How to reset HP ink cartridge expiration DRM
There is a (so far) minor publicity and legal storm surrounding the fact that HP ink cartridge have a feature which enforces an expiration date for the cartridge. Aside from bad publicity and user frustration, there has also been some legal action recently drawing additional attention to the issue.
In the meantime, there are methods for working around these features for now.
(via boingboing)
… two ways to fix the problem that presumably work are easily found online: …
1) Remove and reinsert the battery of the printer’s memory chip
..
2) Preemptive: Change the parameters of the printer driver
In the broader view, there’s an interesting problem here. HP and others make a healthy margin on ink cartridges. There are some legitimate reasons for encouraging users to use fresh cartridges, but virtually no user benefit from having this enforced for them. Perhaps a shareware-style “nag screen” reminding people that their cartridge were out of date every time they printed something would be perceived as somewhere between annoying-but-tolerable to actually appreciated.
In my personal experience with my reliable HP OfficeJet G95, I find myself wishing I knew exactly when the ink was actually going to run out (so I can safely start printing a long, colorful document), but I am also quite happy to leave the cartridges in place when the low ink warning goes on, since I find I can print and copy dozens of pages before it starts streaking, and many more usable pages for “draft” quality output if I put up with modest banding and streaking in the output. I also find a stray ink cartridge in a cabinet or storage drawer from time to time which has aged beyond its official expiration date, and am happy to use it, with no ill effect. It would be annoying if the cartridge simply refused to work, which is what appears to be happening to customers with more recent products than the ones I have.
There is substantial IP in the actual ink cartridges themselves, so they’re in no immediate danger of being cloned and commoditized. At the same time, the printer market is maturing enough that more players are able to print “good enough” vs “really good” or “excellent” output without investing as heavily as HP, resulting in a lower unit cost and cost per print.
So consumers, SMEs, and corporate purchasers have more choices than they used to, and some of them are starting to ask: What benefit does an expiration chip have to the user?
how to rest chip hp laser color 3550
I solved my HP problem. I sent the printer to the landfill. I purchased an Epson Workforce 610 (wireless network multifunction) for $53 (OD special) and a set of full cartridges off eBay for $17 that have ARC chips (auto reset chips) I have enough ink for 2 years, so $70 ain’t so bad. Good riddance HP, I won’t miss ye’.
I found a solution to the HP60 cartridge problem!!!!! Take the printer, including the empty cartridges back to walmart for a refund and get another printer. That’s what I did after purchasing cheaper non-HP cartridges that would not work. Thanks HP, for the free ink. You’ll never see another dime of my money and my new NON-HP printer works great!!!!
Computer chips can now use internal flash memory. Don’t search for a battery. There won’t be one. The only thing that will erase the chip is a hammer, but very hard to repair then.
Same deal in the cartridge. Batteries are an environmental problem that has been replaced with throw away, serial numbered cartridges. The printer can keep track of more cartridges than anyone can afford before memory for another serial number is not available. Some anti ripoff laws are needed. Imagine a car manufacturer being able to force you to use only their brand of fuel!
Anybody had any joy overriding the expiration dates with an HP Business Inkjet 1100 … takes the HP 11 cartridges ?
Like everyone else I am frustrated and disgusted that such a large company can hold people to ransom. Almost at the stage of throwing a perfectly good and functioning printer out !!
Simple routine solves HP8250 expired black cartridge:-
Switch On.
Message “Ink Cartridge Expired”
Press Right Arrow
Message “Attention Printer Service or Repairs Required”
Press OK Button
Message “Ink Cartridge Expired” again
Open Cover
Close Cover
Message “Replace Cartridges Soon”
Press OK Button
Works every time for me – haven’t needed to try yet for other colours.
G Bond
HEWLETT PACKARD “THE INK JUNKY!”
