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Ink System Failure Error 0xc18a, 0xc19… – HP Printers

Ink System Failure Error Message Displayed on a Photosmart ScreenHp Ink System Failure: Ink System has failed. Unable to print. Refer to Printer documentation. Error: “0xc18a…”

Products that may encounter this problem: (A survey based on Fixya.com database)
HP Photosmarts:
C6180, C6288, C3210, C3310, C5180, C7280, C6188, D7460, C8250, C7180, C5183, C6288, C7268, C6150, C7360, C7160,c309a, C6380 . (Ink System Failure)

As you can see, only Photosmarts encounter this problem, however that does not mean that other HP printers types wont be affected.

Common Error Codes:
0xc19axxxx, 0xc18a0001, 0xc18a030a, 0xc19a003f, 0xc18a0201, 0xc19a0003, 0×05d1281, oxc18a0307, 0xc18a101, 0xc052281, 0xc05d0281, 0xc18a0306, 0xc19ac3ff, 0xc18a0101, 0xc19a0031, 0xc18a0007, 0xc18a506

Troubleshooting:
When you have one these error messages on your printer screen there are two things that you need to consider to enlighten yourself on what to do when you are in this kind of situation.

Is your product in warranty or out of warranty?
For In-Warranty products, please do not do any self troubleshooting. Immediately contact HP technical support to have them troubleshoot the problem for you. In most cases, printers with these error messages are replaced but you must also be patient and follow the technical support’s instructions and basic troubleshooting. I recommend you to read our article on how to contact HP technical phone support.

For Out-of-Warranty products, I am afraid you have to exert extra effort to be able to resolve this issue on you HP printer. Below are ways that I recommend to resolve this.

You need to do some basic troubleshooting steps below and hope that it would fix the problem.

  • Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable from the back of the product, but leave the product turned on.
  • Open the cover of the product and remove the print cartridges.
  • Close the cover and wait for the Insert Ink Cartridges message to display.
  • Disconnect the power cord from the back of the product and the wall socket, then wait for one minute.
  • Reconnect the power cord. If the product does not automatically turn on, press the Power button.
  • Open the cover and reinsert the print cartridges.
  • Close the cover. If prompted, print a calibration page.
  • Print a Self Test to verify product is functional.
  • Reconnect the USB cable, and try to print from the computer.
  • If the error is still there continue reading…

Generally, when you have this type of error message displayed on your printer screen your printer may be permanently damage, resetting your hp printer may fix it in some cases but it is almost certain that the problem wil reoccur.
“0xC18″ errors may also mean that the printer’s temperature is below 40F/5C.. Try warming up the printer and try again. If you have reached this part already and still the problem is not yet fixed, do not worry I still have 3 more suggestions to help you with this problem.

1. Chat for free in real time with an HP online support agent. Hopefully, HP can be able to support you on this.

2. I have stumbled upon a solved problem at fixya wherin user SagarJD was able to provide a special reset for the ink system and was able to successfully solve the ink system failure with error:OXC18a0205. You can try following his procedure.

3. If you have reached this part already, then most probably your product’s Ink System is permanently damaged and it is certainly unrecoverable. Servicing the printer is not what I recommend on this. Instead, I suggest you call HP tech support and upgrade your printer to newer model.

HP CMOS Battery

By the way, there is another way. By now you are getting ready to replace your printer, right? Why don’t you this last solution, and try it to resolve this issue. This step is only intended for OUT-OF-WARRANTY products ONLY as doing this step on IN-WARRANTY products can VOID YOUR WARRANTY. Do this step at your own risk.

There is a CMOS battery inside your printer that keeps track on your printer’s history. Ink replacements, resets, etc… Try resetting the data stored on your Hp product by removing the CMOS battery and then putting it back in after 30 minutes. Unfortunately I could not tell where you can find this battery inside your product as location differs for different products but here’s what the battery should look like inside your printer.


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91 Responses to “Ink System Failure Error 0xc18a, 0xc19… – HP Printers”

  1. John says:

    FIxed!! Thanks to you!

  2. Marj says:

    the battery is the circular thing on the left… tried removing it and placing it back in and it worked! thanks to the author! you saved me some $.

  3. Anonymous says:

    How do you get to the Battery from the bottom?

  4. Anonymous says:

    Thanks for the CMOS battery comment. I know you said you don’t know where the location of the battery is…I’ve looked at it and can’t find it anywhere. I have taken it apart–is that what I have to do with a screwdriver? Any clue as to the location of it? Would it be internal or external. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

  5. Nikolai says:

    the “CMOS Battery SOlution” unfortunately yielded very low success results.. Only 2 out of 11 has success with it. I do not recommend it anymore…

    What I could suggest, if the resetting the printer does not resolve the issue, is to call HP and have your printer upgraded (available for out of warranty products only)…. It is a refurbished printer but you can actually save with it up to $100 dollar savings. Plus it has a normal warranty with it of 1 year! You also have the option for extended warranty up to 2 years at very low prices as low as 20 dollars.

    Basically it would be like buying a refurbished printer that is cheaper, and if you add a 2 year extended warranty on it, your investment will be protected for 2 years + 1 year normal warranty = 3years. Any hardware failures such as this one HP will prioritize your replacement and sent it on the next business day which is standard for extended warranties, unlike normal warranties which usually takes 12 days to arrive.

    • tellyho says:

      Tried the battery removal, the hard reset, the soft reset. Nothing worked for me. Battery removal is not for the faint of heart. Watch out for the clip holding the battery in – mine broke.

  6. Anonymous says:

    thanks so much, this worked for my mom. i am so mad at hp, how do they sleep at night pullin this s***. this is outright theivery in my opinion. i have used hp printers since the 80’s but not any more, no more new ones for us.

  7. Happy Treo! says:

    This is total scam on HP’s part. The printer is set to fail at a certain point, so HP can “conveniently,” offer people a referbished printer. Wouldn’t be surprised if it my printer that I get back once they reset it! How obvious is it when dozens of people have problems with ink errors or new cartritges that the printer reads as being empty. Won’t print in color. HP, you got this thing wired!

  8. Anonymous says:

    It works for my case.
    This is what i have done.
    1. press LEFT and RIGHT buttons at the same time
    2.Enter code 123
    Press Right button to Print Tests Menu -> OK
    3. Nozzle Test -> OK
    Then reset the printer:
    1. Power OFF
    2. Press OK and Cancel then power on
    that's all! Good luck

    • Ribeiro says:

      I have the same problem. My printer is the model 3210.
      I tried the steps you say but does not solve. I can do more?

  9. Anonymous says:

    The following partially worked for me:
    - press LEFT and RIGHT buttons at the same time
    - Enter code 123
    - Press Right button until System Config Menu. – Press OK
    - Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
    - Press OK to Clear.
    - Cancel
    - Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status -> Press OK (change to Set)
    - Cancel
    - Cancel
    - Ink initialisation now starts

    Also try the nozzle check as described in an earlier post.

    The error does keep coming back after powering off, but in the meantime I can print.

  10. Jimmy says:

    “Hardware Failure Status. Press OK”

    it worked! thanks…

  11. Anonymous says:

    Ultimate Solutions given.
    Thanks For everything.
    Regards

    ALICE

  12. Jason says:

    I have a c5180 hp all in one printer. It said the cyan and the black were empty. So I went out and bought all brand new cartridges. Put them in and it still says the cyan and black are empty? What would be wrong with the printer? Micro pump? Print head? Is there a magical trick to make it work again, lol? Any help ould be greatly appreciated. I really don’t want to take it in to get fixed, would cost big bucks I think.

    • Nikolai says:

      Hello Jason! First thing you need to do is clean the cartridge contacts (the copper part) also the contacts inside the printer. If it does not resolve the problem, go ahead and reset the printer

      • Jason says:

        The “reset the printer” link does not refer to reset my printer. I have the c5180 All-In-One Model.

        Also, I tried cleaning all the contacts. I also cleaned the cartridge contacts.

        Do you have reset link for the c5180 model? Thanks.

        • Andrew says:

          Hi Jason, Have a look for master reset on http://www.fixya.com/support/t222625-ink_system_failure

          • Diana says:

            Thank you Andrew sooooooooooo muchfor the site where I found my help. I was about to throw this printer out and buy a new one but not *HP* until I ran across someone from the link you provided to fix my error… 0xc18a0001 ink system failure… and it worked… I was skeptical because I had tried alot of these to no avail… but I finally found one and I do believe that if any one is having the same or similar error.. all that needs done is a RESET>>>>>>>>>>>>>.. thank you so much
            Diana

          • Diana says:

            Thank you Andrew sooooooooooo muchfor the site where I found my help. I was about to throw this printer out and buy a new one but not *HP* until I ran across someone from the link you provided to fix my error… 0xc18a0001 ink system failure… and it worked… I was skeptical because I had tried alot of these to no avail… but I finally found one and I do believe that if any one is having the same or similar error.. all that needs done is a RESET>>>>>>>>>>>>>.. thank you so much
            Diana

      • trisha says:

        how do you clean the copper heads?

  13. Gwyn Hopkins says:

    Excellent – the link to the fixta sorted me out. I didn’t need to take out the battery just go through the engineers menu option on the printer to clear the fault. One wonders how much a shop would have charged for doing exactly that!

