Dell AIO Photo 926 Alignment Problem

Question

I just installed fresh black ink cartridges and tried to print an alignment page, but the printer said that there was an error. The message read "Alignment problem, remove tape from cartridges or check troubleshoot."

My question is this: Could this be because I only installed new black ink cartridges and not color? The color ink is virtually empty but I haven't replaced it because I thought it was unnecessary. Do both cartridges need to be new? If not, what other steps should I take to fix this? I have already tried cleaning the cartridges both manually and through the cleaning page feature. I also tried all the remedies recommended on Dell's support website. I have printed multiple cleaning pages and test pages without a problem, but the alignment page is never completed successfully.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

PudgyOne · Answer

First, I'd like to say you need both ink cartridges in for the printer to print. So basically it thinks you have a color cartridge in but cannot read the sensor from it.

Dell Series 9 ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset. Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges.

Dell Series 9 ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.

Both cartridges don't have to be new but full enough for the sensor to be detected so you don't get an error message or you won't be able to print.

I usually print until I get the low ink message, then I order a standard ink cartridge or the proper color(or Black) inly when I need them. I don't like having them around for a long period of time. If Staples or Walmart has them, I can get them immediately. If I order from Dell' Website, usually 2-3 days, unless it's a weekend or a holiday.

jessip0014 · Answer

I am having the same problem....I just recieved my new black ink cartridge today and put it in the printer. I tried to do an alignment and I keep getting the same error....there is no tape on the cartridge and every time i turn the printer on it wants to do an alignment yet everytime has the same error and the black doesnt really want to print either and its a brand new cartridge. Have you had any luck with solving this? I too had a color cartridge that was running low but not empty so i removed it and it will still print and even seems to be better without the color cartridge but it just isnt right. Let me know if you have had any luck!!!

dearn191 · Answer

I picked up a new color ink cartridge Sunday and installed it and now the printer is working perfectly.  Apparently even though mine wasn't quite empty either, it still needed to be replaced.

petnard · Answer

I've tried everything suggested in these forums, but still get an alignment problem. What else can I do? It'll be cheaper for me to buy a new printer than keep replacing these cartridges. STay away from Dell printers.

sunphoenix · Answer

definitely, stay away from them. Why would I need a color cartridge if I don't print in color ?? Also, why is it printing an alignment test because I don't have a color. This is emptying all my black cartridges. What a mess.

Carlos17888 · Answer

I just bought a (used) Photo 926. Both cartriges are almost full. My problem is that the output  come out blank. Can anyone tell me how to solve this problem.?Thanks,  CS

PudgyOne · Answer

Carlos17888,

Are you using Dell Series 9 ink cartridges?

Can you copy a document under the glass? B&W and color?

Unplug the printer from the wall. Now remove the power brick from the back of the printer for 60 seconds. Plug everything back in. This will reset any error messages the printer has.

Power on the printer. Open the printer and take out the Dell Series 9 Black cartridge. make sure all the tape is off the cartridge and put the cartridge back in. Now do the same for the Dell Series 9 color cartridge.

You are using Dell Series 9 ink cartridges, correct?

Dell Series 9 ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset. Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges.

Dell Series 9 ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.

Black cartridge = black side(left side) Color cartridge = color side(right side)

Photo cartridge = black side(left side) Color cartridge = color side(right side)

It is possible to get a Dell Series 9 cartridge with a bad sensor. Contact the place of purchase for a replacement.

Rick

eflan · Answer

Hey there. Sorry for the bump... but I'm having the same issue.

After not using the printer for over a year, I attempted to save an old black cartridge. It failed.

I do not have a credit card - I'm a poor student after all - and cannot buy online. I live in Canada - our stores do NOT sell Dell cartridges. I live near the border, but since I do NOT have a passport, I am unable to go buy the cartridges myself.

Now. I asked a friend to pick up a black cartridge the last time he went to the US. I installed it. It works - it shows a full cartridge.

But the alignment keeps failing (and WASTING INK I might add) because the colour cartridge is empty. I'm not trying to print colour. I'm trying to print my winter term class schedule in black and white. I will NEVER print anything in colour. Ever.

The problem is that it apparently requires a colour cartridge that I would never ever use. Are you honestly saying that there is absolutely no way for me to get this pain in butt printer to actually work without spending money on something I have no need for whatsoever? Not to mention that I have to jump through hoops to get the freaking thing in the first place?

I spent hours getting it to work in Windows 7. I called in favours to get a cartridge by proxy. I'm ready to take a sledgehammer to the darned thing and buy a Canon instead of using this re-branded Lexmark pile of road apples.

Please say there's a way to get around this.

RockSt☆r-Rick · Answer

eflan,   Yes, both cartridges with working sensors, they need to have a little ink in them for the printer to work.   Staples and Walmart have them in the US. Did you check Walmart in Canada?     Rick

eflan · Answer

When I said they aren't sold at stores I didn't pull that fact out of thin air. I checked three different Walmarts in three different cities and then I checked a Staples just to be sure.

They. Don't. Sell. Them.

If I use somebody else's credit card to order it, I'll be spending $28.23 on something that shouldn't even be required. Unless I have to pay for shipping - then it'll be more. I didn't even spend that much on two black cartridges at Sam's Club in Michigan.

What a scam.

PudgyOne · Answer

eflan,   Sam's Club is a branch or Walmart.     Rick

eflan · Answer

'Sam's Club is a branch or Walmart.' What exactly does that have to do with anything?

PudgyOne · Answer

eflan,   You'll still need both working Dell Series 9 ink cartridges to have the printer work. Most manufacturers have put sensors in their ink cartridges.     Rick

fattykay · Answer

Hello,

we have a critical issue with our Dell Photo 926 printer, which we haven't used in a long time. The ink cartridges are fairly new. The ink levels indicate that the color cartridge is low when it shouldn't be. The alignment page prints okay but when we try to print anything else, it says "Communication Not Available." We also tried to do all the potential solutions it offered on that error message and nothing seemed to work. Is there anything you can suggest? Thank you!

PudgyOne · Answer

fattykay,

Are you using Dell Series 9 ink cartridges? I have seen some cartridges come with bad sensors.