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sidwelleFlag for United States of America

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HP: "Replace Imaging Drum"

Printer:       HP Laser Jet 100 MFP  M175
Message:  "Replace Imaging Drum"

We got this msg on the printer this week, ordered a new one and replaced it and its working now.
But, we are wondering why we got this msg ?  Was there something wrong with the drum or was the system just setup for routine replacement of the Drum and Toner(s).  Does the Drum just hold a chip that has a counter ?  or was there really something wrong ?
If it is just a counter, is there someway to reset it ?

Thanks

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Seth Simmons
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the system detected that the drum was near its lifespan so it alerts the user it needs to be replaced
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ASKER

It was more then just an alert, the printer refused to copy or print anything !

then it either broke or reached its end of useful life
normal behaviour
The drum is an essential part of the printing system. Once it “expires” it has to be replaced in order for printing and functions to be restored again for toner usage etc. You can also find that on HP’s documentation where it states drum life as a reason. Sometimes drums may be defective or damaged also as already stated above:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02631465
Most people do not know that laser printers have other consumables beside the toners. The exact details vary from model to model; different printers have different consumables.

In most mono lasers the drum is part of the toner cartridge, so they get replaced at the same time. Many colour lasers, however, have separate drums. These have their own rated life.

In every laser printer, the fuser is also a consumable. For many printers its life is longer than you are likely to keep the printer for. For example, in a low-cost laser the fuser may be rated at 50,000 pages, and a normal home user is unlikely to reach that number. For top-end printers the fuser may be rated at 300,000 pages, but the printer will be expected to print over a million copies.

Additional consumables can include things with names like transfer belt, belt cleaner, waste cartridge, transfer roller, OPC belt, developer, etc. All of these have long lives, but usually shorter than that of the fuser. The only way to find out what your printer may require is to read the manual carefully.

What happens when a consumable reaches its rated life depends on the printer model. Some let you continue printing, others refuse to do so. Most manufacturers will only list all consumables, their life and what happens at the end, if you ask them - or read the manual.
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Brian B
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