I am having the exact problem.  And yes I have done all those things also.  I am disgusted with dell's cartridges.  Any solutions to this problem, please respond (before I go crazy!)

marfowl,

Unplug the printer from the wall. Noe remove the power brick from the printer for 60 seconds. This will reset any error message the printer is getting. Plug the printer back in.

Turn on the printer. Open up the printer and take out the black cartridge and reseat it. Do the same for the color cartridge. Now close the printer and it will print an alignment page. Any error messages?

If you still get the error message, then it's possible that the sensor in the Dell Series 5 ink cartridge is bad. If this is a new Dell Series 5 ink cartridge, then take it back to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund.

black = black side(left)                               color = color side(right)

photo cartridge = black side(left               color = color side(right)

Dell Series 5 ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset. Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges.

Dell Series 5 ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.

Rick

Same problem with the right color cartridge. I tried the unplug/replug method and it didn't work. Also tried calling Dell and all they want to do is sell me an expensive service phone call or a new printer. Not much help from them when your warranty expires.

Solved my own probem the same way as johnboy2. I went to Staples and bought a new Dell color cartridge. Since the old cartridge had plenty of ink left I wonder if there is some kind of timing code. I bought the old cartridge last February and never had trouble with it until yesterday. Is it possible that there is a hidden expiration in the cartridge? I can not think of any other reason a perfectly good cartridge would suddenly be rejected.

I had this problem about two week ago and thought I had solved it by replacing the black ink cartridge.  Everything worked fine until tonight.  I have tried all the suggestions listed here and it still doesn't work.  Since the printer is out of warranty I don't intend to mess with Dell's sorry customer service and plan to purchase a new printer tomorrow. It will not be a Dell!!  I can purchase an inexpensive printer complete with ink, for about the same price as purchasing ink from Dell.  They make more selling ink than selling printers.