Ink Issue

[Everon1]

Hi,

When I got my printer, I also bought ink with it a few years ago.

It is a 6978.

I ran out of ink in the printer recently and it refuses to recognize the new ink because 'it is too old'.

How can I fix this?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Everon1,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand the issue you're encountering with your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 not recognizing new ink due to it being "too old" is likely related to the expiration date of the ink cartridges. HP printers often use expiration dates to ensure optimal print quality and prevent damage to the printer. Here are some steps to try to resolve this issue:

Steps to Fix the Ink Expiration Issue

1. Check Cartridge Expiration Dates

• Look for the expiration date printed on the cartridges' packaging or on the cartridges themselves.
• If the cartridges have expired, you may need to replace them with new, non-expired cartridges. HP recommends using cartridges within the shelf life.

2. Bypass Expired Ink Warning

• Some HP printers allow you to bypass the ink expiration warning:
  • If prompted with an error message, press OK or Continue on the printer's control panel.
  • Try printing again to see if the printer accepts the cartridge.

3. Perform a Printer Reset

• Turn off the printer and disconnect it from the power source.
• Wait for about 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power and turn the printer back on.
• Retry using the cartridges.

4. Clean the Cartridge Contacts

• Remove the cartridge from the printer.
• Using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water, gently clean the copper-colored contacts on the cartridge.
• Allow the cartridge to dry for a few minutes before reinserting it.

5. Update the Printer Firmware

• Check if your printer's firmware is up to date. HP firmware updates that address cartridge compatibility issues:
  • Go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads page. Update the firmware on an HP printer
  • Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware update for the 6978.

6. Turn Off Cartridge Authentication (If Available)

• On some HP printers, you can disable cartridge authentication to allow third-party or older cartridges:
  • Access the printer's control panel or HP Smart app settings.
  • Look for an option to disable Cartridge Protection or similar.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Everon1]

Hi Gaya1234,

The printer software is preventing me from using these ink cartridges. I am not able to bypass this restriction. I even checked to make sure cartridge protection was turned off in the embedded web server.

Still no luck. Is there anything else I can do?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Everon1 ,

Thank you for your response, I appreciate your efforts. As the issue persists, I am sorry to hear that I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. 

Please check your Private -icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!