Color Printer that won't print black and white without a hassle

[Triathbee]

My HP Officejet Pro 8710 is driving me completely crazy.  The black print cartridge was out so I replaced it.   (routine I know...) Now one of the color's (blue) is out, but I'm trying to print black and white.  For awhile it would let me print if I walked down the hall and pushed OK on the printer.  (Its asking me 'do you want to print in black and white only?'--- Dumb ass printer, I selected black and white on the print queue!?!? Do i really need to be asked twice or walk down the hall?.) I'm not buying an HP again, my Brother color printer does not harass me this way.  I don't need blue, I want black and white, don't harass me about it.  Who cares if blue is out of ink.  I appreciate being told, but don't keep me from printing black and white.  Now the printer is telling me to turn itself off until I have the blue cartridge.  Sorry, I'm done with HP.  Make products that WORK AND AREN'T A HASSLE.  Not really looking for advice here, just also wanted to say HP doesn't give a crap about its users either cause there's no way to contact a customer service rep on their web page.  This is the last HP laptop I will buy and the last HP printer I will ever purchase.  Try making it easy to print, easy to use even if blue is out, isn't IT MY CHOICE to print WITHOUT BLUE!?!?!  Can't use cartridges from anyone but HP, can't print black and white if a color cartridge is out.  I'M NOT BUYING THE BLUE.  I REALLY DON'T WANT MY LIFE COMPLICATED BY MY PRINTER.  I'm gonna take it out back and Office Space the crap out of it.  

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Triathbee,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer cartridges!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

When using the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710, it is important to note that HP printers often require all ink cartridges to have ink to prevent potential damage to the printheads and ensure optimal printing performance. This includes not only color cartridges but also the black cartridge.

HP printers have a feature called "Ink Backup Mode," but it can vary significantly between models. Generally, when a cartridge runs out of ink, the printer may not print at all to prevent damage to the printhead. HP’s dynamic security ensures optimal printing performance and protection of the printer hardware.

Here are some steps you can take to mitigate the frustration of dealing with an empty color cartridge:

• The primary recommendation is to replace the cyan cartridge. This will restore full functionality to the printer and ensure the printhead is protected.

Check for Firmware Updates:

Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.

Use Quality HP Cartridges:

• HP recommends using original HP cartridges to ensure optimum printer performance and prevent any issues related to refilled cartridges.

Switch to Draft Mode:

• Some users find switching to "Draft Mode" allows them to print black-and-white documents even when a color cartridge is empty. This might not always work but can be a workaround.

If you choose to replace the cyan cartridge, follow these instructions:

1. Open the ink cartridge access door.
2. Remove the empty cyan cartridge by pressing it down to release it and then pulling it out.
3. Shake the new cartridge gently for a few seconds.
4. Insert the new cartridge into the correct slot, pushing it until it clicks.
5. Close the ink cartridge access door and follow any prompts on the printer’s display.

For detailed instructions and information about ink systems specific to HP printers, visit:

• HP Printer Ink System
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 User Manual

I hope this helps.

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