If you receive an error message stating that the “alignment failed” or that the ”alignment could not be completed”, this may indicate that the printer is not properly recognizing the cartridge.

• Remove the cartridge from your printer and locate the copper contacts. Ensure that the copper strip is intact; and if so, you will want to clean the contacts from any obstruction or debris as this may be preventing the alignment from completing. 
• Using a lint free cloth (such as a coffee filter), gently wipe the copper contacts to remove any obstruction or debris. 
• It may also be helpful to clean the nozzle plate to ensure a proper ink flow. Dampen a lint-free cloth with bottled water and gently wipe the nozzle plate 2-3 times until you see ink appearing on the cloth. Please note that the ink will stain any underlying surfaces so please use caution and discard the cloth as soon as the nozzle plate has been cleaned. 
• Reinstall your cartridge into the printer and attempt the alignment process again. 

If you encounter an error message stating that the cartridge cannot be recognized, is an incompatible cartridge, the wrong cartridge is installed or if your printer has blinking lights, there may be a simple solution to fix this.

This solution should also be attempted if you receive a message stating that your printer is printing in Single Cartridge Mode.

• Confirm that the cartridge pictured matches the cartridge you have in your hand or installed in your machine.
• Confirm that the printer you are using is listed in the printer compatibility table as a compatible printer for the cartridge you are trying to install.
• If ONE of these TWO criteria do NOT match, you have most likely received the incorrect cartridge for your printer. Please visit our PRINTER COMPATIBILITY page in order to determine what cartridge you need for your machine.
• Once you have confirmed you have the correct cartridge for your printer, open the cover on the printer and remove the cartridge. 
• Upon removing the cartridge, you will need to locate the copper contacts. If the copper strip is missing, the cartridge will not function and will need to be replaced. 
• If the copper strip is intact, you may need to clean the contacts from any type of obstruction or debris as this may be the cause of the error. 
• You may use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts. Gently brush the copper strip with the pencil eraser to remove any potential obstruction or debris. You may also use any type of lint free cloth or a coffee filter. Again, gently wipe the copper strip with the lint free cloth removing any type of obstruction or debris. 
• Once this is complete, replace the cartridge in the cradle, close the lid and then follow any on screen prompts that may appear. 

• This can be done by turning off your computer and your printer with the cartridges installed.
• Unplug your printer and leave your machines off for 2 minutes.
• Restart the printer and your computer, and attempt your print again. 

If you encounter an error message stating that the cartridge cannot be recognized, is an incompatible cartridge, the wrong cartridge is installed or if your printer has blinking lights, there may be a simple solution to fix this.

This solution should also be attempted if you receive a message stating that your printer is printing in Single Cartridge Mode.

• Confirm that the cartridge pictured matches the cartridge you have in your hand or installed in your machine.
• Confirm that the printer you are using is listed in the printer compatibility table as a compatible printer for the cartridge you are trying to install.
• If ONE of these TWO criteria do NOT match, you have most likely received the incorrect cartridge for your printer. Please visit our PRINTER COMPATIBILITY page in order to determine what cartridge you need for your machine.
• Once you have confirmed you have the correct cartridge for your printer, open the cover on the printer and remove the cartridge. 
• Upon removing the cartridge, you will need to locate the copper contacts. If the copper strip is missing, the cartridge will not function and will need to be replaced. 
• If the copper strip is intact, you may need to clean the contacts from any type of obstruction or debris as this may be the cause of the error. 
• You may use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts. Gently brush the copper strip with the pencil eraser to remove any potential obstruction or debris. You may also use any type of lint free cloth or a coffee filter. Again, gently wipe the copper strip with the lint free cloth removing any type of obstruction or debris. 
• Once this is complete, replace the cartridge in the cradle, close the lid and then follow any on screen prompts that may appear. 

• This can be done by turning off your computer and your printer with the cartridges installed.
• Unplug your printer and leave your machines off for 2 minutes.
• Restart the printer and your computer, and attempt your print again. 

Confirm that the cartridge pictured matches the cartridge you have in your hand or installed in your machine.

Confirm that the printer you are using is listed in the printer compatibility table as a suitable printer for the cartridge you are trying to install.

If ONE of these TWO criteria do NOT match, you have most likely received the incorrect cartridge for your printer. Please visit our PRINTER COMPATIBILITY page in order to determine what cartridge you need for your machine.

Once you have confirmed you have the correct cartridge for your printer we will begin by making sure you have properly removed all of the protective outer components from your cartridge before installation into the printer.

The first step is to make sure you have properly removed the clip from the cartridge. This clip protects the electrical circuitry on the cartridge and also keeps the cartridge from leaking.

Once the clip has been removed, you should see a copper strip and this is the cartridge’s contacts. These contacts communicate with the printer to print your documents. Please keep in mind that there are various styles of clips and that the clip we are removing in this video may not be identical to the one on your cartridge. Clips will vary in color, size and shape depending on the cartridge model and supplier of your remanufactured inkjet.

After you remove the clip, please make sure that you are installing your cartridge into the correct location in the printer. Please consult your printer’s user manual to learn how to correctly install your remanufactured inkjet cartridge.

If you are trying to install the cartridge in the correct location, the cartridge may have been mislabeled and should be returned to the place of purchase.

If you need to print right away and this troubleshooting did not solve the problem with your cartridge, please select the option entitled "One Cartridge Printing"

Some remanufactured cartridges come with a clip that protects the printhead and helps to preserve and maintain the quality of the cartridge.

To remove this clip, place the cartridge on a solid surface. Holding the clip with one hand, press down on the cartridge with the other hand and pull back on the clip.

You may also find it helpful to think of the clip as the tab on a soda can. Place the cartridge on a solid surface with the clip at the top. Hold the cartridge in one hand and "peel" the clip back with the other.

Some resistance is normal so don't be alarmed.

You may notice some residual ink on the pad or some ink on the printhead of the cartridge. This is also normal as some clips serve to prime the cartridge in order to allow it to function properly.

Once the clip has been removed, you may install the cartridge into your printer as normal.

If you need to print right away and this troubleshooting did not solve the problem with your cartridge, please select the option entitled "One Cartridge Printing"

If you encounter an error message stating that the cartridge cannot be recognized, is an incompatible cartridge, the wrong cartridge is installed or if your printer has blinking lights, there may be a simple solution to fix this.

This solution should also be attempted if you receive a message stating that your printer is printing in Single Cartridge Mode.

• Confirm that the cartridge pictured matches the cartridge you have in your hand or installed in your machine.
• Confirm that the printer you are using is listed in the printer compatibility table as a compatible printer for the cartridge you are trying to install.
• If ONE of these TWO criteria do NOT match, you have most likely received the incorrect cartridge for your printer. Please visit our PRINTER COMPATIBILITY page in order to determine what cartridge you need for your machine.
• Once you have confirmed you have the correct cartridge for your printer, open the cover on the printer and remove the cartridge. 
• Upon removing the cartridge, you will need to locate the copper contacts. If the copper strip is missing, the cartridge will not function and will need to be replaced. 
• If the copper strip is intact, you may need to clean the contacts from any type of obstruction or debris as this may be the cause of the error. 
• You may use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts. Gently brush the copper strip with the pencil eraser to remove any potential obstruction or debris. You may also use any type of lint free cloth or a coffee filter. Again, gently wipe the copper strip with the lint free cloth removing any type of obstruction or debris. 
• Once this is complete, replace the cartridge in the cradle, close the lid and then follow any on screen prompts that may appear. 

• This can be done by turning off your computer and your printer with the cartridges installed.
• Unplug your printer and leave your machines off for 2 minutes.
• Restart the printer and your computer, and attempt your print again. 

If you notice that the ink gauge displays a low or no ink level, please look at the back of your cartridge.  
 
If your cartridge contains a patch over the copper contacts as shown above, you may be able to allow the printer to read the ink levels by cleaning the electrical patch. Simply use a lint free cloth (such as a coffee filter) or a pencil eraser to gently clean the contacts from any obstruction or debris. Reinstall the cartridge and follow any on-screen prompts.