We all need to STOP SUPPORTING HP and their GREED!! They are nothing but thieves ripping us all off and they need to be put out of business!! It’s bad enough with all of their dirty tricks they’ve been playing for years by completely taking over our computers, once the ink gets low, prohibiting you from printing at all. Then, if you choose to refill your own cartridges they deliberately make it nearly impossible to reset the ink levels, so you’ll be forced to purchase another one of their cartridges! However, if you thought they couldn’t stoop any lower, keep reading because, this one takes the cake with the deliberate intent to further trick and deceive their consumers, the very one’s who has put hem where they are and the very one’s who can take it all away, too!
CAUTION! Before you buy, read what they are doing now …
They sell the printer in a box packaged to show that the printer your buying takes HP 60 black cartridges priced around $14.00 each, but they forget to tell you these same cartridges are virtually worthless because, they are not designed to hold enough ink to get you through the day much less, have the capability of being refilled. So, you find yourself back at the store to buy more ink and that’s when you learn that you’ve really been duped, big time! They forgot to tell you about the real HP 60xl black cartridge priced around $36.00 that you going to need in order to make use out of their equipment that you just bought and if that’s not bad enough, you soon learn that this $36.00 cartridge is specifically designed to only be refilled no more than four times within a two month period before you are forced to buy another one! Nothing but a scam rigged by design!!
A dealership could never get buy with selling you a car and then, monopolizing the market further to trick you into only being able to purchase gas at a specific location to be able to operate the car!
I am fighting mad! Not only are they not disclosing the truth, but they are out and out misleading their consumers to believe something that is nothing, but a lie! Which, is theft by deception!!
I can’t find the bettery in my hp F4280. Could anybody help me? Please
사진이나 설명을 좀 해 주실수 있나요? 분해를 했지만 배터리를 찾을수가 없네요.
I used the hex driver to open my c4250. You can find them ez at Home Depot.
I double checked inside the .dll file and it does show the TIMESTAMX, rebooted etc. and it just simply doesn’t work for this business inkjet 1200. thx for the effort though.
Ok, thanks for reporting. I just can say that it works von my HP Business Inkjet 2300. Maybe I just had luck with this printer model that it works there.. It was an assumption that it may work on other printer models too as they are also getting the timestamp from the driver.
Best way to check if the patch may work is trying to set back the system date, turn printer off and on again and check if you can print. If this works, then the patch should work too, if not, the printer may cache the ink expiration status information with its internal battery or somthing like that.
If changing back date works but the patch doesn’t, just tell me, I’m quite sure I can help you in this case.
The patch detected the driver of HP4280 and patched it. Tried one expired cartidge and still detected as expired.Boot the pc and rerun the patch, the patch says “driver already patched”. With the patch, the toolbox tools is blocked : can not perform cleaning, alignment and others if I use these tools message “printer disconnected” appears.
I have a business inkjet 1200, I tried your patch and it didn’t work. I went into safe mode and it patched a couple files, but still no go.
edwin lacuesta:
Can you send me the output of the patcher? For your printer model, the file hpz3r5ha.dll should get patched. You may need to restart your machine after applying the patch as the DLL library may still be present in memory in unpatched form.
Just post the output of the patcher to my blog and I’ll try to help you.
Dear Close,
I already downloaded the patch and installed it. I tried one expired cartidge and it is still expired when i put in the cartridge in my HP 4280. I can’t understand German so if there are instructions in your write up i did not do it. I just installed the patch. Is it possible for you to write it down in English so I can understand the instructions.
Yhank you in advance,
Edwin
I wrote a patch for the printer driver that should solve this problem without the need to fiddle around with the hardware. If you are interested:
http://hardwarefetish.com/398-hp-ink-cartridge-expiration-patch
3 Cartridge Tape Technic HP 60
1. You should have at least 3 cartridges:
2. Two cartridges displays “Cartidge Problem or Incompatible Cartridge”
3. Third cartridge must be functional one- meaning you can print with it.
4. My experience is that I started with the functioning cartridge. Then remove it.
5. Tape the 4 left bottom copper contacts (back of the cartridge facing you , cartridge facing printer –left side) of any of the two cartridges displaying “Cartridge Problem”. Insert and let it read. Take out the cartridge. Remove the tape.
