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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- Re: Don't have setup cartridges, keep getting Engineering me...

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02-08-2025 02:22 PM
I don’t have setup cartridges for my printer, how can I get some or bypass this.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
03-11-2025 09:11 AM
Hi @Misnomer2,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
Since your HP OfficeJet Pro 8028 is stuck in the engineering menu/setup menu and you don’t have setup cartridges, here are a few things you can try.
Bypass Setup Cartridge Requirement (If Possible)
Some HP printers allow skipping setup cartridges through the engineering menu. Since you're accessing it but not making progress, try these steps:
Enter the Engineering Menu Again
- Power off the printer.
- Press and hold Back (⤺) + 4 + 6 while turning it on.
- Keep holding until the engineering menu appears.
Check for "OOBE" or "Reset Menu" Options
- Look for options like “OOBE Reset” or “NVRAM Reset”.
- If available, select it and restart the printer.
Check for Cartridge Override
- Look for an option like “Cartridge Check” or “Skip Setup” and enable it.
- Save and restart.
Reset Printer to Factory Defaults
If the above doesn't work, you can try a full reset:
- Turn off the printer and disconnect power for 1 minute.
- Reconnect power while holding the Wi-Fi & Cancel buttons.
- Release buttons when the HP logo appears.
Try Using Non-Setup Cartridges
If setup cartridges are required, the only workaround might be using the correct setup cartridges. If you don’t have them:
- Check the Box – Sometimes they are included.
- Buy Setup Cartridges – They are different from regular ones and might be needed for the initial setup.
- Try Compatible Used Ones – Some users have reported success using borrowed setup cartridges from the same printer model.
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!
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee
02-13-2025 04:14 AM
Hi @Misnomer2,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.
I understand you need assistance in bypassing the Setup Cartridge error.
Not to worry, I'll do everything I can to help get this sorted for you.
Let me share the steps to bypass this error in a Private Message, because if these were tried on a different printer model, then there are chances they might brick the printer.
To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile name.
Thanks,
Vince_46
03-11-2025 09:11 AM
Hi @Misnomer2,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
Since your HP OfficeJet Pro 8028 is stuck in the engineering menu/setup menu and you don’t have setup cartridges, here are a few things you can try.
Bypass Setup Cartridge Requirement (If Possible)
Some HP printers allow skipping setup cartridges through the engineering menu. Since you're accessing it but not making progress, try these steps:
Enter the Engineering Menu Again
- Power off the printer.
- Press and hold Back (⤺) + 4 + 6 while turning it on.
- Keep holding until the engineering menu appears.
Check for "OOBE" or "Reset Menu" Options
- Look for options like “OOBE Reset” or “NVRAM Reset”.
- If available, select it and restart the printer.
Check for Cartridge Override
- Look for an option like “Cartridge Check” or “Skip Setup” and enable it.
- Save and restart.
Reset Printer to Factory Defaults
If the above doesn't work, you can try a full reset:
- Turn off the printer and disconnect power for 1 minute.
- Reconnect power while holding the Wi-Fi & Cancel buttons.
- Release buttons when the HP logo appears.
Try Using Non-Setup Cartridges
If setup cartridges are required, the only workaround might be using the correct setup cartridges. If you don’t have them:
- Check the Box – Sometimes they are included.
- Buy Setup Cartridges – They are different from regular ones and might be needed for the initial setup.
- Try Compatible Used Ones – Some users have reported success using borrowed setup cartridges from the same printer model.
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!
Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee