HP Deskjet 2540 Ink cartridge compatibility

[scafo54]

I needed to get repcement ink cartridges, so I looked online and bought number 61 HP cartridges, as it says they work with HP Deskjet 2540. However, after replacing them, (and before you ask, I did remove the tapes protecting the print heads, and I did place them in the appropriate bins and snap them into place.) the printer failed to recognize them, i.e. the little ink drip lights blink along with the little exclimation mark. Going to the Printers and Scanners preferences and checking the supply levels for the printer returns the message "unknown ink".

These are official HP cartridges, what is the deal? 

Thanks for your help.

[scafo54]

Well, I think I figured it out on my own...

We purchased this printer while living in Europe. Evidently, this means it can't use any cartridge besides the #301 that came with it. At least, when I tried looking for #301 cartridges, it says these are intended for European printers.

I wish I would have know that before spending the $35 for #61's, which say they are compatible.

Oh well, live and learn I guess.

As Rosanne-Rosannadanna used to say on the Classic Saturday Night Live Show, " Never mind!"

[banhien · Accepted solution]

@scafo54

Your printer uses HP 61 ink cartridges if you bought it in  North America and Asia Pacific, including Japan (excluding India, China, and Indonesia).

Now, please use the following instructions then call HP in your country and ask them to shows you a secret (yes, secret ) code/steps to allow it to access HP 61 and 61XL cartridges.

     http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02558798

Regards.