screen wont budge from "reinstall ink cartridge properly" message

[Robb73]

screen wont budge from "reinstall ink cartridge properly" message no matter how many times i reinstall them or how mnay buttons i push - printer just arrived and installation failed on first attempt 

[Robb73]

hp mobile 200 - thought i'd registered it but perhaps not. 

[Robb73]

easier to return the whole thing and get a replacement? 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Robb73,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can imagine how frustrating this is, especially with a brand-new HP printer failing right out of the box. The “Reinstall ink cartridge properly” message usually means the printer isn’t detecting one or more cartridges correctly, even if they’re seated. This can happen due to:

• Protective tape is still on the cartridge contacts.
• Dirty or misaligned electrical contacts.
• Cartridge or printhead alignment failure during setup.

Let’s fix this step by step:

Step 1: Power Reset

1. With the printer ON, unplug the power cord from the back and the wall.
2. Wait 60 seconds.
3. Plug it back directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
4. Turn the printer back on.

Step 2: Remove and Inspect Cartridges

1. Open the cartridge access door.
2. Remove all cartridges.
3. Check for: 
   • Orange protective tape is still on the ink nozzle or contacts (must be fully removed).
   • Any debris or ink buildup on the gold contacts.
4. Clean contacts gently with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water.
5. Reinsert cartridges firmly until they click.

Step 3: Check Cartridge Compatibility

• Ensure you are using genuine HP cartridges for your printer model.
• If the printer came with setup cartridges, those must be used first for initial installation.

Step 4: Update Firmware

• If the printer can connect to Wi-Fi, update firmware: Official HP® Support

Step 5: Hard Reset if Error Persists

• Restore factory defaults:
  Setup → Printer Maintenance → Restore Defaults.

👉 HP Official Guide for Cartridge Errors: Fix Print Cartridge Issues | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Robb73]

HI

Thanks for reply. 

Sorry for the delay - I got bored with the whole thing. 

I can't do anything beyond step 3 because the screen seems to be frozen on the "cartridge problem" one (where it's been all along). 

Should i still just send it back? 

Best

Rob