HOw can I disable the ink warnings on HP Office Jet Pro 8710

[joewriter]

The printer stops working when IT decides the ink should be replaced, even though there is still ink in the cartridge and it still prints correctly. I would like to get step-by-step instructions to disable that (so-called) feature.

     The alternative, of course, is to return the printer and buy ANYTHING that is NOT HP.

[Bob_Headrick]

What exactly is the error message? If the printer indicates a cartridge is missing or deployed you will need to replace it. 

HP and other printer manufacturers have different printer technologies for different needs.  For inkjet printers:

• Some have printheads built into the ink cartridges.  These printers can typically print with one or more of the colors completely empty, or even with color or black (but not both) cartridges removed. The Officejet 8040a is an example.

• Other printers have separate ink supplies and replaceable printheads.  An example would be the Officejet Pro 8710.  The printhead in these printers can be replaced if they are damaged by running the printhead with colors out.  Some of these printers will allow printing with a color out, other will not.  If the printer is run without ink in one or more colors the printer may be damaged, but the user may be able to recover without having to send the printer for service. 

• Other printers have permanent printheads.  To run these without some ink in all the colors would risk causing damage to the printhead due to clogs, air ingested in the printhead or burned out printhead firing resistors. The Officejet 6700 is an example of this type of printer. For printers with fixed printheads this could require service to get the printer to print properly again when the ink is finally replaced.  

The document here describes how ink is used.  While the document is written for HP Inkjet printers the same principles apply to inkjet printers from other manufacturers.

[joewriter]

Thanks, Bob, but your reply was much too general. The printer was working fine until the printer decided not to work because IT decided I needed to replace the cartridge. I don't mind the message (I can ignore those with the best of them), but I want to disable the printer's ability to just freeze.

[Bob_Headrick]

What exactly is the error message? 

[joewriter]

Cartridge Problem. Remove and reinstall (done). If it doesn't work, replace cartridge (done).

[Bob_Headrick]

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@joewriter wrote:

Cartridge Problem. Remove and reinstall (done). If it doesn't work, replace cartridge (done).

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OK, that is a different issue than a depleted ink warning.  Which cartridge is the printer complaining about?  I would suggest removing all the cartridges and removing the printhead.  Hold the printhead assembly so that the printhead nozzles do not contact anything.  Look at the four gold pins for the cartridge at fault - compare this with the adjacent pins.  If the pins are bent out of their proper position* you may be able to gently bend them back in position with a dental pick or similar instrument.  Be gentle!  If the pins are broken you will likely need a new printhead.

* The most common reason the pens would be bent is using third party cartridges with "chips" that protrude from the cartridge body and bend the pins.