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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Printhead Problem Error code 0xc19a0023

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03-05-2025 06:15 AM - edited 03-05-2025 06:22 AM
The printer keeps displaying "The printhead appears to be missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed. 0xc19a0023." This error suddenly appeared yesterday. I have turned the printer off then on, I have reset all the cartridges. I ran the HP Smart (oxymoron) diagnostics, & the online diagnostics and they do not detect anything. With the online diagnostics, I was able to print a test page, yet it would not print my document. I kept trying and then the document printed.
Has anyone else had this issue and was able to resolve it to a successful conclusion?
Thank you.
03-10-2025 08:00 AM
Hi @Javathehut,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this printhead error—it must be incredibly frustrating, especially after trying various diagnostics and resets. Let's work through some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the "printhead appears to be missing, not detected, or incorrectly installed (0xc19a0023)" error on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8740:
Power Cycle the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on.
- This can sometimes clear temporary errors.
Remove and Reinstall Cartridges
- Carefully remove the ink cartridges from the printer.
- Inspect the cartridge contacts and the corresponding contacts inside the printer for any debris or ink buildup.
- Clean the contacts gently with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Reinstall the cartridges securely, ensuring they click into place properly.
Check the Printhead
- Although the error indicates a printhead issue, sometimes the printhead may just be misaligned or not seated correctly.
- Follow the printer’s manual instructions to remove and then carefully reinsert the printhead.
- Ensure that any connectors or latches are properly engaged.
Firmware Update
- Visit the HP Support website and check if there’s a firmware update available for your OfficeJet Pro 8740.
- Updating the firmware can sometimes resolve errors related to printhead detection.
Please find this article for your reference.
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!
darkmaniac0007
HP Support
darkmaniac0007
I am an HP Employee
03-10-2025 09:58 AM
Thank you that was very helpful. I will click “Accepted Solution” and “Kudos/Thumbs Up". However, I already have the HP Smart app installed yet it gives me fits at times because it does not recognize the printer as being on. 😞 Anyway, I do not see anything in the app to check the firmware or drivers. What am I missing? Thank you.
03-10-2025 11:34 AM - edited 03-10-2025 11:35 AM
You're very welcome! I'm so glad the information was helpful.
Let’s get you fully sorted out!
I completely understand how frustrating it can be when the HP Smart app doesn’t recognize the printer, especially when you know it’s turned on! But don’t worry—you’re on the right track, and I’m here to guide you through it.
Why does this happen?
HP Smart relies on a stable connection to detect your printer, and sometimes network hiccups or outdated firmware can cause temporary issues. Let’s go through a few key steps to ensure everything runs smoothly!
Fix HP Smart Not Recognizing Your Printer
- Check Network Connection – If using Wi-Fi, make sure both your printer and computer/phone are connected to the same network band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz can make a difference).
- Check the distance between the router and the printer.
- Check if there are any devices streaming on the wifi network on which the printer currently is.
- Try a Manual Connection – Open HP Smart, click “+” (Add Printer), and enter the printer’s IP address (found on the printer’s control panel under Network Settings).
- Restart Everything – Sometimes, a simple power cycle works wonders. Turn off the printer, router, and computer, then power them back on one by one.
How to Check Firmware & Driver Updates
Since you’re not seeing the update option in HP Smart, no worries! Here’s how to check directly:
- Open a web browser and type your printer’s IP address (found in your printer’s Network Settings).
- This will open the Embedded Web Server (EWS)—think of it as your printer’s hidden control panel.
- Go to System > Printer Updates, then click Check Now.
- If an update is available, install it and restart your printer.
Fun Fact!
Keeping your firmware updated not only helps with connectivity but also improves print quality, security, and overall performance. It’s like giving your printer a little tune-up!
Give these steps a try, and let me know how it goes. I appreciate you taking the time to mark the solution and give Kudos—you’re awesome!
Regards,
darkmaniac0007
I am an HP Employee
03-10-2025 11:55 AM
My computer is hardwired to the modem/router. A laptop further away from the printer has no issues so I do not think distance is an issue.
