HP Office jet Pro 8600 Printer failure message: There is a problem with the printer or ink system

[aquaman1049]

I have reset the printer, cleaned all the cartridges and replaced the cartridges but the message persists and I am still unable to print. Please help!

[Sneha_01]

Hi @aquaman1049

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're encountering a common issue with the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600, where the error message "There is a problem with the printer or ink system" appears and prevents you from printing. Even after performing a reset, cleaning, and replacing the cartridges, the message persists. This can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can try to resolve it:

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Power Cycle the Printer

• Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for 1-2 minutes.
• Plug it back in and turn the printer on.
• Sometimes, a simple power cycle can reset the printer’s internal settings and clear the error.

2. Check Ink Cartridges

• Double-check that the ink cartridges are properly installed. If any cartridge is not seated correctly, the printer might not recognize it, causing errors.
• Inspect the cartridge contacts: Ensure there are no dirt, ink residue, or obstructions on the gold-colored contacts of the ink cartridges and inside the printer.

3. Clean the Ink Cartridge Contacts

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Remove the cartridges and gently clean the gold-colored contacts using a soft, lint-free cloth. This can help eliminate any buildup that may be interfering with the ink system.
• Carefully clean the contacts inside the printer as well.

4. Reset the Ink System

• To reset the ink system, you can perform a hard reset:
  1. With the printer powered on, open the ink cartridge access door.
  2. Wait for the cartridges to move to the center of the printer.
  3. Unplug the printer from the power source while the cartridges are in the middle.
  4. Wait for 1-2 minutes, and then plug the printer back in.
  5. Close the ink access door, and turn on the printer.

5. Check for Printer Firmware Updates

• Go to HP's website and check if there are any firmware updates available for your printer model. Firmware issues can sometimes cause the ink system to malfunction.
• You can check the printer’s settings (if it’s connected to Wi-Fi) or use the HP Smart app to perform firmware updates.

6. Perform a Printer Self-Test

• Most HP printers have a built-in diagnostic tool that can help identify issues.
  • Navigate to your printer’s Control Panel > Setup > Tools > Printer Reports > Self-Test Report. This will print a report that can help identify any internal issues with the printer or ink system.

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[aquaman1049]

Thanks for your response. Nothing that was suggested worked,so I replaced the printer.

[Sneha_01]

Thank you so much for your response.

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

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.Take care and have a great day ahead!