NOTE: If you have installed a refilled or remanufactured cartridge, or a cartridge that has been used in another printer, the ink level indicator might be inaccurate or unavailable.

NOTE: Ink level warnings and indicators provide estimates for planning purposes only. When you receive a low-ink warning message, consider having a replacement cartridge available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not have to replace the cartridges until the print quality is unacceptable.

NOTE: Ink from the cartridges is used in the printing process in a number of different ways, including in the initialization process, which prepares the product and cartridges for printing, and in printhead servicing, which keeps print nozzles clear and ink flowing smoothly. In addition, some residual ink is left in the cartridge after it is used. For more information, see www.hp.com/go/inkusage.

To check the ink levels from the HP Photosmart Software

1.In the HP Solution Center, click Settings, point to Print Settings, and then click Printer Toolbox.

NOTE: You can also open the Printer Toolbox from the Print Properties dialog box. In the Print Properties dialog box, click the Features tab, and then click the Printer Services button.

The Printer Toolbox appears.2.Click the Estimated Ink Level tab.

The estimated ink levels for the print cartridges appear.

Related topics

“Order ink supplies” on page 21

Tips for working with print cartridges

Use the following tips to work with print cartridges:

•Use the correct print cartridges for your printer. For a list of compatible print cartridges, see the printed documentation that came with the printer. Alternatively, look in Printer Toolbox in the software.

•To install print cartridges, verify that the protective piece of plastic tape has been removed from each print cartridge. When plastic tape covers the print cartridge contacts, the printer cannot detect that the print cartridge is installed.

•Insert the print cartridges into the correct slots. Match the color and icon of each cartridge to the color and icon for each slot. Make sure both cartridges snap down into place.

•Use genuine HP print cartridges. Genuine HP print cartridges are designed for and tested with HP printers to help you produce great results, time after time.

•Use the ink-backup mode to operate the printer by using only one print cartridge. The ink-backup mode is initiated when a print cartridge is removed from the print cartridge carriage. During ink-backup mode, the printer can only print jobs from the computer.

Work with cartridges

Tips for working with print cartridges

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