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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Printhead problem error Oxc190003

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07-02-2025 10:32 AM
Cannot print anything since this error message came up. I’ve tried all the suggestions including cleaning the print cartridges, turning off the printer, unplugging and restarting. I cannot do “clean the printer head” because the error message keeps coming up.
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Accepted Solutions
07-04-2025 02:36 AM
@Gail832, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help resolve the Printhead Error 0xc190003 on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer,
Reset the Printer
Sometimes a simple reset can clear temporary errors:
- Turn the printer on.
- With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then into the printer.
- Turn the printer back on.
If the error persists, continue to the next step.
Remove and Reinstall Ink Cartridges
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Remove all cartridges.
- Check for any ink buildup or debris on the cartridges and inside the carriage.
- Reinsert the cartridges firmly into their slots.
Make sure you're using genuine HP cartridges. Non-HP or refilled cartridges can sometimes trigger printhead errors.
Clean the Printhead Manually
Since the printer won’t allow you to run the automatic printhead cleaning due to the error, you can try manual cleaning:
- Remove the cartridges and gently lift the printhead latch to remove the printhead (if removable).
- Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the copper-colored contacts on the printhead and inside the printer.
- Let everything dry for 5–10 minutes before reinserting.
Update Printer Firmware
If you can access the printer via the HP Smart App or HP software on your PC, check for firmware updates:
- Go to HP Software and Driver Downloads and enter your printer model.
- Download and install the latest firmware.
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, we suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you.
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode)
I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.
Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!
If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!
Warm regards,
Max3Aj
HP Support
07-04-2025 02:36 AM
@Gail832, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help resolve the Printhead Error 0xc190003 on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer,
Reset the Printer
Sometimes a simple reset can clear temporary errors:
- Turn the printer on.
- With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and then into the printer.
- Turn the printer back on.
If the error persists, continue to the next step.
Remove and Reinstall Ink Cartridges
- Open the ink cartridge access door.
- Remove all cartridges.
- Check for any ink buildup or debris on the cartridges and inside the carriage.
- Reinsert the cartridges firmly into their slots.
Make sure you're using genuine HP cartridges. Non-HP or refilled cartridges can sometimes trigger printhead errors.
Clean the Printhead Manually
Since the printer won’t allow you to run the automatic printhead cleaning due to the error, you can try manual cleaning:
- Remove the cartridges and gently lift the printhead latch to remove the printhead (if removable).
- Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the copper-colored contacts on the printhead and inside the printer.
- Let everything dry for 5–10 minutes before reinserting.
Update Printer Firmware
If you can access the printer via the HP Smart App or HP software on your PC, check for firmware updates:
- Go to HP Software and Driver Downloads and enter your printer model.
- Download and install the latest firmware.
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, we suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you.
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode)
I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.
Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!
If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!
Warm regards,
Max3Aj
HP Support