Tropical just wondering... after inserting the cartridges did you snap down the latch over the cartridge? You might have to press firmly... it's easy to think that it's totally closed and it isn't.

Latch? I don't think there is any latch. I just know they are not securely installed. They feel loose.

What's the printer model number/name ?

The cartridges are shaped like fat letter T's.

photosmart C4580 can you see that, it rejected my message, because I did not change the subject lin.

It looks fairly typical. I copied the basic install but dont have that model so I cant give you any hints other than make sure its powered on when you snap them in and close the latch and dont forget to press the OK when it asks ... HP PDF says;

Open the print cartridge door. Make sure the print
carriage moves to the right. If it does not move to the
right, turn the device off, then turn it back on again
.
- IMPORTANT: The device must be turned on to insert cartridges.
CAUTION: Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or re-tape the cartridges.
- Remove the tape from both cartridges.

- Hold the cartridges with the HP logo on top.
- Insert the tri-color cartridge in the left cartridge slot and the black cartridge in the right cartridge slot .
- Make sure you push the cartridges in firmly until they snap into place .
- Close the print cartridge door.
- Press OK when prompted to confirm the installation of genuine HP print cartridges.

There was a basket, it as not in the right place. When it moved into the right place, I was able to get them in, but I still don't like the printer. I could not fit them in because the basket had not moved over like it was supposted to.

I didn't read where you pulled the tab off the cartridge.

I wouldn't immediately identify your concern as a design flaw. It is more like temporary user ineptness and I speak from experience.

I have had numerous printers without a concern, but when I got my HP All-In-One two years ago I almost threw it out in the road during the first day. The insert system was different and for the life of me I couldn't get it to work. My son happened to be visiting and he saw I was struggling. He walked right up to me, took the cartridge from my hand, and click it was in place. The insert system was just like his.

I haven't had a problem since.

DA

HP printers can really give you a headache. I also have that kind of printer and I never bought HP printer soon after I dispose it. For me, Canon printers works best. Its base on my years of experience using this brand of printer.

Here's a link that has a video showing you how to install your printer cartridges. The video automatically restarts, so you can watch the video while installing the cartridge. Hope this helps you.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01746713&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3418707&lang=en

I had a printer that would not take a new cartridge. I could put them in, but the printer did not see it. HP replaced it, I had it in a couple of days and they sent labels to return the problem one.

Last time I bought a HP printer it was closing time at Office Depot. It wouldnt work.. I talked to HP support off and on till like 1am ... took it back to Office Depot and got another of same... it worked.

HP absolutely told me not to return it to the seller .. I told them I absolutely was going to return it when I woke up in the morning.