HP Photosmart 309a do I have to have the small black installed if I have the XL.

[hmr82855]

I just installed new color cartriges but the pack came with an XL black not the regular size black. Now I get an error saying that it dosn't recognize the black. Do I have to have the regular size black too. If so It should have come in the pack I bought.  Thank you for your advice...Mike

[A4Apollo]

Hey there! @hmr82855, 

Thank you for visiting the HP Forums! A great place where you can find solutions for your issues with help from the community!

I understand after replacing the cartridge on your printer you are getting error does not recognize the black cartridge.

Don't worry I'd love to help you out.

Have you tried checking with a different ink cartridge?

Even you use XL ink cartridge you should get any error message on your printer.

Please try the steps recommended below.

In some cases, a printer reset can clear the error message.

Please try the steps recommended below.

In some cases, a printer reset can clear the error message.
Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.
Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
   NOTE:
HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.
Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot ink cartridge issues.

Also, try cleaning the ink cartridge vents and contacts.

Let me know how it goes!

Have a beautiful day ahead! 🙂