How to make generic ink cartidges work on a hp printer

[notthought1]

My old hp deskjet 5550 printer stopped printing black so I assumed it ran out of ink and I ordered a generic refill cartridge. The printer would not work if the "new" black cartridge was in but would work in color if I removed the black one. I stumbled across this thread and followed the directions and replaced the tape with the dots over the replacement cartridge tape and the printer now works with the black one in but no black ink comes out. I tried printing in black only but still it only comes out in color. By the way. I have pressed a damp with alcohol napkin to where the ink comes out and it does come out.

 

[The Paladin]

I found the savings are not worth it with generic or refilled cartridges ....

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Generics or compatibles are not worth the saving or the hassle ---- I only tried them once (against my better judgement) and ended up having to buy a new printer when the printhead became severely blocked with inferior ink --- nothing would clear the blockage (intense cleaning cycle, soaking printhead in soapy water all night etc). Never again.