    • Nikolai says:

      Yes, Sagarjd’s solution has turned out to very effective in resolving this issue for certain HP printers… Thank you for your comment by the way..

      Regards,

      Nik

  14. Medea says:

    I had a trouble: error system 0xc05d0381. I tried to reset the machine but it showed different messages, I localized the CMOS battery and retired for 30 minutes and problem solved. My printer is Photosmart C7280, and the CMOS battery is at the right side of the printer, under a green plaque.
    Thank you so mauch for your help.

  15. Mo says:

    My HP printer is not an all in one but I continue to get the 0xc18a0101 error after all the troubleshooting I’ve done. I’m to the point of trash or try to find the battery to remove and reset. any suggestions for a photosmart printer? It is smarter than I am just now.

  16. Natong says:

    My printer is C7280 and error code is 0xc18a0505.

    1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.

    2. Enter code 123

    3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.

    4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK

    5. Press OK to Clear.

    6. Cancel

    7. Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status. Press OK

    8. Cancel and Cancel to the secret support main menu.

    9. Press Right button until “Print Tests Menu”. Press OK.

    10. Nozzle Test. Press OK

    11. Wait until the print test is finish.

    12. Press Cancel and Candel until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off.

    13. Power On again. The error disappear.

    • Rick Gamel says:

      NATONG: You are a lifesaver! My one & 1/2 yr old C7280 all in one flashed the “ink system failure – Error: 0xc18a0101″, and stopped working. HP somewhere in India told me to trash it – it could not be fixed and pressured me to buy a refurbished model from them – for more than I bought this one for, new, at Office Depot! What a scam! Luckily I found your set of instructions and in 5 minutes – I restored it to normal function. I don’t know if the fix is permanent or not, but at least I don’t have to send it to the trash just yet. I am distrustful of HP now, and I believe they would not offer me the simple assistance that you did – simply out of greed and a need to sell more products. I hope others with the same problems I had – read your instructions and have success in restoring their printers.

    • Robert says:

      you are the man !!!!! it worked for my c6180 thank you !!

    • Efraín says:

      Gracias, la solución funcionó para mi C6180, por fin puedo volver a imprimir!

    • Kathryn says:

      This worked for me, I have had this before but could not find my notes on it.That was like 2 years ago. I believe I got this error by unplugging the power without first shutting it down. It is on the same surge protector as the computer, oops. Just wanted to thank you, although I could not find the candle on the computer (#12) haha and I never seen the oxooooooo appear also (#12) But all that matters is it worked. I hate to think that HP would sabotage the products just so they can sell you a refurbished one, and they do the same with the one you send them. As someone else stated I’ve had HP printers for many years but their service really sucks. I need to find a printer that prints quality photos without the price. Thanks again.

    • Kathryn says:

      Me again my printer is a Hp Photosmart C7280 all in one and the error code was 0xc18a0206, just for your records, this worked for me as I explained earlier. Thanks again

    • Bo says:

      This work like a CHAMP for me and would have hated to throw it away! Thank you so MUCH!

      1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.

      2. Enter code 123

      3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.

      4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK

      5. Press OK to Clear.

      6. Cancel

      7. Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status. Press OK

      8. Cancel and Cancel to the secret support main menu.

      9. Press Right button until “Print Tests Menu”. Press OK.

      10. Nozzle Test. Press OK

      11. Wait until the print test is finish.

      12. Press Cancel and Candel until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off.

      13. Power On again. The error disappear.

    • Mitt says:

      Natong & Brent,
      you guys are brilliant. After spending many hours on the phone with HP, your simple steps got rid of the Ink System Failure error. THANKS
      Mitt

    • Jody says:

      You ARE my new idol! I tried all sorts of things and this actually got it to work.

  17. Natong says:

    Thankkkkkkkkk

    My printer is C7280 and error code is 0xc18a0505.

    1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.

    2. Enter code 123

    3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.

    4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK

    5. Press OK to Clear.

    6. Cancel several times until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off at lease 30 seconds.

    7. Power On again. The error disappear.

    • Nikolai says:

      You welcome! Natong

      • Suj says:

        Hi My printer is the HP photosmart 3310 allinone. I’m getting the error message ” ink catridge problem – The following ink catridge missing”

        Kindly help.

        • Nikolai says:

          Are u using genuine HP ink cartridges?

          If yes, then follow these HP documents:

          Ink Cartridge Missing Solution Document

          If not,

          then replace inks with geuine HP..

          Regards,

          Nik

          • Suj says:

            Hi Nik

            I got the refilled ink catridges. Will it work if I get the geniune ones?

            Thanx

            Suj

        • sammy says:

          1) Hold ok,cancel,black & color buttons opon power on to reset.
          if that dont work try photo tray & instant share buttons

          Use pin on the two tubs in print head. (Follow the holes on the ink cartridge)

          • Ingo says:

            Hi Sammy,
            for my photosmart 3310 (with error 0xc18) was this the solution for a real reset:

            1) Hold ok,cancel,black & color buttons opon power on to reset.

            There were no hardwareproblem!!!!!! The printer works like a new one.

            Much thanks and regards from

            Ingo

            Weyhe, Germany

    • Robert Cavanaugh says:

      Yes, this works, although probably with small changes. My HP C7180 gave me the 0xc18a0007 ink system error. * & # got me to the secret menu, and I did as the poster suggested with “system config menu” and “ink nozzle” menu. Except I was never able to get the 0×0000000 screen. Instead it told me none of the cartridges were the right ones (They were all genuine HP ink cartridges, all more than 50% full!) I happened to have a new package of color ink cartridges, so I put those in, and tried to print a test report. It wouldn’t do it, so I hit “cancel.” Then it froze. So I unplugged it, waited, plugged it back in, and now it works fine. The only issue is that it gives me the wrong date (months ago) for installing the new cartridges. It took me three hours+ to fix. I suggest you don’t give up, put in new cartridges, and keep playing with it. Clearly there is nothing mechanically wrong with the printer. It’s just its internal software that is screwed up. (By the way, HP support has never gotten back to me–except with e-mails saying they WILL get back to me. But they never did.) If this is such a common problem, why doesn’t HP post the fix on their own Web site? Or, better yet, figure out what causes the problem (obviously something to do with the ink cartridges) and fix it?

    • jingles says:

      Thank you! Our C7180 was displaying Ink System failure 0xc18a0201. This solution fixed the problem.

  18. Peter Szakalos says:

    Hello Nikolai!

    A comment on your comment above :”refilled ink cartridges sometimes damage the printer”. OK, it is not impossible that it really might happen but my experience with more than twenty dreadful “Inc failure problems” during the years (with different number-codes) says me that it is only a HYPOCONDRIC problem created by HP (Never a physical (hardware) problem but only in the mind (CMOS-memmory). I have sucessfully solved all of them although I use refilled inc cartridges!.
    When the recommedations above with reset, battery etc didnt work anymore I tried a really drastic method since I had already decided to throw away the piece of HP-shit anyway.

    I found out that the CMOS-memmory sometimes “remembered” the error code even when the CMOS-battery was removed, probably due to some capacitors.
    I took out the circuit card with the CMOS-memmory and battery (HP 3310), removed the battery and tried to discharge all capacitors by applying soaking wet paper directly on the card. This might be enough but it has happen that I had to do it even more thoroughly with a piece of copper wire with free and fine copper threads at both ends like two small copper brushes which I randomly “painted” the circuit and especially in the slit around the sheltered CMOS-memmory.

    I really cant recommend my drastic methods since it really might damage your printer for real, but instead of throwing it away….

    • Nikolai says:

      Peter,

      Your methods may just be the solution for unresolved ink system failures on HP printers. Thank you for sharing it.

      Nik

  19. how to reset Hp photosmart c 7200 ink system failure

  20. Edgar says:

    Hi I a problem in the HP C7280 has a problem with the ink system has fail ed unable to copy receive faxes or print refer to printer documentation error 0×18a0306 turn power off then on again please help me thank you

  21. jowunger says:

    Try this if you want to see what service personal at HP doing when you give them your printer to fix:

    Press Left right / or / *# on HP3110
    Press 123
    Press 7664

    Have fun!

  22. Antonella says:

    Solution for Photosmart C7280 all-in-one, error 0xc18a0106.

    I used the solution by Nathong:
    1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.
    2. Enter code 123
    3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.
    4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK
    5. Press OK to Clear.
    6. Cancel several times until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off at lease 30 seconds.
    7. Power On again. The error disappear.

    IT WORKED!!!!

    I called HP support, the first time a guy from India told me that It was an hardware error “inside the port”, and the only solution was to upgrade to a better printer.
    I was mad, the printer is only 2 years old and I had a lot of HP ink in stock (all the new printers uses different cartridges).

    I called again HP support few days later (in the night) and another guy from India told me that my printer was out of warranty; but paying $34.99 for a one-call-plan-support (or $65.99 for a 1-year-plan-support) he could fix the problem transferring me to the technicians and that the problem was an hardware one but it could be fixed by the phone. He was REALLY SURE about it. It did not propose me any upgraded printer.

