PBase

anyone using a printer with individual inks? mine refuses to print when any of the cartridges are out, even if i'm just wanting to print in black for example - and the black cartridge is full... is this usual?

This is the norm...

The key to this problem is not to let you cartridges run completly out. When you notice a color getting really low and you keep getting low ink cartridge msgs, stop using color by setting your properties to print black only. This way you can still print documents. Another way is to change out a cartridge before it runs out then save it. Put tape over the holes top and bottom and put it away in a cool place out of the sun. Then, when you do run completly out of that color one day, then you can replace it with the used one until you are able to buy a new one. I have ink cartridges that are about 4 years old. Hope this helps.