My printer is stuck on printer or ink system incident

[jonathan_h1]

Hello,

I own an HP Officejet Pro 8610. Recently, I installed non-HP ink cartridges and my printer became locked/unusable. I have since replaced them with genuine HP cartridges, but the printer is still blocked and won’t print.

I have already tried:

• Basic power resets

• Factory reset from the touchscreen

• Semi-Full reset from the hidden menu (unsuccessful)

Unfortunately, none of these have resolved the issue.
From what I understand, an OOBE/NVM reset may be required to restore functionality.

Could you please send me the exact steps for performing an OOBE/NVM reset for this model? I can provide the printer’s serial number via private message if necessary.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @jonathan_h1 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for the clear summary — you're dealing with a common issue, especially after using non-HP cartridges in an HP OfficeJet Pro 8610. The “Printer or Ink System Failure” or “Ink System Failure” message can persist even after switching back to genuine cartridges due to firmware or internal system corruption. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to try to recover your printer:

Step 1: Hard Reset with Power Drain

This goes beyond a basic power reset:

Turn off the printer.

Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and the back of the printer.

Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables.

Wait for 2–3 minutes.

While unplugged, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. (This helps drain residual power.)

Reconnect only the power cord directly to a wall outlet (not a surge protector).

Turn the printer on.

Step 2: Attempt a Semi-Full Reset (Hidden Menu)

If you haven't successfully completed the semi-full reset, try again:

From the home screen, tap the back button 4 times quickly.

This should bring up the Support menu.

Tap Reset Menu > choose Semi-Full Reset.

This reset removes all custom settings, and may clear ink system memory.

Step 3: Clean the Printhead (Manually)

If the ink system is still flagged as faulty, residue or dried ink may be blocking the system.

You’ll need:

Distilled water

Lint-free cloth or paper towel

Gloves

Steps:

Remove all ink cartridges.

Lift the latch and carefully remove the printhead.

Gently clean the electrical contacts on the printhead and inside the printer.

Soak the printhead (bottom part only) in warm distilled water for about 10 minutes if clogged.

Let it dry completely, reinstall, then reinsert cartridges.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Firmware

If the printer still doesn't recover, the firmware may be corrupted.

 

Option 1: Use HP Firmware Recovery Utility

If your PC still recognizes the printer via USB, download the HP Firmware Recovery Tool from HP’s support site.

Connect printer via USB (not network).

Run the HP Firmware Recovery Tool (search on HP site).

Follow the prompts to reinstall firmware.

If the printer isn't detected, this option may not be possible.

 

Option 2: USB Firmware Recovery via Print File

Some HP models accept .ful2 or .rfu files via USB print.

Get the latest firmware .ful2 file for the 8610 (you may need to contact HP or search via forums).

Use a USB cable to connect printer.

Send the file to the printer using:

1. copy /b firmware.ful2 \\.\USB001

Let me know if you want help locating the exact firmware version or tools needed — I can assist further.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[jonathan_h1]

Hello,

I've followed all the step an no one works.

i would like t o try the step 4 but i don't find any file.

Also find a page in HP who say that they know this problem and the latest update of the firmware fix thix but i'm up to date and nothing work.

[Hawks_Eye]

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye