I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of your troubleshooting journey. 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye