My new 6968 will not print color

[salvationarmyv]

The printer was set up and works fine - except for color. Grayscale is turned off, yet it won't print color. Cartridges are new and full and printer tells me all are full.

[Jeet_singh · Accepted solution]

Hi @salvationarmyv,

Thank you for showing your interest in HP Support Forums. It is a great place to find the help you need, from other users, HP experts, and other support personnel. For you to have the best experience on the HP forum, you could also visit our HP Forums Guide for the First Time Here? Learn How to Post and More.

I understand you are having issues with print quality on your HP OfficeJet 6968 printer. Don't worry as I have a few steps to help you get through this concern,

To provide you with an accurate solution, I'll need a few more details:

Are you using genuine Ink cartridges?

Did you make any changes on the printer before the issue started?

Are you able to make a copy from the printer?

Have you tried cleaning cartridge contacts and the rollers?

In the meantime, let's start off by performing a hard reset on the printer and make sure that the printer is connected directly to the wall outlet and not to the surge protector.

Remove all the ink cartridges and then try to perform a hard reset on the printer.

With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer and also unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Remove USB cable, if present.

Wait for 2-3 minutes, press and hold the power button on your printer for about 30 seconds to remove any additional charge.

Now plug back the power cable straight to a wall outlet without any surge protector or an extension cord and then plug back the power cord to the printer.

Turn on the printer and wait till warm-up period finishes and the printer is idle.

Now insert the ink cartridges and then try to print a test page and check if it works.

Let’s first try and make a “photocopy” to determine whether the issue is with the printer or not. Place a document on the scanner glass and choose “Copy” option. If the printer is making a good copy, then the printer hardware is fine.

Next thing, I would suggest here is to Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page and examine the results, for more please follow this link

If the report fails, I would suggest you go ahead and replace the ink cartridges.

If the reports come out fine, then I would suggest you try to uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13 ). Restart the PC

14 ). Now click on this link: http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software13/printers/oj6960/OJ6960__Full_WebPack_1979.exe and install the updated printer drivers

15 ). Connect the USB cable only when prompted and follow the onscreen instructions to setup the printer.

I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes for further assistance.

Eagerly waiting for your response!

I hope you have a good day ahead,

And Feel free to ask your queries as this forum has some of the best people in the world available and ready to help.

Regards,

[salvationarmyv]

Thanks! The hard reset did nothing, but when I changed the ink cartridges - voila! - color printing began working.

The cartridges that were giving me a problem were the ones HP provided with the new printer.  The extra ones we purchased worked.

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @salvationarmyv,

Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts,

I'm glad you found the solution you were looking for.

Thanks for taking the time to let the community know about the solution

As you have diagnosed the issue to be with the defective ink cartridges, I would suggest you contact our HP phone support and get a replacement.

Link to contact HP phone support: www.hp.com/contacthp/

You've been great to work with and it has been a genuine pleasure interacting with you.

I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉

Take care now and do have a fabulous week ahead. 🙂

Regards,

[december1-_]

I have tried to uninstall my printer and reinstall the printer. I have also tried a hard disconnect and cleaning heads. I just purchased new cartridges and the color won’t print. HP officeinkjet pro 6968. Does anyone have a solution to this problem?

[rick-s]

Hello,
Thank you for posting in this thread. Unfortunately, based on when the last response was made, I have closed this thread to help keep comments current and up to date. I recommend starting a new thread for your issue by clicking here: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/forums/postpage

To be more helpful with your post, you may add key information if you wish:
1. Product Name and Number (please do not post Serial Number)
• Example: HP Pavilion DV2-1209AX or HP Deskjet 3000 Printer CH393A

2. Operating System installed (if applicable)
• Example: Windows XP, Windows Vista 32-bit, Windows 7 64-bit

3. Error message (if any)
• Example: ""Low disk space"" error in Windows

4. Any changes made to your system before the issue occurred
• Examples: Upgrading your Operating System or installing a new software; or installing new hardware like a printer, modem, or router.

If you have any other questions about posting in the community, please feel free to send me a private message.

Thank you.