    Suspicious, I hanged up and started a long night reading as much forum as possible. I tryed all the switch on/off, remove cartridges, untill at 1 am I went throu Nathong procedure.
    IT WORKS!!!!!

    Suggestions:
    - try HP support (if you are in warranty, it is ok);
    - if you are out of warranty, try to figure out if it is a fixable problem or not;
    - read the forums and good luck…

    BTW I suspect the procedure I did was able to reset the CMOS without removing it!

    Thank you again.

  23. UNKNOWN says:

    It works for my C6180 Thank you guys….

    • Jerry Rogerson says:

      Thank you for mentioning that the ink-system-failure repair procedure worked for your HP C6180. If I had not seen your entry, I would have thrown my printer in the trash. The procedure worked perfectly for me as well.

  24. duck says:

    I used NATONG method. The error disapper at lease ~ 10 pages and then come again and again every ~10 – 12 pages printed.

  25. NaTong says:

    Fix Paper Mismatch Error

    1. Press * and # at the same time, and then release both keys.
    2. The display reads “Enter Special Key Combo”. Press 329.
    3. The display window should read “Service: R0622M” with a revision number. Press the right arrow button once.
    4. The display should read “System Configuration”. Press Enter or OK.
    5. You will be prompted to enter serial number. Do not enter any information.
    6. Press the right arrow button until “media sense calibration” appears in the display.
    7. Load Paper into the unit and then press Enter or OK.
    8. Media Sense Calibration process will take place.

  26. NaTong says:

    Play game

    1. Press * and # at the same time, and then release both keys.
    2. The display should read “Enter Special Key Combo”. Press 7664.

  27. Maxfly says:

    I have a C7180 Photosmart and tried the solution given by Natong. Now I get an error message telling me that the original cartridges that were supplied with the product must be installed. I don’t have these cartridges so where do I go now? Any help would be much appreciated.

  28. Granta says:

    R18
    Farkn HP wankers Time and money!!! well they have both.. I have a wanker (Hp) photosmart 3110 All in one.. After spending $160.00 on new ink cartridges, whats wrong with the ones allready in there thats write they have expired!!!! and still full. Strange how you can buy a new printer for under $200.00 just dump ya old one!! I could go on an on!!!!
    Any way THANK YOU SAMMY Hold ok cancel black color button and at the same time turn off the printer, has reset the printer and is working like new.
    Ps to every body eles thank you I tryed them all,

    Regards Granta

  29. Dave says:

    Man I messed up. I accidentally reset my ink levels in the secret support menu. Now it says I have the wrong cartridges. Is there a solution to this problem?

  30. Dave says:

    NaTong, I have accidentally reset my ink levels in the secret menu. It tells me that I new have the wrong cartridges in my printer. How can I fix this problem? HP C6180

  31. Relieved says:

    I used the Natong solution for my printer C6180 for the error “ink delivery system failure.” I was just about ready to give up and buy a new printer. This may be a temporary fix, but I appreciate not having to spend extra $ during the holidays.

    The solution was posted on August 2nd. But I pasted it below for easy access.

    Thanks Natong.

    1. press * and # to enter a secret support menu.

    2. Enter code 123

    3. Press Right button until “System Config Menu”. Press OK.

    4. Hardware Failure Status. Press OK

    5. Press OK to Clear.

    6. Cancel

    7. Press Right button to Ink Initialization Status. Press OK

    8. Cancel and Cancel to the secret support main menu.

    9. Press Right button until “Print Tests Menu”. Press OK.

    10. Nozzle Test. Press OK

    11. Wait until the print test is finish.

    12. Press Cancel and Candel until the error 0×00000000 appear and then power off. (***note, this step did not happen for me*** the printer just worked like normal)

    13. Power On again. The error disappear.

    • OzzieMike says:

      SLIGHTLY more than JUST a Software FIX
      I tried this great site and another Link for my C6180 problem – INK SYSTEM FAILURE (Other Link was http://fix-your-printer.blogspot.com/2009/03/ink-system-failure-on-hp-photosmart.html

      I know the fix works for most problems – and I tried it several times – but my C6180 was really noisy – and the error persisted.

      I’m not a techi – but saw the very 1st posting here – so I started looking inside and then found the problem. I lifted up the COVER TOP – and while looked past the Cartridges – through the oblong aperture to the LEFT side – noticed there should be 2 white nylon gears (Together). BUT the smaller 1 was missing – just an empty shaft?
      Only realized what was wrong because I have 2 C6180’s (Both out of Warranty).

      The 2nd part was a little more tricky!!
      (NB – ONLY try this if your machine is out of warranty – you turn off all power – and are prepared to be adventurous, careful, but FIRM)

      After picking up the machine and shaking it in all directions – I eventually heard the missing Gear – BUT ONLY found it by removing the LEFT side cover (Not too difficult)
      I then replaced the cog – it just clipped back onto the shaft – and after a restart the GEAR was intitially used constantly while the INK CHECK was being done – NOW all works perfectly!!

  32. Dave says:

    This fixed the error code “Wrong Cartridges”.

    Performing a semi-full reset of the All-in-One

    1.
    Use the On button to turn on the product.
    2.
    Remove the power cord from the product.
    3.
    Press and hold the # and 6 buttons.
    4.
    While holding the buttons down, connect the power cord to the product.
    5.
    Continue to hold the buttons down until the color graphics display becomes blank, then release the buttons.
    6.
    Use the On button to turn on the product. The reset information appears on the color graphics display.

  33. TIm says:

    Just threw our 7360, exactly one year old, in the trash due to the ink system failure. It’s a real shame HP feels it must put this kind of junk on the market to support huge bonuses for its management. Someone said thievery… I agree. Will never purchase another HP product.

    • Peter says:

      i have a HP c8180 with Ink system failuer after I changed a third cartridge. No support, no help just through it away as they have your cash and they wonder why piracy and 3rd party products are used??????? They are the PIRATES!!!!!!

  34. DaveC says:

    Have HP 3210 all-in-one. Getting the “ink system failure” error message. Followed Nik’s procedure, but there is no “System Configuration” menu option. No ink system reset option. This procedure seems to work for other models.

    I tried the OK / Cancel / Color / Black & power off procedure. When I turn it back on I see “OOB NVR reset” (or similar) message which means it reset the error memory. But error remains.

    I guess I really do have a hardware failure.

    Ideas? Suggestions?

    Thanks.

  35. mac says:

    i got same problem on my hp 8250 i got refillable cartidages 02

    error code is 0xc18a0401 pls sendme som tips to mjackal@hotmail.com thx

  36. Linda C. Taylor says:

    It’s like a miracle that somehow I found you at a time when I was just about to order online another hp photosmart printer. I had the ink system failure message on a C7280. You saved me, I can’t afford another printer. Of course, the tech indians pulled the alledged return old, get $5 on new. So because of you, my C7280f works now. A printer like this can’t malfunction after 2yrs. I’m a professional magician and with you I did real MAGIC!!

  37. Tom says:

    I had the same error message. I tried everything, a lot of the solutions worked but only for a short while before getting the message again! I did the battery removal procedure and that worked only for a short while. This message was driving me nuts. It would have been easier to just buy a new one but that thought only mad me mad. I finally realized that I would receive the error message after my phone rang. I figured out that the problem is with the phone/fax portion of the printer.
    If you go through the steps above to clear the message and then unplug your phone line, the message will stop. Unfortunately you will need to plug in the phone line to use the fax feature (just remember to unplug it once the fax is finished). I am working on seeing how to replace the phone fax card in the printer so that it works again without having to unplug it each time. This should be a easy and cheap way for HP to resolve a lot of customers issue with this problem.
    I hope this helps everyone!
    Tom

  38. Sarah says:

    thank you so much for helping me fix my C7280. damn hp and their scamming!!

  39. judy says:

    i just recieved an error 0xc19a0002 for my HP photosmart 8250! I have also just added yellow cartridge!! i have tried the off reset button … disconecting the cords taking out ink cartridges but NOTHING cannot do the hold okay & help button as i do NOT have a help button….. HELP PLEASE just used it 2 days ago! ONLY use genuine HP ink!

  40. JOE LUCCHESI says:

    Having a problem with an all in one HP C6180. Black will not print either from a computer generated document or C6180 copy function. All other colors will print. No error messages on display. Replaced the non HP black cartridge with HP cartridge which did not resolve the problem. Tried the partial reset ( # plus 6 and removing power) which did not work. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

  41. JOCO says:

    Hi i have the same problem with HP officejet J4580. I have refiled the cartridge but now i can not use them. It allways displays error. Does anybody know how to reset 901 black and tricolor cartridge.

    THANX

    duracef80@gmail.com

  42. Brent says:

    Here is my experience with HP in solving my problem. Mathias was fantastic. I think one of the most important things was making sure to disconnect from the power bar as well as from the printer. Anyhow…below is the full chat I had with her which solved my ink error issue.

