• ×
    Information
    Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
    Click here to learn more
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
    Click here to learn more
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Experiencing 'Printer Blocked' or 'Printer Error' message? Click here for more information.
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP Officejet 6600 All in One
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I'm getting the "missing or failed printhead" message for all four relatively new HP cartridges.  They worked fine until I left town for 6 weeks.  I tried powering down the printer, and wiping the print heads.  No help.

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @TimothyDL

 

I'd like to help with the printer issue.

 

Try the below steps-

 

Reset the product

  • With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
  • Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
  • Wait at least 60 seconds.
  • Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
  • Reconnect the power cord to the printer.
  • Turn the printer on. HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet

 Clean the electrical contacts

 

Remove the cartridge indicated by the error message, clean the electrical contacts, and then reinsert the cartridge in its color-coded slot.

  1. Open the door to access to the cartridges.

  2. Wait until the carriage stops moving before you continue.

  3. Push the tab on the cartridge indicated by the error message, and then pull the cartridge from its slot.

       CAUTION: 

    Clean the cartridges one at a time. Do not leave a cartridge outside of the printer for more than 30 minutes.

    Removing a cartridge from the carriage

  4. Wipe the copper-colored contact on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth.

    Copper-colored cartridge contact

  5. Place the cartridge to the side, with the contacts facing upwards.

  6. Wipe the contacts inside the printhead with a lint-free cloth.

    The printhead contacts

  7. Insert the cartridge into its slot, and then press down on the cartridge until it snaps into place.

  8. Repeat these steps for any other cartridges indicated in the error message.

  9. Close the front door and cartridge access door

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

 

Please click “Accept as 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

 

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.