How to Change Cartridges on an Ink-Jet Printer

By eHow Computers Editor

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While cartridge installation varies somewhat between brands and models, these general instructions apply to most major brands.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Ink-jet Printers
  • Printer Cartridges
  • Printer Paper
Step1
Purchase an ink cartridge made specifically for your printer.
Step2
Turn on your printer and raise the lid or press the cartridge changing button.
Step3
Wait for the cartridge carrier to slide out.
Step4
Put your finger behind the ridge on the top front of the old cartridge and pull it toward you to remove. If you have an Epson printer, lift the cartridge holder lid, and the cartridge will pop up for removal.
Step5
Carefully remove the tape from the ink opening on the bottom of new cartridge.
Step6
Insert the new cartridge into the cartridge carrier. Make sure the new cartridge is oriented the same way that the old cartridge had been.
Step7
Feel and hear the cartridge click into position. On some models, arrows will indicate the cartridge is correctly positioned.
Step8
If you have an Epson printer, close the cartridge holder lid and press the cleaning button to charge the cartridge.
Step9
Close printer cover.

Tips & Warnings

  • Some printer drivers display step-by-step directions on the computer screen.
  • If you have a Canon printer, make sure you did not disturb the paper adjustment lever.
  • Avoid touching openings, nozzles and electrical contacts on the new cartridge while installing.
  • Ink-jet printers will not work without all cartridges in place.
  • The use of third-party cartridges (not made by your printer's manufacturer) may result in poor print quality and printer damage.
  • Refilling cartridges often introduces foreign material into the ink, which will clog the printer.
  • Any damage caused by use of third-party cartridges or refills is specifically excluded from coverage in manufacturers' limited warranties.

Comments

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ecks

ecks said

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on 12/20/2006 "STEP 8: If you have an Epson printer, close the cartridge holder lid and press the cleaning button to charge the cartridge." <----this really helped...no wonder my prints' color were ol mixed up with green stripes..i dint press the cleaning button..(ok my printer is an epson PM-A950...and its a japanese version..thats why i had a hard time looking for that cleaning thingy.. =( )

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/26/2006 Compatible inkjet and toner cartridges can be used in any printer, if you keep one thing in mind; know who you are buying it from. The quality of compatible cartridges varies widely. Quality compatibles can be used.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/18/2006 Refills work only on the printers that uses the self-contained printhead and ink built together and only if you take care not to abuse the cartridge. If the printhead is damaged, you simply change it out as you do when you run out of color anyway.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I would not advise using refill kits. I print a lot for school and used the black ink refill kit. Since then my photo cartridge is dark when printing photos, even after cleaning the printer! In the long run it is less expensive to purchase a new cartridge made for your printer!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I must reiterate the point not to use the cheaper cartridge substitutes. We nearly ruined our printer, because I wanted to save a few dollars. We have had ongoing printer problems since using one. I think the problems are related.

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eHow Article: How to Change Cartridges on an Ink-Jet Printer

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

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