If the problem persists, reset your printer by turning off your computer and the printer (with the cartridges installed). Leave your machines off for 2 minutes, and then restart.  If neither of these troubleshooting tips help, your cartridge should be returned to the place of purchase.

However, if your cartridge does not have a patch over the contacts, DO NOT be alarmed.


A low/empty ink message is very common because you are using a remanufactured inkjet.

The ink gauge on your printer will no longer read the ink levels correctly because it does not recognize your cartridge as “new”. This message can be bypassed easily when necessary and will not affect your printing performance.

Keep in mind that the ink gauges on printers only serve as an ESTIMATE of how much ink may be remaining in the cartridge.

To continue printing, click ok or continue through any printer prompts, if applicable, to allow the printer to finish printing.

Or you may press ok on your printer’s LCD screen, if it has one.

If your printer has an LCD screen but you do not see an option to bypass the low ink message (or if pressing "OK" does not eliminate the error), please click here for an example of what to look for on your printer.

If you notice that the ink gauge displays a low or no ink level, please look at the back of your cartridge.  
 
If your cartridge contains a patch over the copper contacts as shown above, you may be able to allow the printer to read the ink levels by cleaning the electrical patch. Simply use a lint free cloth (such as a coffee filter) or a pencil eraser to gently clean the contacts from any obstruction or debris. Reinstall the cartridge and follow any on-screen prompts.

If the problem persists, reset your printer by turning off your computer and the printer (with the cartridges installed). Leave your machines off for 2 minutes, and then restart.  If neither of these troubleshooting tips help, your cartridge should be returned to the place of purchase.

However, if your cartridge does not have a patch over the contacts, DO NOT be alarmed.


A low/empty ink message is very common because you are using a remanufactured inkjet.

The ink gauge on your printer will no longer read the ink levels correctly because it does not recognize your cartridge as “new”. This message can be bypassed easily when necessary and will not affect your printing performance.

Keep in mind that the ink gauges on printers only serve as an ESTIMATE of how much ink may be remaining in the cartridge.

To continue printing, click ok or continue through any printer prompts, if applicable, to allow the printer to finish printing.

Or you may press ok on your printer’s LCD screen, if it has one.

If your printer has an LCD screen but you do not see an option to bypass the low ink message (or if pressing "OK" does not eliminate the error), please click here for an example of what to look for on your printer.

If you encounter a pop-up screen containing information about HP's Cartridge Protection Feature asking you if you would like to discourage theft and counterfeiting by protecting your HP cartridge, select "No".



If you selected “Yes” in error, you may see a second screen asking you to enable or disable HP Cartridge Protection.

Select “Disable HP Cartridge Protection” then “Save Setting” and close.

You may encounter an error stating that "HP's ink cartridge and printer warranties do not cover repairs or service due to the use of non-HP cartridges or non-HP ink" or an error stating "Counterfeit Cartridge Advisory".

It is important to note that most remanufactured inkjet cartridges are 100% guaranteed. Most manufacturers warrant against any damage to your printer.

In order to continue or begin using your printer, click OK or Continue to dismiss the printer prompts that appear on your screen after installing the remanufactured cartridges. Do not click "Cancel".

This message may reappear prior to the depletion of your cartridge. Please follow the same procedure to dismiss the message if this does occur.

If you did click "Cancel", click here for more information.

Your rights as a consumer are protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, Subparagraph C, Section 101.

"The use of a non-HP ink cartridge or a refilled ink cartridge does not affect either the warranty to the customer or any HP support contract with the customer."

Please click here for more information How to respond to Warranty messages 

Upon installing an HP 61 or 61XL inkjet, you may encounter an error stating that the cartridge you have installed is an older generation cartridge.



Some of the latest printer models will only accept newly released cartridges. You may also encounter this same message when using an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridge (click here for more information).

At this time, the only printers affected by this change are:

Deskjet 1010
Deskjet 1056
Deskjet 1510
Deskjet 2540
Deskjet 2542
Deskjet 3511
Deskjet 4522
ENVY 4500
ENVY 4501
ENVY 4502
ENVY 4531
ENVY 5530
Officejet 2620
Officejet 4630
Officejet 4631
Officejet 4632
Officejet 4634
Officejet 4635
Officejet 4639

Please note that "old generation" cartridges will work in these printers as long as you HAVE NOT accepted firmware updates from the OEM. If you have accepted this update, you will need to purchase a "new generation" cartridge.

