How to Replace Dell Ink Cartridges

Dell printers are quite similar to HP printers as far as their ink cartridges go. Of course, all ink cartridges are the same in one way--they all need replacing once they run out of ink. Many people choose to toss out and replace the ink cartridges altogether with brand new ones. However, it is also possible to keep the old cartridges and just replace the ink that was inside, allowing them to work like new.

Instructions

1. Open the front cover on the printer. The print cartridges should slide on a conveyor belt from one far end of the print chamber to near the center. There should be one black ink cartridge and one color cartridge.

2. Remove the cartridges from the printer. This should simply involve grabbing and pulling the cartridges out. There may be a flap holding the cartridges in place that you need to flip up first. Or you may need to press down on the cartridges to spring them out of place.

3. Decide on replacing the cartridges with a brand new ones or refilling the existing cartridges. Refilling the cartridges can cost less money in the long-term and reduce waste, while new cartridges will guarantee to work and have the most ink up front.

4. Refill the cartridges with fresh ink in order to reuse them. With black cartridges, you need to drill or melt a hole in the cartridge lid, while you will remove the lid to find the color cartridge's holes. Inject the correct color ink with a plastic syringe bottle. Reseal the lid on a color cartridge after refilling.

5. Dispose of the cartridges properly after you purchase new ones. Take the old cartridges with you to whichever store you get the new ones from. Not only will this help you find the correct replacements, but the store may also take the old cartridges for recycling.

6. Insert the new or refilled cartridges into your printer. New cartridges likely have protective tape over the print head that you'll need to remove. Run a test print on the computer to make sure that the cartridges properly work.

7. Check to see if the printer still reads the cartridges as being empty (if you are reusing a refilled one). This will be due to a chip in the cartridges that the printer reads for the ink level. It doesn't change just because you refilled the cartridges. You must purchase an electronic device that will reset the chip for you.