HP 990cse -- One Color Won't Print

[DeeJayNYC]

I have an HP 990cse ink jet printer. It has developed an odd problem: the "yellow" ink won't print. This is despite having changed the cartridge (using the proper HP #78 color cartridge) and attempted to reolve the problem by cleaning/priming the cartridge. The printer indicates no malfunction; no lights are flashing, etc.

One further issue: the on-line manual for the HP 990cse notes that there should be something known as the "HP Toolbox" accessible from, among other places, the system tray. This "HP Toolbox," so far as I can tell, does not exist.

For the record, I am using Windows XP, connect via USB, and have the latest drivers installed.

Any suggestions, on either issue?

Thanks.

DJ

 

[Hecate]

I have an HP 990cse ink jet printer. It has developed an odd problem: the "yellow" ink won't print. This is despite having changed the cartridge (using the proper HP #78 color cartridge) and attempted to reolve the problem by cleaning/priming the cartridge. The printer indicates no malfunction; no lights are flashing, etc.

One further issue: the on-line manual for the HP 990cse notes that there should be something known as the "HP Toolbox" accessible from, among other places, the system tray. This "HP Toolbox," so far as I can tell, does not exist.

See the little printer icon in your system tray? Right click it and
select "open toolbox".

 

[Bob Headrick]

I have an HP 990cse ink jet printer. It has developed an odd problem:
the "yellow" ink won't print. This is despite having changed the
cartridge (using the proper HP #78 color cartridge) and attempted
to reolve the problem by cleaning/priming the cartridge.

You probably have a cartrdige that is beyond its shelf life. Check the
cartridge warranty as shown at:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=bua02014
If the cartrdige is within the warranty then contact your dealer or HP for a
repalcement.

If the cartrdige is beyond its warranty period then buy a fresh new cartrdige.
When buying new cartridges look for the "install by" date on the package. I
would look for a cartrdige with at least six months remaining before the
"install by" date, which will have at least a year of remaining warranty.

When storing cartrdiges for extended periods of time leave them standing
upright as they would be when hanging on a store shelf display and keep in a
cool place.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP
MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Rick Merrill]

Bob Headrick wrote:
....

When storing cartrdiges for extended periods of time leave them standing
upright as they would be when hanging on a store shelf display and keep in a
cool place.

That's good to know, and makes sense, but I hadn't thought of it. - RM

 

[njdpo]

Hi DJ,

Oddly enough I too have the same problem on my 990CSE - the yellow
won't print. I figured that i had the yellow cell in the print tank
empty out on me - so I put in a new cartridge and still no yellow.

However my story is probably a little different that yours. My 2 year
old son decided he was going to fix my 990cse for me (i never got
around to teaching him the old proverb - Dont fix it, if it aint
broke...)... What he did was - he removed the semi-clear plastic strip
inside the printer near the belt that move the carriage. I was able to
put this strip back in (properly i think) but after that the yellow
color never worked again. I assumed he "fixed" something else that I
was not able to detect.

I do not know what this plastic strip is for - but the printer would
not work without it.

Regarding your statement about the HP-toolbox - I had the same issue
and this is fix-able by simply going to the HP website and installing
their drivers for the printer. Afte the install - you will see the tabs
you have read about.

I have tried to clean my print cartridges but still nothing - I
really hate to toss the unit in the trash - but I expect the service
costs will be more than the printer is worth...

Did you ever get your yellow to print properly ? I am considering going
out and getting one more cartridge before I toss the unit ...I would
really like to hear from you regarding your situation...

Finally I would also add that I purchased a new Cannon IP5000 (1
pico-liter unit) and I am amazed with the speed of the unit, and its
color capabilities.

Thanks in advance.

Dave (NJ)

 

[Bob Headrick]

Oddly enough I too have the same problem on my 990CSE - the yellow
won't print. I figured that i had the yellow cell in the print tank
empty out on me - so I put in a new cartridge and still no yellow.

My guess is that you have an old #78 cartridge, well beyond its shelf life.
You should print a diagnostic nozzle pattern as shown at:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...=bpd07098&product=61012&dlc=en&lang=en#N1024A

If the nozzle pattern only shows magenta and no cyan then check the warranty
date as shown at:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=bua02014.
If the cartridge is still in warranty return it to your dealer or contact HP
for a replacement. If the cartridge is beyond the two year warranty then it is
probably a shelf life issue that can be corrected with a fresh cartridge.

When buying new cartridges look for the "install by" date on the package. I
would look for a cartridge with at least six months remaining before the
"install by" date, which would be a year remaining in the warranty.

If you need to store cartridges for an extended period of time keep them
upright as they would be on a store display. Avoid temperature extremes.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, not speaking for my employer HP