Printer and scanner both down

So, my printer is completely dead—won't even spit out a test page. There’s this orange light blinking next to the black ink icon. At first, it was acting like there was a paper jam, but I've checked everywhere and there isn't a scrap of paper in the tray. Then it threw this error message at me:

http://prntscr.com/ahr8fi

http://prntscr.com/ahrejp

To make matters worse, the scanner isn't working either.

I'm using generic ink cartridges—I just popped them in the other day, and they actually worked fine for a test print back then.

The model is an HP DeskJet F4180.

Any ideas? Help!🙂

I already tried installing the HP Solutions Framework, but that didn't do a thing.😠

You sure there isn't a scrap of paper or something stuck in there?
Try doing it this way instead...

ironcyclist58 said:Are you absolutely sure there isn't a stray scrap of paper stuck in there somewhere?
Try following this guide instead.

Okay, I've gone through everything—it looks like all that's left is step 5, which is the actual repair.

Thanks anyway!

When I pulled out the color cartridge, the ink icons started flashing—usually, it’s just the black ink light that blinks 🤷 so I took the black one out too, and then all the lights started flashing at once.

fadedbear92 said:Alright, I did everything else. Now I'm just stuck on step 5—the actual fix.

Thanks anyway!

When I pulled the color cartridge out, the ink warning lights started flashing. Usually, it’s just the black ink light blinking, but 🤷then I pulled the black one too, and now all the lights are flashing at once.

Put the old cartridges back in and let me know what happens.

hollowmarlin27 said:Try putting those old cartridges back in and let me know if anything changes.

I did—I swapped them back to the generics and the blinking lights finally stopped, plus I managed to get a test page out. But then it went right back to being useless; you can hear the machine working like it’s printing, but it just spits out a blank sheet every single time.
The only thing that actually works now is the scanner.

Is there some kind of diagnostic tool out there to help troubleshoot the printer itself?

I also tried reinstalling the software from the original driver disc, but this popped up:

http://prntscr.com/ai2b6v

Look, instead of wasting cash on those off-brand cartridges that clearly don't work, just return them. Of course, that's assuming they aren't those overpriced knockoffs where the dealer gave you a "30-day guarantee" just to close the sale. If you missed that window, feel free to take a picture of your empty wallet. Otherwise, maybe use that same money to buy an actual refill kit—assuming you ever actually see a refund.

Beethoven, you're back at it again with the ink talk 😬

On topic:

Look, I’m not saying the ink isn't part of the issue, but this feels like a driver problem to me. You're trying to force old drivers meant for the last OS—Vista—onto Windows 7. Assuming you've actually moved up to 7 by now, the real question is how much you've messed with the settings. Just head over to the HP site and let their automated tool hunt down the right drivers and dependencies for you. It's easier.

If the auto-tool fails, I see there's a specific patch for upgrading from Vista to 7 listed as a separate download, so just grab that.

Honestly, the smartest move would be to wipe everything related to the printer—software included—and then just pull the printer itself. Unplug it, reboot the machine, and once it's back up, plug the printer in, turn it on, and run that HP software again. Hopefully, that clears out all the junk...

darkowl72 said:Beethoven, back at it again with the ink drama, I see. 😬

Back to the point...

Are you actually reading what she's typing, or just seeing whatever fits your narrative?

The breakdown:
1. The printer was completely dead.
2. She popped in some old original cartridges.
3. Suddenly, it’s working.
4. Swapped back to the generic ones.
5. The printer and scanner function fine now, but there's zero print quality.

Bottom line: SHE NEEDS TO INSTALL NEW DRIVERS.

darkowl72 said:Beethoven, you're obsessing over ink again 😬

Back to the point:

Look, maybe there's an issue with the ink, but this is clearly a driver problem. You're trying to force old drivers meant for the last OS—Windows.

I don't read... 🤷