I buy the Epson generic ink saves some money that way. I've seen generic HP on the shelves.
Some office depot? or office max? stores will refill ink cartridges for cheap if you have any of those around.

I only use the name brand ink if I am doing a special project.

But I do think both cartridges need have some ink or it won't print.

did you try setting it to only print in black & white - no color? jus to test?

and some times my cartridges get dry on the bottom so I have to take then out and clean the opening with a Q tip & alcohol - I just don't use it enough to keep it from getting a clog there i guess.

For plain black & white here's another option - I have a Panasonic {laser} fax/scanner/printer that uses a roll of film instead of ink.
got it at the goodwill store and only had to buy the roll of laser film & download the software for in online.
- no ink to dry out and has lasted for years - it had the manual and was really new looking.

you might go to HP site and see if they have a newer program for the printer or one that will show the ink levels -
Epson has a separate program for showing the ink levels - for the one I have it is separate anyway.


Amazon ink prices for comparison -
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...164_148&fsc=-1

Okay, here's what I just did. I took out both cartridges, I cleaned them. There was black stuff (not a lot), on my alcohol prep thing. I waited until they were dry and put them back in.

I then went to properties and set it to print in black and white.

I tried to print a test page and my printer would not grab the paper.

I checked to see if there was enough paper. There was. I opened the top to see WHY it was not grabbing the paper, but of course because I opened the printer, it was not going to do anything while the cover was opened.

So I have been trying to print ANYTHING, even a document from word pad, but it doesn't grab the paper. The rollers just roll. No paper, so no printing.

I am now thoroughly confused.

This used to be a great printer.

any clues?

Melody

what is the model of it the numbers or name??
or post a pic or link from the net of it
- I had one HP yrs ago that the plastic flipper thing down in the paper area groove flipped over too far - once I flipped it back all was good again.

The same kind got tossed in the disposal bin at work so i asked if i could take it home - since it was replaced already - it had the same problem - so got a nice printer {w/ink still in it}

I they were a DeskJet 712C .

Guess you didn't read my first post. lol

It's a HP 882C

Melody

Found a link on the internet that shows the photo.

http://www.4inkjets.com/HP-Deskjet-8...rtridges-toner

I had an HP printer. It was the all-in0one kind. It always told me when I was running low on either color or black-and-white. You could also go to the desktop and search printer and there you could always check the level of both. It showed a graphic of approximately how much you had left.

When I had problems with my very old computer, I decided to keep the printer / copier. That was a great idea as anybody can make a xerox copy of anything without having to turn the new computer on.

I don't know if this helps but it might give you some ideas...

Staples has printers (HP) on sale for $69. All in one. Why on earth should I buy one ink cartridge for an OLD printer, when I can get a NEW printer (which includes a cartridge) for $69.00

I think I'll do this.

thanks much

Melody

that is what I have decided.. might as well get a new printer than pay for more ink. i have an epson now and i really does a great job my color are all individual so have 4 to buy at a time.
I used to have a link for really cheap ink... might try googling for it think it might have been 1 2 3 ink or something like that