6. Tape the 4 Rght bottom copper contacts.. Insert and let it read. Take out again this cartridge. Remove the tape.
7. Insert it again in the printer. Let it Read.Remove it.
8. Now insert the 2nd cartridge with “Cartridge Problem”. Close the door again and let it read.
9. If the red light is still flashing. Remove it.
10. Insert the cartridge that has undergone taping. If red light still flashing. Remove.
11. Insert the 2nd cartridge. The printer will read it as new and it will print a test page. Now you can use your old HP 60 cartridge.
turns out that staples and other companies that refill cartridges have a big machine and one thing that the machine does is put new serial numbers on the chip. If you are nice to them and hand them over a cartridge they will do that for free.
HP business inkjet 1200 solution for expired cartridges. There is a 9 pin connector located behind the bottom cover under the ink cartridges. The cover can be removed by prying it off. It is held in by 4 fingers that lock it in place. After the cover is off, there is a plastic barrier that I cut the middle section out of to get access to the connector. I unplugged the connector and removed the white wire. I plugged the connector back in and now my expired cartridges worked just fine.
For many users the cost of printer cartridges over the lifetime of the printer is actually much higher than the cost of the original printer, but with typical savings of between 50% and 80% from Cartridges by Post you will soon see why we are so busy.
We offer a fantastic range of compatible and remanufactured ink cartridges and toners manufactured in the UK and 100% guaranteed. A Jettec approved dealer for the inkjet cartridges with typically 20-100% more ink per cartridge than the original with saving of as much as 80% on an original cartridge price. We supply Xinia laserjet toner compatibles manufactured in the Uk and 100% guaranteed.
I have a HP F4280 and have used Cart.. world ink no problems…until now and the thing will not work !!! i had a row with a HP techy…and i will solve the problem, without buying a new printer of legit HP catridges. !! Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Andrew
I have tried just about everything i can do for my 74XL cartridges. I cannot access the battery. I tried to reset memory. when i printed the Align Page it printed black (very very vague). This as opposed to when I tried printing a black page after refilling cartridge, nothing came out. What does this mean?
I was wondering how refill companies (Staples included) can get by this chip problem.
I hate HP and all that they are doing to make sure people must fill landfills with all these cartridges! Wasteful Wasteful! when will will we learn and change?
I am having the same problem. I wish that someone would tell me how to bypass this chip?
Good luck!
After having read all that stuff and other in the internet concerning HP-Cartridge-Strategy I wonder if some intelligent programmer could write a program, that could reset the filling-level-variable of HP-Printer.
Why not write this program in linux? Put this program on a CD togeather with some Linux Operating system. This CD could be put into any computer (Windows or Linux), start the linux operating system (without writing on harddisc) start the repair-Program to reset the ink-fill-level to “full” and stop linux operating system to start the normal operating system (Windows or what ever). Hwo knows the variable of HP_Printers which determine the ink-filling-level? Is there any possibility to change this variable on the same way where print-commands are established?
I solved all my problems with this ‘INK SHIT’ by unplugging all of the cords from the HP Printer.
I have a HP Officejet 5510
There are two cords in the printer itself, and 1 cord from the back of the tower and 1 cord plugged into the battery backup box. Pull all the plugs and leave them out for about 15 minutes and plug them all back in and ZING!!!
Hope this helps all of you…
It FIXED my problems with it.
HP is committing legally robbery here with their ridiculous prices on refill cartridges, if they were more reasonable no one would have to bother refilling them.
People BOYCOTT HP printers plain and simple!!
I am guessing that this is based in the USA, so it may be of no use whatsoever, but I live in Australia and have NEVER purchased an ink cartridge for about 5 years, even though I have had 3-4 printers in that space of time.
