I have the same problem im using the photocopy of my c5280 printer then all of a sudden an error says refer to printer documentation i dont know what to do i already tried some repair centers no body can help me. thanks

Try using the HP Print Diagnostic Utility in Windows - HP Customer Care (United States - English),

If you need more help come back.Post / thumbs / testimonial are welcome!

Try first unplugging power cable, and see if it clears the error

post the error message here only then we can help

HP C5280 "Refer to printer documentation" error

Place the old cartridge back and see the result. If the printer prompt cartridge error or low innk, then the issue is with your new cartridges. replace or claim warranty

try to clean the contacts on the printer where the rear of the cartridge sits in the electrical contacts clean with rubbing alcohol

I kept having the same problem as what was experienced by gobigforgod. What should I do ? Pls help.

Manual here: Manuals

Here is the support page with more documentation: HP Photosmart C5280 All-in-One Printer

No solution but i have exactly the same problem, I have installed genuine cartridges as well!

Its the cartridges...... you will have to get more or new ones. I changed mine after a week of fiddling around - and printer worked perfectly. Wish the error message had been specific, then I would not have wasted all my time. The cartridges that didnt work were brand new HP 350 and 351 cartridges - straight from the packets, but the printer "didnt like them"..... A waste of money but Im going to try and put them back into machine tomrrow and see if I can fool it!!!