‘Validating…please wait’ message

[L_1D]

 

I installed two new cartilages today, and my printer has been validating for three hours. I’ve turned the printer off multiple times (by unplugging it) and removing the cartilages and reinstalling them, however nothing seems to be working. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @L_1D 

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

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—I’m really sorry your printer is stuck on “Validating…please wait” after installing new cartridges. You’ve already taken the right steps by powering off, reseating the cartridges, and waiting patiently. 

Let’s walk through a focused recovery path to help your printer move past this screen and resume normal operation.

Step-by-step actions to resolve “Validating…please wait” hang

1. Perform a full power reset
This clears internal memory and resets cartridge detection:

• Power off the printer using the power button (if responsive)
• Unplug the power cord from the printer and wall outlet
• Wait 2 full minutes
• Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds while unplugged
• Reconnect the power cord directly to a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors)
• Power on the printer and observe the screen

2. Remove and inspect cartridges

• Open the ink access door
• Remove both cartridges
• Gently wipe the electrical contacts on the cartridges and inside the carriage using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water
• Let dry for 1 minute
• Reinstall cartridges firmly until they click into place
• Close the access door and wait for initialization

3. Confirm cartridge compatibility

• Ensure the cartridges are genuine HP and match your printer model (e.g., HP 62 or HP 64 depending on region)
• If using setup cartridges, confirm they’re not expired or previously used in another printer

4. Update printer firmware manually

• Visit the official HP support page:
  HP ENVY 7640 Drivers and Firmware
• Download and install the latest firmware using USB or HP App
• Restart the printer after installation

5. Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix tool
This tool can detect cartridge faults and reset validation loops:
Diagnose & Fix – HP Support

Let me know how the printer responds after these steps. You’re doing everything right by staying proactive, and I’ll be here to help restore full printing functionality.

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