The OEM has put expiration dates on these cartridges so there is an easy way to tell which generation you have. Look at the back of the cartridge – stamped on the cartridge next to the OEM logo is a date that will have a year, month and a day.



If you encounter the “older generation” error message and the date on your cartridge is 2014/03/31 or earlier, you will need to contact the supplier of your remanufactured cartridge for a new version replacement.

If the date on the cartridge is 2014/04/01 or later, the cartridge should be accepted by your printer.

Please note, you may need to remove a sticker or label to see the date on the cartridge. If you do remove anything from the cartridge, be sure to reapply it after you confirm the cartridge generation to ensure that you receive credit if necessary.

If the cartridge is not accepted by your printer and the date is after 2014/04/01, please follow the instructions for an unrecognized cartridge: "Cartridge indicates missing/damaged/incompatible/ incorrect/unsupported/has a problem"

If you encounter an error message stating that the cartridge cannot be recognized, is an incompatible cartridge, the wrong cartridge is installed or if your printer has blinking lights, there may be a simple solution to fix this.

This solution should also be attempted if you receive a message stating that your printer is printing in Single Cartridge Mode.

• Confirm that the cartridge pictured matches the cartridge you have in your hand or installed in your machine.
• Confirm that the printer you are using is listed in the printer compatibility table as a compatible printer for the cartridge you are trying to install.
• If ONE of these TWO criteria do NOT match, you have most likely received the incorrect cartridge for your printer. Please visit our PRINTER COMPATIBILITY page in order to determine what cartridge you need for your machine.
• Once you have confirmed you have the correct cartridge for your printer, open the cover on the printer and remove the cartridge. 
• Upon removing the cartridge, you will need to locate the copper contacts. If the copper strip is missing, the cartridge will not function and will need to be replaced. 
• If the copper strip is intact, you may need to clean the contacts from any type of obstruction or debris as this may be the cause of the error. 
• You may use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts. Gently brush the copper strip with the pencil eraser to remove any potential obstruction or debris. You may also use any type of lint free cloth or a coffee filter. Again, gently wipe the copper strip with the lint free cloth removing any type of obstruction or debris. 
• Once this is complete, replace the cartridge in the cradle, close the lid and then follow any on screen prompts that may appear. 

• This can be done by turning off your computer and your printer with the cartridges installed.
• Unplug your printer and leave your machines off for 2 minutes.
• Restart the printer and your computer, and attempt your print again. 

If you have tried all the possible troubleshooting solutions for the error you are experiencing but need to print before you are able to get a replacement cartridge, please attempt the following procedure in order to continue printing with your non-defective cartridge.

Your printer should have the option to print in either "color only" or "black and white only". This is usually located in the printer toolbox either under Printer Settings or Advanced Settings. Please consult your printer's user manual to determine where this feature is located for your model.

Choosing the option to print in only one color may allow you to print until you are able to get a replacement cartridge.

Please remember to change your printer setting back to allow for printing in all colors once you have replaced your cartridge.

You may encounter an error stating that the original HP ink in your cartridge has been depleted and a question asking if the cartridge was sold to you as a new, genuine HP-branded cartridge. If you encounter this message, please click "No" to continue printing.

You may also encounter an error stating that "HP's ink cartridge and printer warranties do not cover repairs or service due to the use of non-HP cartridges or non-HP ink".

It is important to note that most remanufactured inkjet cartridges are 100% guaranteed. Most manufacturers warrant against any damage to your printer.

In order to continue or begin using your printer, click OK (or Continue) to dismiss the printer prompts that appear on your screen after installing the remanufactured cartridges. You may also press OK on your printer's LCD screen if it has one. Do not press Cancel. If you pressed Cancel and receive a message about Cartridge Protection, please click here for more information.

This message may reappear prior to the depletion of your cartridge. Please follow the same procedure to dismiss the message if this does occur.

