hp 6600 won't print in black ink only

[mmore]

Two of my color cartridges are supposedly empty (but I rather doubt it) so I decided I'd print in black ink only. I followed the directions as directed in the hp software and changed preferences to black ink only. Still, when I try to print I get a message that I need to replace the two colored ink cartridges that are empty. I'm very frustrated. Why won't this work?

[Rudy1906]

Sorry that you are having a problem printing all black. 

The reason why the error message is steady appearing is because the color cartridges are used to mix with the black ink to make a true black. 

Since the color cartridges are low, there may not be enough ink in each to help mix with the black. 

You will need to replace the cartridges, first, in order to print out with the black color. 

[skamusic]

Please tell me how I can manage the changing of the ink myself. As opposed to it telling me when my ink is out and NOt allowing me to print.  Is there a function to do this? I want to see the blue ink disappear on the paper and NOT be told by HP when it is allegedly out. 

Please help.

Thanks.

[skamusic]

Not only that...I change one color that is  out and the ink color levels for the others are okay. You change one and then all of a sudden another color is now bad.  By the way, I do NOT print very often and very rarely do I use colors.

Colors disappear really quickly and I can't print Black without colors???  WOW.

Concerned!

[mechjock]

Hello,

I am having the same problem. I got this printer for the all in one and colour was a nice to have but was never planning to replace colour given when bought as I do not need it.

From the literature available online they WANT to mix colours to sell more ink, it is just a huge CON!!! I will see if I can return the printer (probably cannot now) or sell it and buy some other brand that REALLY can print with ONLY black.

If anyone argues this is not a CON, please note: Why design the software to mix when it is NOT needed, quaity BLA BLA BLA? I would then buy a printer designed for that NOT a day to day use for printing office documents!!!! AND why not give the option to print JUST in black? Because the design of the printer is for us to spend big bucks on ink even if not needed.

Gone where the days when you could buy a REAL Black annd white printer, I will be looing into raising this with a customer organisation as this is one step out from STEALING!

Also I will see if someone may have a homebrew of the drivers that bypasses this now worthless pile of plastic and empty cartridges...

[skamusic]

Thanks for posting. I agree. I am NOT surprised that someone from HP has NOT responded to this question.  Hard to respond when guilty and no way to change.

Very disappointed. 

[Gandalf99]

I have 2 6500's which I use connected to Macs. I haven't used Windows recently so I'm not sure about the print dialog, but on the Mac, I can go into Paper type/quality, select black only printing & then select use black cartridge only. I'd look around the print dialog and see if you can find something comparable.

[garytech1]

Hi Gandalf99,

I see that you're wanting to print black ink only on your Window's computers.  I would follow the steps below.

1. In your software application, click Print .
2. Make sure the printer you want to use is selected.
3. Click the option that opens the printer Propertiesdialog box. Depending on your software application, this option might be called Properties , Options ,Printer Setup , Printer , or Preferences .
4. On the Features tab, click the Grayscale drop-down menu, and then select Black Ink Only .
5. Click OK , and then click Print or OK to begin printing.

[cadguy56]

Itried to do what is 'prescribed' above but somehow it NEVER worked...Can you help me???

[SenegalMama]

I agree with the other posters that the inability to use black ink only makes this printer a bad bargain.  I will replace it as soon as I can afford to.  I've paid for the cost ten times over in buying the ink, which is garbage.