HP Ink levels

[simsfreq]

How do I check the ink levels in my HP Deskjet 840c Printer?
The printouts are lacking in yellow but it's a bit late now for me to find out!
Is there any way of a prior warning of ink levels depreciating?
I'm running Windows XP home

[Buenchico]

I've not used an HP printer for a while (although I've always had good results from them) but all fairly modern printers should have an on-screen warning system which tells you when the ink is running low. Many printers automatically re-set the 'guage' to 'full' when a new ink cartridge is installed but some require you to do this by clicking 'Reset ink counter', within the software, whenever you change an ink cartridge. Also, in some printers the on-screen warning system is automatically enabled when you install the printer but with others you have to 'switch it on' before it will work.

The details for your printer should be in its handbook but, if you can't find this, there are two ways to check the relevant settings.

The first is to look through the list of programs installed on your PC for the HP software and to see what you can find there. (This might include more detailed instructions than were in the printed set-up documentation).

The other method is to go to your printers folder. (I don't use XP but you should be able to find it by going to 'Start', then 'Settings', then 'Printers' or, possibly Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers). In that folder you'll see the icon for your printer. Right-click on it and select properties. Then click thevarious tabs to find the relevant settings. (The ones you want are probably under 'Maintenance'). You ought to know how to get here, anyway, because sooner or later you'll have to use the 'Clean' or 'Deep Clean' operations to keep your printouts looking as they should do.

I'm sorry if this seems a bit vague but, as I say, I don't use an HP printer. Perhaps someone who's got the same printer can provide more detailed information?

Chris

[snook]

I use an HP 890c and as far as I know it has no option to let you know current ink levels or when a refill is about to let you down (if there is one, it's well hidden). Big drawback, 'cos when it happens you always feel let down (obviously, since you're using the printer and you need to finish the print job... a bit like a shoelace breaking, it always seems to happen just when you're going out... of course... you don't generally put your shoes on to sit round the house!).

When you do need a refill, try Cartridge World. Very good prices, and they explain that they actually fill the cartridge right up, rather than about a third or a half, which apparently is what HP do. I'd be tempted to take this with a pinch of salt, but I've used them a few times and their refills really last, plus they're a massive chain so I think they'd be very careful about misrepesenting the facts.

[Kendo]

I had an HP 840C series,you never got a warning,just a blank,or faded copy.Lexmark X1180 ,which I now have gives you an on screen graphic representation of your ink levels.(colour & Black and white.)you also get a vocal reminder.