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Printer manufacturers want their devices to only accept original cartridges – in extreme cases not even these.
IT engineer Jörg Bieri was amazed when he read the warning message on his HP inkjet printer. The device claimed that the original cartridge inserted was an earlier generation cartridge that was no longer suitable for this printer. So far, this type of cartridge had worked perfectly with this printer.
Jörg Bieri researched in relevant forums whether the original cartridge could still be brought to life – in vain. Then he struggled with HP support and still didn’t get a clear explanation. He wondered: Does the warranty expired on May 21 have something to do with the blocking? In any case, HP speaks of a “cartridge error” and sent a free replacement for the 100 franc part. Jörg Bieri is still annoyed:
HP also blocks original cartridges
He found a note in the forum of a refill cartridge manufacturer: According to this, a recently distributed firmware upgrade from HP is said to be responsible for the blocking. And really: A document on HP’s support page proves: From January 2021, HP intervened in the electronics of the printers with the new device software in such a way that a whole range of original cartridges were no longer compatible with various printer models, although these cartridges still had one had ongoing warranty.
Legend:
And suddenly the fun is over. The printer refuses the original cartridge.
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Jörg Bieri did exactly what HP had recommended: installed the upgrade available online. He gets annoyed again: “I trust HP and think that a firmware upgrade is a sensible thing to do. But I don’t want HP to post something in the back that would then block me as a customer.”
Fredy Gass from the Thinkshop ink refill service is familiar with this type of procedure. He knows the uphill battle that printer manufacturers face against third-party cartridge suppliers. Manufacturers have been trying for years to keep the competition at bay in the lucrative cartridge market with tricks and gimmicks. They are trying to use increasingly sophisticated means to ensure that their printers only work with original cartridges – using device software that blocks other types of cartridges. Technical progress and constant internet connection have made this possible. As a result, there are practically no limits for the manufacturers, says Fredi Gass: “The manufacturers can also determine that the printer will no longer print after a certain date. In fact, anything is possible.”
Legend:
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HP replaces “outdated” cartridges on a case-by-case basis
At the request of “Kassensturz”, HP states that there are no blocks for cartridges if they contain an original HP chip, and adds: “The cartridge series was updated in 2018 to ensure compatibility with new printer models. In individual cases it is possible that (…) printer models no longer accept cartridges from the older series since 2021. » When asked again whether all blocked cartridges are now being replaced by HP with new ones, HP writes: “HP support always makes individual assessments. However, in the case of the HP 913A and 972-976A/X/Y cartridge series, HP will replace the cartridges» even after the warranty date has expired.»
Jörg Bieri’s problem: He still has several older replacement cartridges. Those don’t work anymore either. He is now counting on HP to replace them without hesitation.