Well, I've search this site and to the end of the web. The problem is my HP photosmart C-5180 printer won't recognize some new "compatible" cartridges (HP 02). AFTER I bought them, THEN the seller tells me that "after they researched it, other customers are reporting problems w/ compatible carts & C-5100 / 6100 series printers". Other retailers have now also told me the same. I'm looking for a workaround. My problem is that the printer won't recognize the new cart, NOT that it says it's empty. Error message: "cartridge(s) is missing or damaged." Obviously, HP has rigged this printer & the HP 02 cart so generic carts won't work. I went through all the steps that the inkseller suggested to "trick" the printer into recognizing the compatible carts. HA! But, just like everything else, there must be a hack for this. Suggestions or links would be appreciated.

You are probably out of luck. As far a hacks go the DCMA has made that illegal. Printer manufacturers sell printers at or below cost, hoping to make money on expendable supplies. Kind of like your cell phone plan. Free phone with 2 year agreement. You would be surprised at the lengths manufacturers go to in order to sell supplies. Like page counters that determine a cartridge is empty, even if it isn't.

Peg, I had the same problem with my epson photo printers. All I did was uninstall the drivers and installed updated drivers from the website and all worked well. Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks

Thanks, OH. XpUser4Real, Are you saying that just because you installed updated Epson drivers, that you could THEN use COMPATIBLE (generic) cartridges??? No other changes? How many brands of compatible cartridges had you tried, and which brand compatibles (or from what source) worked? Thanks BTW, has anyone gotten the "Email Notification" feature to work on this forum? I checked the "Email Me When This Message Receives Replies" box when creating a new message. I think my email has changed since I registered a long time ago, but can't find anywhere to change my email address. Is there a way???

Double click the blue "My Computing.net" in the upper right hand corner of this screen.

OtheHill, If you're referring to the 2nd line under Forum Settings, "Email", it was my understanding that putting an address there just showed that address in a post (which I'd rather not). Maybe its function has changed, but doesn't that put your email address in the posts, or at least a link to it?

'Are you saying that just because you installed updated Epson drivers, that you could THEN use COMPATIBLE (generic) cartridges??? No other changes?' What I did was uninstall the old drivers and then updated them. The generic ink I got from Ebay. I got 4 sets for 1/2 the price of OEM Epson ink. Hopefully my advice will help you...Please post back with your results....thanks