I have just purchased a HP C5280, and the ink ‘cartridges’ I use is a continuous ink supply system. Before I got on to a CISS, I was using the equivalent of 5 cartridges PER WEEK!
If anyone wants to know more, here is the URL for the (Australian) company where I get my ink system:
http://www.rihac.com.au/
If you contact them, they might know of a retailer near you.
Dale thanks for the info
I went to that site and out of curiosity
I was wondering what printer they had for sale
and they only had one
My HP C7280 and I went a little further
and found CISS for my printer
I was about to chuck my printer to recycle plastic
and use the parts to make a single color ploter
but I think I will give it just one more go
Where does the battery of the HP F4280 located? I am trying to look for a manual but it is unavailable. This Hp60 ink is really getting expensive.
ok, me like everyone else has a hp c5180, and i am tired of the printer disabling my computer. as soon as i am out of ink, the computer freezes. so i have no other choice but to go out and spend money. i too want to get in on how to disable this computer chip. please let me know, thanks.
Can the ink level be reset on the HP Officejet 7410? I refilled cartridge #HP 96 and it will not print anything in black as it does not recognize the cartridge.
I have the little, simple hp Deskjet D2530, which uses hp60 ink. Its easy to refill, I have lots of ink bottles left over from the past, so i refilled the color60 cartridge. Cute little printer just sits there with either it’s X or down arrow blinking, but won’t print. Tried pressing off the above, blinking stops but still won’t print! Turned off everything, restarted, won’t print! Anyone know what little place(s) on the cartridge need to be taped over, or whatever? so i can print again?
Thanks,
Gayle
We can do amazing things nowadays but we can’t accurately indicate the level of ink in a cartridge lol!
Ink levels are merely based on timers, and is not really an true reflection of the actually ink inside, that’s why one gets more out of a cartridge than it appears to indicate. One can only guesstimate when a cartridge will run out and there is no accurate way to indicate how much ink is left.
after re-filling epsom’s and using their resetter light gizmo i finally tried hp as the few cleanings on epson made a message needs techical repair so i tried hp..just used last cartridge and tried re-fill.Nothing so went to web site and golly so many techno refillers. I wonder what goes on with the chip resetter( EPSOM) what occurs to make it’s red lights go to green=ready? does it erase past stuff? I wonder if the pads in stores that swope purchases erase the hidden tags for theft..were we to swpie our catridges over such pads would they go blank(?new)? I dare not place a magnet: the chip dots. my finally purchased new cartridge HP D4160 will not read the $25/00 cartridge.any comments?
Same here HP C7180…does anyone know where the battery is? We have changed to a new ink but the dreaded orange blinking light won’t go away, even after resets suggested by HP. They’re only solution now is repair, estimate $150….
does anybody know where the battery is on the c7180. I have alot of ink in the black but says it out of date what a waste
Yes I to have the same problems as allredy mentioned and I am fed up to the back teeth with H.P. short answer folks
don’t buy any more,they will soon get the message Ron.
I am really having trouble in resetting the ink level of HP cartridge #60.. i cant afford to buy a 5ml original ink every now and then, anybody out there who can help.. thanks
Bimbs:
Did you ever get any replies to your HP60 Ink Cartridge problem. I have the same problem and looking for a solution.
John
HELLO. I HAVE A PRINTER HP C5200 WICH USES HP350(BLACK)AND HP 351(COLOR)CARDTRIGES. AFTER THEY WERE BOTH REFILLED THE PRINTER SHOWS ME THAT THE INK LEVELS ARE LOW OR EMPTY. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND I DIDN’T FOUND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THESE TWO TYPES OF CARDTRIGES. ANYONE HAS AN IDEA ABOUT SHOWING THE INK LEVELS AFTER REFILLING. I WILL APRECIATE.
Thanks all you folks for the info. I was ready to clean my desk off with a sledge hammer.
I have a new HP L7590 that uses hp88 cartridges and have ran into the same problem. At least I think that’s my problem because this stuff is new to me.