    Brent Hall : Ink system failure code 0xc18a0001. I have tried everything possible including turning off the power and unplugging both the power cords and USB. I have purchased new HP ink cartridges for the whole system.[An agent will be with you shortly.][You are now chatting with Mathias .]
    Brent Hall : Good morning!
    Mathias : Welcome to HP Total Care Chat Support for All-In-One Products. My name is Mathias. Please give me a minute while I review your problem description details.
    Brent Hall : Ok
    Mathias : Good Morning Brent, how are you?
    Brent Hall : Fine thanks…and you?
    Mathias : As I was reviewing your details, I came to know that you are using HP Photosmart C6180 All-In-One printer, operating system as Win 7 and Email address as brenthall@shaw.ca. Am I right?
    Brent Hall : Correct.
    Mathias : I am doing wonderful today, thank you for asking.
    Mathias : Thank you so much for the confirmation.
    Mathias : Brent, I would like to say that this issue(Ink System Failure) can only be resolvbed over the phone by our Supervisor, because troubleshooting steps can only be performed once in a life time of the printer. That’s why we don’t recommend the troubleshooting steps on the Chat.
    Mathias : Please provide me your phone number along with alternate number so that our Supervisor could call you within 1-2 hours & resolve your issue over the phone.
    Brent Hall : OK…604-463-7733 and my cell phone is 604-339-8084.
    Mathias : Please provide me the serial number of the printer.
    Mathias : Thank you so much for the phone number.
    Mathias : Brent, I would like to say that it would take 24-48 hours to call back.
    Brent Hall : Can’t find it…too many numbers on the bottom. I think I’m registered with HP though…can you look up my info? Otherwise…please advise what the pre-fix is on the number I am looking for?
    Mathias : I have got the serial number, your product is already registered here. Serial number is MY71MJ61F1.
    Mathias : Brent, I would like to say that it would take 24-48 hours to call back.
    Brent Hall : Ok…but it’s causing me a lot of grief here. I need it to operate my business. The earlier the better. And thank you for the assistance.
    Mathias : Brent, If you want, I can provide you the steps to resolve the issue in this chat but I would like to say that troubleshooting steps can only be performed once in a life time of the printer.
    Mathias : Steps are not very tough to perform.
    Brent Hall : Ok.
    Mathias : Do you want the steps on this chat?[The following message could not be delivered. Try to send it again.]
    Ok.
    Brent Hall : Sure.
    Mathias : Alright!!
    Mathias : Brent, Please let me know after evry steps.
    Brent Hall : ok
    Mathias : Let’s start….
    Brent Hall : ok…just to advise…the usb is currently disconnected from the printer, and the error is not on the screen…however if i try to print something it will reappear.
    Mathias : No problem.
    Mathias : Let’s start the steps…
    Mathias : A. – Press and hold the “*” key.
    B. – Press the “#” key and release both keys.
    Display should say “Enter Special Key Combo”
    C. – Press and release in sequence the “1”, “2” and “3” buttons.Display should say “Support” and display the FW rev (something like R0631R)
    Brent Hall : done…and r0631m has appeared
    Mathias : Press and release the right arrow button until the display says “System Configuration Menu”. Press and release the “OK” button.
    Brent Hall : it says hardware failure status
    Mathias : Display should say “Hardware failure status”. If not there already, Arrow Key over to “Hardware failure status”,
    Press and release the “OK” button.
    Brent Hall : it says “clear” press ok to clear
    Mathias : Display should say “Hardware failure status: Clear. Press OK to clear”.
    Press and release the “OK” Button. Message changes to “Hardware failure status Cleared. Press Cancel to continue”.
    Mathias : Press and release the “CANCEL” button as many times as necessary, so that, either the “Welcome to Photosmart Express” screen appears, or, the “Ink System Failure” screen appears.
    Brent Hall : printer preparation occuring do not interupt is happening
    Mathias : Alright!!
    Brent Hall : now i have the welcom screen
    Mathias : Using the Power Button, turn the unit OFF and unplug the power cable from back of the printer and wall outlet.
    Wait 30 seconds for the power to get discharged and then plug the power cable into the wall outlet first and then into the back of the printer
    Mathias : Turn the unit on. The printer may display message “Use power button to shutdown the printer” followed by “Press OK to Continue”. Press OK.
    Brent Hall : just went straight to the welcome screen
    Mathias : If the printer has already initialized, then go to the next step. If not, the printer will start the “One Time Ink initialization Process”. Allow this process to complete and do not interrupt. Once the initialization process is complete, the printer will print out a Diagnostic Page.
    Brent Hall : its not doing anything…just sitting at the welcome screen
    Mathias : No problem.
    Mathias : Now let’s print the self test page from the printer to check the functionality of the printer.
    Mathias : Press Setup menu on the All-in-One then scroll using the arrow key and select Print Report then select Self Test Report.

