Pen Recovery Diagnostic Test for HP Deskjet 1220C

HP Deskjet 1220C is an excellent photo printer and produces amazing graphics on paper. It is a big hit among many home printer owners today. But, there seems to be a perennial problem of cartridge blocks faced with this printer when used sparingly.

When I play computer and video games, one of the things that I do often is use cheat codes. What is the fun of playing against a computer when he knows all the tricks and you don’t? Anyways, I have always liked the idea that software programs, games and gadgets have a secret which is not usually revealed by the manufacturer in the product manual. HP 1220C has a three tiered secret procedure to clean and unblock ink cartridges.

Tier 1 Cartridge Cleaning: Light

1. Hold down the power button and press Cancel button twice
2. Release the power button
3. Check the print-out by running the Nozzle Pattern Diagnostic Test

Tier 2 Cartridge Cleaning: Intermediate

1. Hold down the power button and press Cancel button twice followed by Resume button once
2. Release the power button
3. Check the print-out by running the Nozzle Pattern Diagnostic Test
4. Use this step only if it is absolutely necessary. It reduces ink cartridge life.

Tier 3 Cartridge Cleaning: Intensive

1. Hold down the power button and press Cancel button twice followed by Resume button twice
2. Release the power button
3. Check the print-out by running the Nozzle Pattern Diagnostic Test
4. If there are gaps in the prints, replace ink cartridge

Every single printer manufactured has a diagnostic tool like the one mentioned above. The challenge is to find the one for your printer. My job would be to research and find out more diagnostic tools to be presented to our ever growing reader community.