Printer cartridges

[X111]

The printer cartridge picture shows that I am coming to the end of my print cartridges. This is my first time, and I have read somewhere that to carry on until they no longer print properly will damage the printer. How will I know exactly when the cartridges must be renewed, please?.

[Oldman]

Sorry Nadia, Cannot answer your question without full details of your printer, brand, model number etc. Different printers have different proceedures.

[robber1]

I cant see that using a cartridge until it is empty will damage the printer. The problem arises if you do not have a replacement ready and the old cartridge is empty. This causes residual ink to dry in the jets and the print head to clog up. Usually this can result in having to buy a new head and as I have done, replace the printer cos its more cost effective. So, when old cartridges are getting low, buy the new ones ready to replace them, and install as soon as old ones are empty.

[X111]

Thank you very much, both. Its an HP Deskjet 5550, O. I've only got one black and one colour cartridge at the moment, R, does that mean that I must buy one more of each? Do you tell when they are empty by the printing starting to fade, or is there some other way?

[robber1]

You say in your Question that "the printer cartridge picture shows that I am coming to the end of my print cartridges". I assume therefore that it will eventually change to say it is empty. (A common feature). If this happens, just change the empty cartridge (no need to change both unless both are empty). When my "picture" is getting low , I order what I need on line (you could go to a shop) so I am ready to change it when required. If you use a lot of ink, it is OK to keep a spare one of black and colour in preparation to change them, but it is not good to buy ink which will not be in use for several weeks. Usually, when a cartridge is empty, the printer will not function anyway. I dont know about your particular model so please excuse my general information.

[X111]

Thank you very much, Rob, you have cleared my mind as to what I must do (it is very isolated here, and I am the only one with a computer but very new to it). I did not know that the picture should change to say empty, but in any event will order a new black cartridge now. Thanks again.