Member Avatar for bastrop52

I have an HP Photosmart C4680 printer that was given to me by a third party. It is missing the 2 print cartridges. Is there a way I can determine if the printer actually works before I go out and buy 2 printer cartridges?

Edited by happygeek because: moved
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For : a few low‑cost checks will show whether the Photosmart C4680 is worth buying cartridges for, and which parts to look for when shopping for empties. This model takes HP 60 (and 60XL) black + tri‑color cartridges, so those are the part numbers to target if buying used empties or remanufactured replacements. ()

Suggested quick checklist (safe, inexpensive, and builds on ideas from , and ):

  • Power and watch: with the printer plugged in, power on and observe whether the carriage homes and the paper rollers move. Audible stepper motion and smooth carriage travel strongly suggest the mechanics and main board are OK.
  • Inspect the carriage and rollers: open the cartridge access, wait until idle, then gently slide the carriage by hand to feel for snags. Avoid touching the copper contacts or nozzle face — follow HP’s handling cautions. ()
  • USB/system check: plug into a PC and confirm the OS sees the device in Devices & Printers or Device Manager. Successful enumeration means the USB/logic board is working even if the printer refuses to print. (That’s more telling than forcing a driver test.)
  • Diagnostic page: if cartridges are installed later, run the printer’s Print Quality/Diagnostic report from the front panel or Embedded Web Server to check nozzle and alignment. ()
  • Important caution: many HP all‑in‑one models will block printing or scanning when cartridges are missing or low, so a full test print may not be possible until compatible cartridges are in place. (apnews.com)

If the printer passes the mechanical and USB checks, sourcing original HP 60/60XL empties or reputable remanufactured units (with a working chip) is the lowest‑risk next step — dynamic security and cartridge authentication can cause some third‑party chips to fail, so originals or trusted remanufacturers are preferable. ()

If the unit won’t power, won’t home, or won’t enumerate on a PC, it’s likely a mechanical or board failure and not worth the cartridge cost; consider parting for spares. Asking the donor to power it up, photograph any front‑panel messages, or plug it briefly into a PC is the fastest way to confirm basic health before spending anything.

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Member Avatar for chrishea

You could buy a couple of cheap third party cartridges to try it but why bother? The price of a new printer with ink cartidges is often the same or less than you'll pay for a couple of replacement cartridges.

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Are you trying to tell us that when the ink carterage runs out of ink we should just buy another printer a couple hundred dollars instead of a new ink carterage for $25.00USD?

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

I think he is saying that instead of spending $50 for two new cartridges we are better off topping up our landfills with single-use printers by buying a new one whenever the ink runs dry.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

It may seem cheaper to buy a new printer, but the ink that comes with the printer is usuall a "starter" pack. These "starter" packs usually contain 1/4 of the ink that is included in the "XL" packs.

, unforutnately, if the cartidges are missing, the printer wont allow you to print. If they were in the printer, even if they are empty, you could at least test to make sure the printer responds to the OS and attempts to print the page.

Member Avatar for bastrop52

That's what I assumed, JorgeM, but I thought there might be a way to "fool" the printer to see if it would at least respond in some way to make me think it would print.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

Well, come to think of it, if you install the printer and use the Generic/Text driver, it may work, in the sense that the printer may try to print even if there is no cartridge. Its worth a try.

However, I suppose if you use an HP driver, the printer will inform the OS that there is no ink and therefore, you wouldnt be able to print.

Member Avatar for BigPaw

What does the third-party say? Does he/she know if it works?

With HP Printers the print-head is built into the ink cartridge. So, your biggest concern is the mechanics of the rest of the printer. Do the rollers still pull in the paper, etc, etc... (that isn't a question) Three people who had bought them through Amazon (their comments are at the bottom of that page) said the printer was cheap to purchase, but had a veracious appetite for ink, and an unreliable paper-feed system. There is another review at PC Mag.

If you need a printer, I would suggest getting a new one, put your money into something certain and avoiding HP's and other like printers. You would get more value for money if you had a printer were the print-head isn't built into the cartridge. For example, for donkey's years I've only ever had Epson Printers. I like to use refillable cartridges and buy bottles of ink on ebay for a few £'s. But I do a lot of printing.

Member Avatar for whipaway

Buy some empty used cartridges from Ebay, see if the printer comes to life, and if so, refill the carts.
Empties can be had for as little as $5.00 delivered.
If the printer does not work, sell off the parts on ebay to recoup your investment.

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