Here are some common fixes that can often resolve a print problem in a new or recycled ink jet cartridge. These fixes apply to ink cartridges with the printhead in the cartridge such as most HP and Lexmark cartridges. These fixes do not apply to most Epson cartridges.

1. Run printhead only under warm tap water for a minute. The printhead is the part of the cartridge where the ink comes out. Gently dry all excess water from the cartridge before replacing it in the printer. This can dissolve any ink that may have dried in the cartridge. This is especially helpful if the cartridge has been removed and exposed to air for any length of time.
2. Streaks or partial characters in printing can also be caused by poor electrical contact between the printer and cartridge. Clean the contacts on the cartridge and in the printer carriage.
   • Clean the cartridge contacts carefully and gently using a clean, dry, soft, lint-free cloth.
   • Clean the contacts on the printer carriage by gently wiping the contacts pins with a cotton-tipped swab dampened with water. Be sure any fibers from the cotton are removed. Caution, the contacts on some printers can be damaged if too much pressure is applied to the contacts.
   After cleaning, snap the cartridge in and out a few times to be sure you have a good connection between contacts in the cartridge and the printer.
3. "Smeary" print can be caused by a build-up of ink on the wiper blade found on most HP Deskjet models. If this is your problem, clean the wiper blade.
4. When installing a cartridge on some HP printer models you may get an error signal stating the cartridge is not seated or installed correctly, or install cartridge. This often can be solved as follows:
   1. Take the cartridge out of the printer.
   2. Turn the printer off for approximately one minute
   3. Reinstall the cartridge and turn the printer back on.
   If this does not work, see HP's website for more detailed information.