    Brent Hall : hey…its printing something…you are amazing.
    Mathias : You are Genius!! we have done it.
    Mathias : Thank you so much.
    Brent Hall : looks fantastic.
    Mathias : Awesome!!
    Brent Hall : Any idea what might have caused this?
    Mathias : Great news.
    Mathias : Brent, I would like to say the there is motor inside the printer which is responsible for the ink delivery, if the motor is jammed or blocked, we face the issue of ink system failure. Generally we face the issue when the printer is too old.
    Brent Hall : hmmm…that doesn’t sound good. In other words I am likely to face this issue again soon?
    Mathias : No, you will not face the same issue again. Please clean the copper dots of the cartridge and printer whenever you change the cartridge.
    Brent Hall : Oh…ok…do you know what I should use to clean those?
    Mathias : Yes, Please Clean the Cartridges along with copper contacts with lint free cloth & distilled water.
    Brent Hall : Ok…well thank you very much for your help. I am impressed by the help you have provided. HP has made a repeat customer by your actions today.
    Mathias : Thank you so much for the appreciation, It will really help me to perform better.
    Brent Hall : Have a great day…goodbye!
    Mathias : Brent, Is there anything else where I can go ahead and help you to get a smile on your face?
    Mathias : Thank you so much and same to you.
    Brent Hall : No…it’s all good…have a good one.

  43. EagleForce says:

    HI, the buttons (LEFT and RIGHT) also are on a Photosmart 2575, and pressing them also results in “Enter service combo”, however, this printer doesnt have the 1, 2 and 3 buttons, any ideas what keys would replace the 1,2 and 3 on this model?

    Thanks in advance!

  44. Bart1452 says:

    All I did was hit the power button and the error message went away. It was replaced by the message warning not to turn it off by removing the power plug or turning off the power strip. Then I went on to continue printing after replacing an empty ink cartridge.

  45. Thaddeus says:

    Regarding many models of HP inkjet printers:

    The FirmwareEnable_Release.exe is the only thing that fixed my trouble: Ink system error 0xc18a0001. As of 6-20-10 you can also download it from
    http://www.driversdown.com/Download.asp?ID=32238&Url=http://down3.driversdown.com/printer/FirmwareEnable_Release.exe.
    It is a very small executable file. Unplug all of the USB devices except your HP printer. Run this executable file. Wait 30 seconds. You’ll get a “complete” notice. Turn the printer off. Unplug the printer power. Plug it back in & turn it on. It will go through a few minutes of gyrations & noises, then all is well.

  46. Jody says:

    You are my NEW idol! Many thanks:-)

  47. anne says:

    thanks to all you genius professionals!!! though it took me several hours, finally one of the reset-solutions worked! i’m happy again – not with the printer c7280, but that i’m back to the printing possibility.

  48. anne says:

    thanks to all you genius professionals!!!
    though it took me several hours, at least one of the reset-solutions worked. i’m happy to be back to printign possibility.

  49. Nancy says:

    You guys Rock! It is back to normal, thanks to you, not HP!

  50. pete wilson says:

    the battery for the hp c7180 is located under the right side light grey panel which is accessable by lifting the scanner lid and undoing the screw at the front of the scanner plate then unscrew the screw at the front by the on/off switch then carefully take the on /off plastic panel off then take the light grey side panel off then undo all screws on the board panel and pull the front out about an inch and looking from the front behind this panel you will see the battery and using a then screw driver take the battery out relacing just work backwards and all should go back ok hope this will help pete

    • pete wilson says:

      the battery for the hp c1780 is located under the light grey side panel looking from the front.This is accessable by lifting the top of the printer as if you are changing the ink cartridges then undo the screw at the front on the top of the plastic over the ink also undo the screw at the front on the on/off plastic cover then gentle remove both panels you may find it easier to also remove the back plastic that holds the panel that comes off to get to any paper jam .That done then undo all screws on the computer board at the side and gently pull away from the printer at the front about an inch watching out for all the cables attached.The battery is just behind this board looking from the front and can be removed using a small screw driver and just follow these steps backwards to replace everything hopping this is of help to someone thanks pete

  51. Nikolai says:

    Honestly Suj, there’s no guarantee as refilled ink cartridges sometimes damage the printer.. If you have old genuine cartridges try those first and check if they get detected. If they do, then buying genuine cartridges should fix it!

    By the way, where is your location? so that I can provide you the nearest service center just in case you have a hardware problem in the printer.

  52. Suj says:

    Thanx again Nik

    I live in Colliers Wood. If there is a service center near by then I’ll take it there.

    Cheers

    Suj

  53. Nikolai says:

    You can contact HP for support here. Ask for the nearest service center. About those refilled inks, just keep it to yourself do not inform HP techs, they would most probably deny you support.

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