c4480 incompatible ink cartridge

[jsappuku]

Hi,

I have all in one Photosmart C4480 printer.  It worked fine a couple days ago, after that it started to get "incompatible ink cartridge" message.  I followed the cleaning instruction from HP website.  But it doesn't do any good.  Please help.

[Ciara_B]

Hi

Have you tried resetting the printer as per instructions here ?

[siloed]

The error message -incompatible ink cartridge-is a software detection for those would would like to use non-HP ink cartridges-problem is it will kick off line even when you use the HP supplied cartridges-so you are screwed. No fix possible.

[Ciara_B]

Hi siloed,

What printer model do you have? If it's the PS C4480, you can follow the instructions below to try to resolve the Incompatible Cartridge error.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01158537

If the steps don't work, you could contact phone support (you can refer to this document if you want to check first if the cartridge is still within warranty)

Kind Regards, Ciara

[Bob_Headrick]

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@siloed wrote:

The error message -incompatible ink cartridge-is a software detection for those would would like to use non-HP ink cartridges-problem is it will kick off line even when you use the HP supplied cartridges-so you are screwed. No fix possible.

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This statement has no basis in fact.  

[chrisfrom56]

Would you be so kind to post a solution to this problem if that is your opinion, because it looks like the only solution is to bin this printer!

[Bob_Headrick]

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@chrisfrom56 wrote:

Would you be so kind to post a solution to this problem if that is your opinion, because it looks like the only solution is to bin this printer!

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The solution provided by Ciara_B looks mostly correct to me*.  If cleaning the cartridge and printer contacts as shown does not resolve the issue I would suggest cleaning the cartridge contacts (not the printer contacts) with an eraser, then wiping with a swab to remove any residue.

Be aware that refill/reman cartridges are cartridges that have been used to end of their design life, then refilled and/or remanufactured. The quality of this process varies greatly and is often poor.  If the cartridge itself has failed electrically it will need to be replaced.

*Ignore the first note regarding putting in the original cartridges that came with the printer, this applies to a different design and not the c4480.

[majic]

I have the same printer - and the same "incompatible cartridge" problem. Ironically, it is a genuine HP colour cartridge which seems to be causing the problem, whilst the non HP black cartridge works fine.

I have tried all the suggested solutions but without success.

However, on peering in to the printer, I can see that, at some time, a cartridge has leaked leaving a sticky mess, so probably that is causing the false message.

Now, to take the printer to a "specialist" for cleaning will probably cost as much as a new printer (I only bought this one about 16 months ago), so I may bin it and buy a new (non HP) printer instead - unless anyone can tell me how I can clean out the mess.

[chrisgod]

Arrived here from this thread. And I too have the problem with the Colour Cartridge playing up. I have gone through the FIX and it was removing the black cartridge which showed the colour cartridge to be at fault. I think if you actually view the LCD then it does actually show as the colour cartridge being the problem as the picture is slightly to one side?

Anyway I have ascertained the colour cartridge is the problem and have indeed contacted as prescribed the HP customer services for help. Got to say they are NOT nearly as helpful as the lads and lasses on this forum though! In fact in my case quite unhelpful actually. but this is not aided by the fact the printer and cartridges are French and I am English! That and the fact that I have been asked to take a picture of the offending cartridge and cannot for two reasons. One I do not have a camera and even after i produced one the image is not clear and in fact cannot be seen to be the date they will want. But am unable at present to get the HP customer service rep to see this.

But at the same time perseverance is the key I think and I have still got some 6 months until warranty runs out so I'll keep on trying! Mind you, the process is not helped by the fact i went to buy a new cartridge from the local store and this was actually OUT of date! And this a new Cartridge? But anyway we will await the reply from HP again and then look again at the problem. but if anyone else can offer any help  I will be more than happy to allow them to offer it. 🙂

Chris

[majic]

Like the previous post, my printer and cartridges were bought in France (where we live), so wonder if there is/was a faulty batch.

Referring to my previous post. I thoroughly cleaned out the printer but still got the same message. Took it to a "specialist" who agreed no fee if he couldn't fix the problem. He couldn't, even with a pair of brand new HP cartrdiges. 

So now, I am just using the printer for black printing only whilst I look around for a new (non HP) printer with MUCH cheaper cartridges.