As for the updates to firmware/drivers, I tried and AGAIN the printer was not recognized even when I put in the IP address and the Host name! ARGH! I believe HP Smart is an oxymoron! 😉
I also posted this separately today:
I am trying to determine if I need to update the firmware & drivers for my printer. I downloaded and ran this file - Full_Webpack-38.9.2002_1-OJ8740_Full_Webpack.exe. However, it will not find my printer on the wireless connection. Odd, because MS Office have to issue finding it, Adobe has no issue finding it. We doesn't the HP app find it? ARGH!!!
03-10-2025 12:27 PM
I completely get how frustrating this is—let’s try a full reset of the HP Smart app to rule out any app-related issues. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Uninstall HP Smart
- On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, find HP Smart, and click Uninstall.
- On Mac, open Finder > Applications, find HP Smart, and drag it to the Trash.
Step 2: Restart All Devices
- Turn off your printer, computer, and router.
- Unplug your printer and router from power for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug everything back in and turn them on one by one (router → printer → computer).
Step 3: Reinstall HP Smart
- Download the latest version of HP Smart from the Microsoft Store (for Windows) or Mac App Store (for Mac).
- Install and sign in to your HP account.
After following these steps, let me know if HP Smart detects the printer or if we need to troubleshoot further!
darkmaniac0007
I am an HP Employee
03-10-2025 12:38 PM
I will try all that the next time HP Smart does not detect the printer as right now it does. Although, I had to reset the printhead again today! 😞
What is not detecting the printer is this: Full_Webpack-38.9.2002_1-OJ8740_Full_Webpack.exe ARGH!
Thank you.
03-10-2025 12:49 PM
Here are the troubleshooting steps based on the possible scenarios:
1. Check if HP Smart Detects the Printer in Windows
- If HP Smart is working fine, but the Full_Webpack installer isn’t detecting the printer, it may be a software issue rather than a connection problem.
- Try manually adding the printer in HP Smart:
- Open HP Smart and click Add Printer.
- Enter the printer’s IP address (found in printer settings > network settings).
2. Check Windows Printer Settings
- Go to Windows Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners and check if your printer appears there.
- If the printer is missing:
- Click Add a Printer or Scanner.
- If Windows doesn’t detect it, click The printer I want isn’t listed and manually add it using the printer’s IP address.
3. Test if Other Apps Can Detect the Printer
- Open Microsoft Word, Notepad, or any other app and try printing a test page.
- If the printer appears in the print dialog, but the installer still doesn’t detect it, try running the installer as Administrator:
- Right-click on Full_Webpack-38.9.2002_1-OJ8740_Full_Webpack.exe and select Run as administrator.
4. Check Connection Type (Wi-Fi or USB)
For Wi-Fi connections:
- Ensure your printer and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network and same frequency band (2.4GHz vs. 5GHz).
- Restart your router, printer, and computer, then try again.
For USB connections:
- Try a different USB port.
- Use a different cable if available.
- Unplug the printer, restart the PC, and plug it back in.
5. Temporarily Disable Firewall & Antivirus
- Security software can block HP software from detecting printers. Try disabling Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party antivirus temporarily and run the installer again.
Let me know what happens after trying these steps!
darkmaniac0007
I am an HP Employee
03-10-2025 02:52 PM
Next Steps to Try:
Check for Windows Updates
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates
- Restart your computer and try running the Full_Webpack again
Try Running the Full_Webpack on a Different Computer
- Install the same Full_Webpack-38.9.2002_1-OJ8740_Full_Webpack.exe on another Windows PC
- See if the printer gets detected
- If it works on another system, the issue may be Windows-related on your primary PC
Check if Printer is Detected via Web Interface
- Open a web browser and type the printer’s IP address (found under printer Network Settings)
- If the page loads, the printer is on the network, and the issue may be with the installer
Try a Different Connection Method
- If using Wi-Fi, try connecting via USB and running the Full_Webpack
- If using USB, remove it and try a network connection
Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily
- Some security programs may block HP software from detecting the printer
- Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall and check if detection works
Let me know the results of these steps so we can narrow it down further!
darkmaniac0007
I am an HP Employee