Do you need both cartridges for printer to work?

cherry76

Printer suddenly stopped working. Documents in queue with printing error. Only the on/off light comes on. Printing error message. Have use print and scan with hp troubleshooter and windows fix problems. No problems found. Cannot print test page and it is showing in the queue as printing. I mainly print in black and replaced the cartridge but noticed the colour one is all dry up.I am wondering whether this is the cause before I go and buy a colour cartridge and finds out it still will not work. It is an old HP desk jet. I have got spare back cartridge but no colour. Any advice pl. Thanks

molerat

My HP will work in "back up mode" with only one cartridge so only one way to find out

grumpycrab

(with a black only cartridge) just try greyscale only printing.

that

Some HP need both cartridges even in black and white, otherwise they will not print. Personally think it is a con but...

System

Depends entirely on the printer. Some will work with only one cartridge empty but most won't.

cherry76

According to printer manual needs both to work. Have ordered one and hopefully it will work.

vtech19

if it's still under warranty, take it back say it's broke and get a replacement which often comes with new cartridge... that's some money saving

Iamzee

HP printers generally need both cartridges to print specially the old ones. It's not really a good idea to stay with this kinds of brands and models as there are now printer brands like epson that lets you refill and print documents without the hassle of getting both cartridges changed and they are way cheaper too.