Your rights as a consumer are protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, Subparagraph C, Section 101.

"The use of a non-HP ink cartridge or a refilled ink cartridge does not affect either the warranty to the customer or any HP support contract with the customer."

Please click here for more information.

If you have printed a document and are unsatisfied with the print quality, you may need to perform a cleaning cycle in order to improve the quality of your print.

This video will show you an example of how to perform a cleaning cycle through your printer's control panel. If your printer does not have a control panel, please select the troubleshooting for "Performing a Cleaning Cycle from your Computer" for further assistance.

Please keep in mind that this process may vary by printer and that you may also consult your printer's user manual for instructions on performing a cleaning cycle.

• Press the wrench icon on your printer 
• Scroll to Tools and press OK 
• Scroll to Clean Printhead and press OK 
• When the cleaning cycle is complete, your printer will print a test page.
• If the quality on the test page is satisfactory, press OK to exit the cleaning cycle. You may return to the document you wish to print and resume printing. 
• Or you may also perform another cleaning cycle if you are not satisfied with your test page. 

• You will want to use a lint free towel such as a coffee filter. Fold the filter in half. 
• We also suggest using a paper towel or other absorbent material to place under the lint free cloth to protect your surface from the ink as it may stain your underlying surface. 
• Remove your cartridge from the printer. 
• Locate the printhead. This is on the bottom of the cartridge. Do not touch the printhead or bottom of your cartridge as this can damage the cartridge. 
• Hold the cartridge with the printhead facing downward. 
• Simply press the printhead of the cartridge onto the coffee filter and hold for 3 seconds. 
• Upon lifting the cartridge back up, three (3) colors should appear on the lint free cloth. 

If you have printed a document and are unsatisfied with the print quality, you may need to perform a cleaning cycle in order to improve the quality of your print.

This video will show you an example of how to perform a cleaning cycle through your printer's control panel. If your printer does not have a control panel, please select the troubleshooting for "Performing a Cleaning Cycle from your Computer" for further assistance.

Please keep in mind that this process may vary by printer and that you may also consult your printer's user manual for instructions on performing a cleaning cycle.

• Press the wrench icon on your printer 
• Scroll to Tools and press OK 
• Scroll to Clean Printhead and press OK 
• When the cleaning cycle is complete, your printer will print a test page.
• If the quality on the test page is satisfactory, press OK to exit the cleaning cycle. You may return to the document you wish to print and resume printing. 
• Or you may also perform another cleaning cycle if you are not satisfied with your test page. 

• You will want to use a lint free towel such as a coffee filter. Fold the filter in half. 
• We also suggest using a paper towel or other absorbent material to place under the lint free cloth to protect your surface from the ink as it may stain your underlying surface. 
• Remove your cartridge from the printer. 
• Locate the printhead. This is on the bottom of the cartridge. Do not touch the printhead or bottom of your cartridge as this can damage the cartridge. 
• Hold the cartridge with the printhead facing downward. 
• Simply press the printhead of the cartridge onto the coffee filter and hold for 3 seconds. 
• Upon lifting the cartridge back up, three (3) colors should appear on the lint free cloth. 

You may encounter an error stating that you have a Previously used genuine cartridge installed.



If you encounter this message, please click "Continue" to continue printing.

You may also encounter an error stating that "The original HP ink in one or more cartridges has been depleted. If they were sold to you as new, genuine HP cartridges, they might be counterfeit".



In order to continue or begin using your printer, click OK.

If you encounter an error message stating "User Intervention Required", there may be a simple solution to fix this.

• Restart both your printer and computer and attempt your print again

• Search Windows for Services, and then click Services in the list of results. (The Search Bar can be found by clicking the Windows button in the lower left corner of the screen.)
• Select Print Spooler from the alphabetical list.
• Right-click Print Spooler and choose "Stop".

• Open Windows Explorer (the icon that looks like a file folder).
• Select the (C:) drive in the left pane under "Computer".
• Double-click the Windows folder.
• Scroll down and open the "System32" folder.
• Open the "spool" folder and delete all files inside the PRINTERS folder.
• Restart your computer and attempt your print again