HP 6968 SETUP Cartridge Bypass

[markernst]

My new printer will not go past the setup, 'use setup cartridges." this is for HP OfficeJet 6968. Can anyone help? I do not have the "setup cartridges, " it's out of warranty, I tried reseting all of the cartridges, I tried opening and holding the wireless button, there isn't even a way to factory reset it. (that I know of) Sometimes this is referred to as HP 6960 Series.

Please help. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @markernst ,

Welcome to the HP support community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.  I will be glad to help you. I understand you do not have the setup ink cartridges. To bypass the message on the printer the only option left is to perform an OOBE reset and re-initialize the printer. It is different for every printer model.

Please help us with the Printer serial number or the product number on a private message for further assistance.

Here is the link to find the product number:- Click here

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/ish_2039298-1862169-16

In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Suponport Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Could you elaborate on the issue for better understanding?

Rachel571 

HP Support 

[markernst]

I SOLVED IT.

The reset does not fix it. I was able to get into the menu with a quick finger, and the paper tray open. Then it kept going in a circle asking for the "setup cartridges." VERY ANNOYING almost to the point of swearing off HP Printers. I get it, you want to sell ink, or a subscription to Ink. But I paid for a printer that doesn't work, new in box. 

But I was able to fix it following a YouTube video here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NKRse6WjNOo

(example) 

The key is the back arrow key outside the touch screen that disappears. It still WORKS. Hit the back arrow 4 or 5 times and the support menu comes up. You CAN'T get to this through the touchscreen keys.

Once you get into the support menu look for "system configuration" then look for "trade at OOB" press OK. To enable, then back out of the menu to save and restart the printer. It may come up with a warning if you are not using HP Ink (do NOT upgrade the firmware/bios on HP Printers as they may 100% prevent you from using 3rd party INK. that also will NOT solve the "insert setup cartridges" error.  Then it will ask about doing a alignment, allow that, get a drink as it takes awhile. Follow instructions after that. I hope this helps someone else. If your printer is different,  but had this same error go on YouTube and do a search there. You would think HP would provide this, but they just spam the search engines with "let me private message you..." which defeats the whole purpose of the Internet. (to SHARE information) Blah blah blah "they are all different" "you could break your printer" NO, it will not! This is a configuration menu, selecting trade at OOB will NOT break anything. You can always switch it back.

P. S. I included the printer model in the subject line. Thanks anyway.

P. P. S. I worked at HP Vancouver (WA) where they used to manufacture these inkjet printers and have owned HP Printers for 30+ years. You almost lost me as a customer for good. This tactic is TERRIBLE, along with the HP ink Lock-in. 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @markernst,
 

We are very sorry that you were not satisfied with our service. We put great importance on the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers.

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Rachel571 

HP Support