HP Deskjet 2600 series printer won't print in black

[Billabong1]

My printer has stopped printing in black from my laptop.  It prints in colour perfectly well.

I have checked the ink levels and they are good.
I have realigned the printhead and printed a test page but it only prints in colour.

The print drivers are up to date.

Please help.

Thank you.

[Valsimot]

How does it copy black from glass?

[Billabong1]

Hi Valsimot

It does not copy black from glass.

[Valsimot]

If the printer was unused for a longer period black ink dries inside the ink cartridge and you get blank page when printing and when copy. You will need to install new fresh black.

[Billabong1]

Thank you so much, Valsimot.

This is indeed the problem.  I had to replace the black ink cartridge, because the previous one had run out.  From what you say, the ink inside the 'new' cartridge must've dried out.  I bought it in October 2024, which I guess is a long time to keep a cartridge before you use it.

I've run the HP Smart 'Clean Printheads' function, but to no avail.

As you say, I'll need to buy another new black cartridge.  Hopefully that one won't be dried out!

Thank you Valsimot.