How to Bypass the HP Ink Cartridge 45 Time Limit

All Hewlett Packard ink cartridges have a built-in expiration date. As a general rule of thumb, HP ink cartridges are set to expire two years from their date of manufacture, or whenever the cartridge reads empty. The HP 45 is no exception to this rule. This can be a hassle when you are refilling used cartridges or still have unused ink left in the cartridge past its expiration date. However, you can bypass these readings by following a reset method.

• 1

  Hold the cartridge with the copper contacts facing you. The cartridge should be upright with the copper contacts located on the lower half.

• 2

  Place a piece of adhesive tape over the top four contacts in the first column. Make sure that the tape is only covering these four contacts.

• 3

  Insert the cartridge into the printer. If the printer gives you an error message, just ignore it. Allow the printer to print an alignment page and wait until it's finished.

• 4

  Remove the cartridge from the printer and also remove the adhesive tape covering the first four contacts. Save this piece of tape, you can use it again.

• 5

  Place the piece of adhesive tape over the top four contacts in the last column. If the tape isn't sticky enough, use a new piece. Make sure that only these four contacts are covered and no others.

• 6

  Insert the cartridge into the printer. If the printer gives you an error message, just ignore it. Allow the printer to print an alignment page and wait until it's finished.

• 7

  Remove the cartridge and remove the tape.

• 8

  Insert the cartridge back into the printer. The ink levels and expiration date are now reset.