After refilling a colour ( b/w too) HP 343 cartridge, and TRYING to use the HP 6940 toolbox to realign or clean the cartridge, I get a message service NOT available. Reinserting the almost empty previous 343, yes I find the service IS available to clean, realign etc. Both are original HP cartridges, but the older one has not been refilled. Is there a software patch to by-pass this HP ploy to avoid refilling? If not I'll just have to dump the printer and look for another brand that will accept refills AND allow head realignment cleaning or whatever. I completely understand the HP stance, unfortunately my finances can't keep up with genuine HP prices. Bye Fred Madrid

I'm not sure if HP is blocking the refill. Many people refill HP cartridges. The site below has instructions and tips for each cartridge. You might find an answer there. http://www.oddparts.com/ink/help.ht...

Dear G. I'll have to polish my English. When you say in your reply 'I'm not sure if HP is blocking the refill.' Well, the refill does print, albeit a bit streaky with the colours. That is why I wanted access to the HP Toolbox and do the clean head routine. But the HP software recognises the refilled cartridge and stops me using the toolbox and the cleaning and or alignment routines. So anyway if there is no patch available I'll have to reinvest in a different printer. The new genuine original HP paint-pots have prices that have become unreachable for the average person. It is clear that the printer is the consumable, because if you change cartridges 1 and 1/2 times and you are paying more than what the printer cost, at least in my neck of the woods:-)) By and once again thanks for your time. Fred PS The site you recommended is very good, but this time round I really need clone cartridges with an adapter (patch) for the HP. Bye

Given the current trend of the big ink manufacturers (especially HP & Epson) taking ink refillers to court in the name of patent & copyright infringements I doubt you will ever find anyone publicly selling refilled cartridges. Also newer printers are designed to not provide quality printing or tools with counterfeit ink cartridge(s) installed in place. i_Xp/VistaUser

http://www.engadget.com/2005/03/01/... Then click on the blue "read" button on bottom of paragraph. Hope this is of help.

Thanks guys, looks as if I'm flogging a dead horse. Maybe my best route is look for the Chinese equivalent of the HP 6940 and then use the Chinese equivalent cartridges. Signing off but continuing to seek the Holy Grail Bye Fred