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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Ink system error

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06-20-2025 12:09 PM
Just replaced yellow and magenta cartridges in my Officejet Pro 8600 N911a, and now getting a "printer or ink system" failure. Have done the turn off/back on procedure, same result.
Can ya help?
06-22-2025 08:25 AM
@WayMann, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Ink System Error on HP Officejet Pro 8600 (N911a)!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
An ink system error on your HP Officejet Pro 8600 can be quite frustrating. Although you've already attempted to turn the printer off and back on, here are some additional steps you can take to resolve this issue:
Step 1: Check the Ink Cartridges
Use Genuine HP Ink Cartridges: Ensure that you are using genuine HP ink cartridges. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges which could be causing the issue.
Inspect Ink Cartridges:
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Verify that the cartridges are correctly installed in their correct slots.
- Ensure that you have removed all protective plastic tabs from the cartridges.
Step 2: Reset the Printer
Performing a full reset might help:
Disconnect the Power Cord:
- With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
Reconnect the Power Cord:
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet directly (not through a power strip).
- Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
- Turn on the printer.
Step 3: Clean the Printhead
A clogged printhead can cause ink system errors:
Allow Automatic Servicing: Wait for a few hours to allow the printer's automatic servicing routine to complete. Often, print quality issues clear up on their own during this period.
Manually Clean the Printhead:
- Load plain white paper into the input tray.
- On the printer control panel, touch the Right Arrow to display additional options.
- Touch Setup, then touch Tools.
- Touch Clean Printhead.
Hope this helps!
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee