'Incompatible Ink Cartridge' error

[gwarbeh]

Hi.

I purchsed new cartidges and installed them.  Now I have this error and cannot do anything with the printer.  Please help.

I already tried:

1. Checking HPSureSUpply: my cartridges are compatible.

2. Powering down for 60 seconds and restarting: same error.

3. Unplugging from printer and wall, waiting 15 seconds and reconnecting: same error.

4. Checking that the cartridges are properly inserted: they are all snapped snugly in the proper spots.

5. Vents and contacts: the vents look clear; the contacts are clean and shiny.

What can I do to fix this?  OR is my printer now just a fancy paperweight?

[Bob_Headrick]

What printer model? What cartridge number are you using?  Are the cartridges HP or third party?  (The latter generally have reliability issues, see the study here.) 

[gwarbeh]

Thanks for the quick reply

The printer is: Photosmart 6510

Cartridges: H-564, third party.

The link to that study doesn't work.

[Bob_Headrick]

Sorry about the link, I corrected it above and here.

I suggest you contact your supplier for a replacement.

[gwarbeh]

I decided to try HP cartidges.  Unfortunately, that made no difference at all.  The "Incompatible Cartridge" error still prevents the printer from doing anything useful.  Please, can anyone help?  I am seriously considering walking away from HP printers for good.

[gwarbeh · Accepted solution]

Eureka!

The issue is regionalization.  Apparently, HP produces 2 different cartridge types that match my printer (HP Photosmart 6510).  There's 364 cartridges that work on printers set up to operate in Europe, and then there's 564 cartridges that work on US region printers.  Apparently there is a way to get your printer region changed by HP customer support, but practically speaking, people indicate that it is nearly impossible to achieve.  My ill fortune was buying a printer locally in Europe and then ordering ink from the States.

I solved my own problem by following some advice I saw here.  Scroll down until you see a short reply from user ShoSho-77.  Basically, a 5 minute hack job, and I'm back in business (Thanks Shosho-77!).  I agree with the users on the linked discussion.  The regionalization model is silly and annoying.  Ink is ink, don't you think?