HP printer update bans use of third-party ink cartridges

Posted on Friday, September 16 2016 @ 15:53 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

UPDATE:
The information below is no longer up to date. Please read our latest article at Printer ink shenanigans: HP blocks use of third-party ink cartridges

Dutch consumer groups are crying havoc as HP rolled out a software update for some of its printers that bans the use of third-party ink cartridges.

In a letter to its customers, Dutch webshop 123inkt.nl warns this software update reprogrammed some HP printer series to display a "technical error" message when the device detects non-original ink cartridges. It's unknown how widespread the issue is but NOS writes HP pulled the same trick in Portugal.

HP refused to issue a statement to the press but a helpful helpdesk employee told a client something went "horribly wrong" and promises this is unintentional and will be fixed in a future update.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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