Can't Print in color on my HP Photosmart C4385 All-in-One printer

[howellkc]

I've become very frustrated with my printer.  I have never had any problems with it until recently.  It is used on a wireless connection, but I have also used it with a USB cord connected to a laptop with no problem.

I can currently only print in black and white, not color.  And I have tried different ways to try and fix the problem.  At first it was saying "no cartridge detected," so I sent the new cartridge I just bought back.  It was a knock-off brand cartridge that I used before with no problems, but for some reason it stopped recognizing the cartridge at all.  (BTW, the one I was replacing was the SAME knock-off brand, which worked just fine!!)

I then bought an authentic HP color cartridge, hoping that was the only problem.  Put the HP ink in, and now it recognizes the cartridge, so I don't get that error anymore, BUT it simply does not print color AT ALL.  No errors about the actual cartridge.

Of course, when I put the cartridge in, and am prompted to run an alignment page, no color is printed on the sheet, so of course the alignment fails.

I don't know what to do.  I am sooo frustrated.  I have always liked this printer, but it has started to reject me!!  Please help.

Thanks!!

[The_Fossette]

Hi @howellkc

Welcome to the HP Forums!

This is a wonderful place to converse with the community, get assistance and find tips.

I reviewed your post and understand that the printer is not printing in color.

Don’t worry, I’d love to help!

Awesome job on diagnosing the issue correctly and performing smart troubleshooting before posting your question on HP forums. Kudos to you on that score. 

Follow the steps in the below document and check if it helps.

http://hp.care/2nCFYMt

NOTE: Ignore the steps you have already performed.

Let me know how it goes.

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles. Take care now and have a splendid week ahead.

Good day! Take care 🙂

Cheers!