New HP 301 ink cartridge for envy 4500 printer produces message that the cartridge is incompatible.

[Aeschylus]

A brand new 301 cartridge for my HPenvy 4500 printer has produced the message that it is not compatible. Any clue as to why?

[Bob_Headrick]

If the cartridge you replaced was an HP 301 then the troubleshooting steps in the document here may help resolve the incompatible cartridge error.  

If the cartridge you replaced was a 61, 122 or 801 the printer was originally set up in a different region.  In this case you would need to Contact HP to request a "Regionalization Reset". There should not be any charge for this, it is covered as part of the cartridge warranty. You will need to have access to your computer and printer while on the line with HP. You will also need to have a set of cartridges for the new region, once the reset is complete cartridges from the original region will no longer work.  HP's web page on the subject is here.

[Aeschylus]

Many thanks for taking the time to answer my query. However it does not solve the issue as my printer remains home here with me in Suffolk UK so regionalization is not an issue. I noted in the link you provided that there is mention of maybe dirty electrical contacts but I am not sure where to look to clean them.

[Bob_Headrick]

The troubleshooting in step 3 of the document here shows how to clean the electrical contacts in the printer and on the cartridge contacts.

Figure : Clean the contacts

1. 1. Copper-colored contacts
   2. Ink nozzles (do not clean)

    Lightly moisten another foam-rubber swab or lint-free cloth with distilled water, and then squeeze any excess water from it.

    Use the swab or cloth to clean the electrical contacts in the carriage, located inside the printer in the cartridge slots.

Figure : The electrical contacts in the cartridge slots