I have a color printer that has been out of ink for several years

[LeftInTX]

I only use it as a scanner.

Now I suddenly need access to a color printer. The manufacturer still makes the cartridges. However I wonder if leaving cartridges empty on the machine for several years has ruined it's printing capability?

I am debating buying 4 cartridges at $11 each or buying a new color printer.

Thanks in advance

[PoliticAverse]

1. Do you know about how many pages you'll need to print? n/t

[LeftInTX]

4. About 60

They are studio portraits that I scanned, so I can't send them to Kinkos or other printers.

[bigmonkey]

3. Can you do a cleaning routine on it?

Is it a jet printer, or a laser printer? Jet printers are much more likely to clog up. Doing a cleaning routine (web search necessary) would be the first step to take. Could involve physical cleaning, or a software command to print test pages.

[LeftInTX]

7. It is a Brother inkjet mfc-j625dw. I tried running a cleaning and nothing happened.

It didn't make a sound or anything.

(My other printer is a B&W laser)

[bigmonkey]

8. If it's an inkjet, very likely clogged.

If the cartridges replace the jets, you might get it to work again. If not, much less likely, in my opinion.

[canetoad]

5. Grab a little spray bottle

Of Iso Alcohol from the cleaning section of hardware shop. Spray it around print heads, cartridge openings. It won't do any harm to the printer's innards. Then run the head cleaning, align, maintenance routine if the printer has one.

The Iso is handy for lots of other computer cleaning jobs too!

[TreasonousBastard]

6. 11 bucks a cartridge is pretty cheap these days, and some of them...

print directly to the paper without the printer mechanisms getting in the way. You could give it a shot, and run the cleaning cycle if you have to.

OTOH, if you run over to Staples, they've got decent Canon printers for as low as 29 bucks this weekend. Epson, Brother and HP are on sale, too.

[csziggy]

9. Try this link for advice on how to clean the print head

They have two different ways to clean the heads and while they recommend their cleaning product, they also tell you how to use distilled water and window cleaner: http://www.inkmagic.com/shopcontent.asp?type=Unclog_Brother_Inkjet_Printhead_Nozzles

You can buy a new print head for this printer - on eBay they seem to be priced about $40 - $70.

This link has steps to replace a Brother print head - not the same model but I suspect similar enough to help: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Brother+MFC-490CW+Print+head+Replacement/33894

Before I spent the money and time to replace the print head, I'd replace the printer. For Brother and Epson printers and scanners I have been going to their online stores and buying refurbished products. Shipping is usually included and the prices are great. I have had no problems with any products purchased this way - and I do a LOT of scanning and printing.

(Right now I have a Brother HL-5450DN laser printer and a Epson WF-7520 inkjet multifunction printer scanner that can scan and print 11"x17". Each cost around $150 and have been trouble free. I also have an Epson Perfection V600 photo scanner that has been great for many years of intensive scanning.)

[LeftInTX]

10. Thanks so much very helpful!