HP Deskjet 840C printer

[Big Bas]

I have had this printer for some time without any trouble
I have a Dell computer
I realised that black ink was needed so I input a new cartridge
Now I am unable to print and the printer doesn't go through the mechanical procedure ie whirring into action
I have input a new colour cartridge
I have deleted the Printer and then reinstalled following the usual instructions
Top green light on permanently bottom orange light flashes 2 or 3 times a second
Whatever I do fails
Any help would be appreciated

[Tinkerpuss]

Have you tried printing a test page? My friend recently replaced the black cartridge in her HP printer bur her documents were all printing in purple. I printed a test page and realised no black ink was getting through.
I put some lukewarm water in a dish, put the part of the black cartridge in the water until ink began to come out into the water.
A gentle wipe with a tissue to dry it then back into the printer and it worked. The new cartridge was just needing a 'kick start'.
Yours may be a different problem but it is worth trying.

[Wak]

You could also try cleaning the metal contacts on the cartridge with methylated spirits and either a tissue or small brush.