How can I get my dell printer to recognize its own cartridge and print a document?

Hi, I'm sorry, I can't help you, but if misery loves company, you have a friend here. I have a dell 924 photo, and I know what you mean about ordering only from dell. I used a service called Printpal.com and they always sent me cartridges that worked fine, this time I tried their recycle your own cartridge as I am big on that sort of thing. When I got them, my little picture that shows the round ink levels immediately showed as the Black ink almost empty, and wouldn't print, when trying different things it also said to remove the tape, even though the tape was off (color works fine) so I sent it back and Printpal sent me a new (recycled) one. It is doing the same thing. I e-mailed Printpal again and the woman responded that this is a problem they are having with dell printers. Oh, and when I contacted dell about my billing (I stupidly put this Inspiron 1200 laptop on outrageous credit and would like to throw it out the window) the guy from India was very rude, at least the part of his speaking I could understand. Believe it or not, last night I bought a Lexmark Z735 printer that uses only one cartridge for both black and color at Odd Lots for 29.99. It even came with the ink cartridge! You may want to check out your local Odd Lots/Big Lots store, I am pleased as punch with it! Sorry I couldn't help with your problem. Marcie

I too have a Dell 962 printer and am experiencing the same problems. Mine is currently under warranty and Have tried drivers and software fixes all that are useless. I have actually been stupid enough to order new ink cartridges to no avail. My best Idea for you as some one who once thought the world of dell, buy a lexmark at best buy instead. Also for the 962 you have no choice but to order ink straight from dell since no store carries this cartridges but get the higher end (read slightly more pricey) cartridges as the hold close to twice the ink for the mild cost increaese, that is if you keep the dell printer. I have tried all of the above steps and have been left with no other resources as to why this keeps happening.

Call tech support and demand they tell you where you can get the latest drivers for your model of printer.

I think your printer is having a problem with the cartridge identification circuitry. Either that, or some ink may have gotten on the contacts and the signal is mixed up or corrupted, so the printer thinks that its an incorrect cartridge. Turn the printer off, remove both cartridges, and clean the contacts thoroughly, ( on the cartridges, as well as on the holder ) using a contact cleaner, or rubbing alcohol. Hopefully that will resolve the problem. And as for the ordering direct from DELL, that does not sound right. Most stores like Circuit City, Best Buy, etc should have the cartridges or compatible ones that you can buy.