HP LaserJet Pro MFP M128fw Stuck on “Initializing” and Displays “Install Black Cartridge”

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M128fw is a monochrome laser all-in-one printer designed for small offices and professional environments requiring reliable printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.

Key Product Features

• Monochrome laser printing

• Print, Scan, Copy, Fax (All-in-One)

• Uses HP 88A (CC388A) Black Toner Cartridge

• USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connectivity

• Compact design for SOHO and small businesses

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Introduction

A commonly reported issue with the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M128fw is the printer remaining stuck on “Initializing” during startup and later displaying “Install Black Cartridge”, even when a toner cartridge is already installed.

This knowledge base article explains the technical cause, verified cartridge compatibility, and step-by-step resolution using accurate, model-specific information.

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Problem Description

Observed Symptoms

• Printer stays on Initializing for an extended time

• Message changes to Install Black Cartridge

• All printer functions are disabled

• Issue often occurs after:

  • Toner replacement or refill

  • Power failure or fluctuation

  • Long idle period

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Technical Explanation

During power-on self-test (POST), the printer firmware checks for:

1. Physical presence of toner cartridge

2. Communication with the cartridge chip

3. Electrical continuity via contact pins

The HP M128fw is designed specifically for HP 88A (CC388A) toner cartridges.
If the cartridge chip is unreadable or electrical contact fails, initialization stops and the printer requests cartridge installation.

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Verified Compatible Toner Cartridge (IMPORTANT)

Cartridge	Status
HP 88A (CC388A)	✅ Official & Supported
Refilled HP 88A	⚠️ May fail due to chip
Compatible 88A	⚠️ Quality-dependent

⚠️ Using an incorrect cartridge model will always result in detection failure, even if it physically fits.

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Common Root Causes

Cause	Explanation
Incorrect cartridge model	Non-88A toner inserted
Cartridge not seated properly	Chip not aligned with pins
Dirty cartridge contacts	Toner dust blocks signals
Refilled toner chip failure	Chip unreadable
Protective seal residue	Sensor obstruction
Printer hardware fault	Cartridge sensor or DC controller

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Step-by-Step Troubleshooting & Resolution

Step 1: Power Reset (Mandatory First Step)

1. Turn OFF the printer

2. Remove power cable from printer and wall

3. Wait 2–3 minutes

4. Power ON printer without toner installed

5. Insert toner only when prompted

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Step 2: Verify Toner Model

• Confirm cartridge is HP 88A / CC388A

• Reject:

  • HP 83A / CF283A

  • Any alternate HP series cartridge

✔ This step alone resolves many cases.

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Step 3: Reseat the Toner Cartridge

1. Open front cover

2. Remove toner cartridge

3. Gently shake side-to-side

4. Reinsert firmly and evenly

5. Close cover fully

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Step 4: Check Protective Seals

• Ensure all orange tape and plastic seals are completely removed

• Even a small leftover strip can trigger this error

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Step 5: Clean Cartridge & Printer Contacts

Tools required

• Dry lint-free cloth or isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

Cleaning points

• Metal contacts on toner cartridge

• Spring-loaded contact pins inside printer

⚠️ Do not bend pins or use water.

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Step 6: Test with Known-Good Original Toner

• Install a new or confirmed-working HP 88A (CC388A) cartridge

• If printer initializes successfully → previous cartridge was faulty

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Step 7: Cold Reset (If Required)

1. Turn OFF printer

2. Hold Cancel (X) + Right Arrow

3. Power ON printer

4. Release buttons at HP logo

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Diagnostic Matrix

Test Result	Diagnosis
Works with original HP 88A	Old cartridge defective
Fails with multiple 88A toners	Printer hardware fault
Error after refill	Toner chip issue
Resolved after cleaning	Contact contamination

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Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Fix
Wrong toner model used	Replace with HP 88A
Refilled toner not detected	Replace cartridge
Error after power surge	Perform power reset
Continuous initializing loop	Clean contacts
Error persists with original toner	Service repair

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Security & Safety Considerations

• Always power OFF before handling toner

• Avoid touching electrical contacts

• Do not use damaged or leaking cartridges

• Use genuine toner to avoid firmware and hardware damage

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Best Practices

• Always verify toner model before purchase

• Avoid very low-quality compatible toners

• Clean toner area during replacement

• Use UPS to prevent power damage

• Replace toner before it is fully depleted

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When to Escalate to Service Center

Escalate if:

• Original HP 88A cartridge not detected

• Error appears even without cartridge installed

• Reset and cleaning do not resolve issue

Likely faulty components:

• Cartridge detection sensor

• DC controller board

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Conclusion

The “Initializing” followed by “Install Black Cartridge” error on HP LaserJet Pro MFP M128fw is most commonly caused by incorrect or faulty HP 88A (CC388A) toner cartridges.
Using the correct cartridge model, cleaning contacts, and performing proper resets resolves the issue in most cases. Persistent failures indicate a hardware-level fault requiring professional service.

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