Nice machine that works well but if HP don’t change their ways by the time this one fails I will be looking for something that doesn’t have built in BS in it. Can’t even switch to B+W and get a fax because I ran out of yellow. I phoned HP and there is no overide. Friggin Grrrrrr !!!
Thanks to some of you folks I’m learning.
I’ve spent hours looking but cannot find a rest for the D5160 HP #98 and #95 ink cartridges after a refill. There’s a lo out there but none for my printer or those cartidges. Anyone have a way to do this.
Thanks. Ken
I HAVE D1415 HP DESKJET AFTER REFILL USUALLY SECOND TIME OF CARTRIDGE COLOR HP22 I CANNOT GET RED COLOR ON PRINTS, EVENTHOUGH THERE IS MAGENTA PRESENT ON THE PRINTHEAD OF THE CARTRIDGE, PROMINANT RED STREAK. I THINK IT IS THE PRINTER NOT RECOGNIZING OR ALLOWING RED COLOR TO BE PRINTED. ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS.
Bethann,
I didn’t reattach the battery. I’m still getting the original print cartridge error message. I’m about to go get a new printer I think.
Thanks Gilbert…man, I was trying to take the whole machine apart! If you broke off one of the soldered tabs, how did you get it connected again? But then again, if the same message came up again, we can’t keep taking the darn thing apart! Argh!
Thanks again!
Bethann
Bethann, I found the battery in my 5510 after posting. If you take a small mirror and a flashlight you will be able to see it. Unplug the power cord. Hold the mirror inside the front where the ink cartridges are and point the light and mirror so you can see behind the front left panel, looking toward the bottom. You will see red and black twisted wires. Right next to where they attach the battery is soldered to connectors on the board. I reached in and pulled on the battery with a finger and just got it to move a little bit, then pushed it back. Repeated tries eventually broke one of the soldered tabs off the battery.
This corected the problem last week. But now it says “print cartridge error” again
Does anyone have other ideas?
Guru, I do not completely understand your solution. What is the chip on the cartridge?
Hi everyone HP Cartridge expiration problem solved
Model : HP Business Inkjet 1000 series
Problem : Cartridge Expired
Solution : Normally you can’t override cartridge expiration date problem but you can hack and overcome from the problem. As per the documents from the web saying this model can remember up to 3 cartridge of one particular colour. Normally each cartridge will expired within 2 1/2 years.
Mine also expired. To disable the link level feedback to system you have to unplug some cables inside of the printer. So you have to search web for that. I was also refilled the cartridge and reuse it upto 2 1/2 years. After that my 4 ink cartridges were expired and refuse to print even the ink levels were good.
How to overcome this problem. HP the International company’s cartridge protection technology having some loop hole in their protection. They want more business than what they are selling. They don’t like people refill and use their cartridge. They want to force the user to buy new cartridge get more profit.
Normally the each cartridges portion in the printer recognize and memorize the chip bottom of the each cartridge. For example the black cartridge part the printer recognize the chip fixed bottom inside the black cartridge. It won’t check or memorize the other color cartridge chips.
I just removed the chip of the black using a nice blade and swap the chip of the pink (double side glue is used to paste the cartridge chip. You have to very carefully do this. Otherwise chip will damage). Do the same trick to other two cartridge. After you swap note down which cartridges you swaped and keep it in safe place. Later it is useful to swap it again. Better swap (1 and 2) (3 and 4). At least you can swap and use the cartridge for 10 years.
Other model of Business inkjet you have to try it yourself. It may work. Best of luck.
I also need help finding the battery for my 5510, and also, how to take some of those screws out!!! We’ve tried to find some schematic drawings, but so far, cannot. We can’t seem to find a hex key to fit some of them. We were wondering if that is another of HP’s ways of controlling how we depend on buying new models instead of fixing them! Thanks for the help!!!
I cannot find the battery in my Hp 5510. Can anyone help me?