What numbered cartridges go in what slot?

Use the HP print utility and run through the tests. One bad cartridge will muck up the color completely.

There should be a clean print head option. Run it if the initial color test shows a clog.

My suggestion is to put the 2 cartridges next to each other and look at them as closely as you can. There has to be a difference between the one that works and the ones that give the error.
Something that just occurred to me. Check the slot where the black cartridge sits. Check it for something that could have fallen off the original cartridge and is wedged in the slot. Compare the slot with another cartridges slot.
Because one cartridge works and others don't, it tells me it's a physical(hardware) problem not electrical.

Hi grandma Yes you must remove the gold seal off the cartridge and make sure you put it in the right numbered slot when you open the door it should move to the center put the ink part down and shove it slightly forward until it snaps in place, there are two one color one black, I think the black is #27 on it I forget the color one but they must go in the right slot. Once they are in place close the door then you will have to realign the cartridge to do this when you close the door it will ask you to align the cartridge say yes next it will print out a page look at the page figure out which one is the best centered of all the lines remember the number and letter, next it will ask you to select the best number type it in then the letter type it in then it Will print out one more page if it is centered on the paper correctly click on OK and the window will close and your ready to go. If you do not align the cartridge it will ask you to do so every time you want to print. Merry Xmas Grand ma and a happy new year hope this helps.

PULL AND THEN CLEAN THE SLOT WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL TO GET THE COLOR OFF THE BLACK SIDE. REMEMBER TO UNPLUG WHILE CLEANING. THEN CLEAN THE CARTRIDGE WITH ALCOHOL TOO. THEN PUT BACK IN RIGHT PLACE AND YOU SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO. IT MAY TAKE SOME FORCE TO GET IT OUT. BUT REALLY NO CHOICE NOW. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU.

Step seven: Install the print cartridges
NOTE: The product must be on before you can insert the print cartridges.

1. Open the print cartridge door. Figure 7: Opening the print cartridge door
2. Make sure the print carriage moves to the right. If it does not move to the right, turn the device off, then turn it back on again.
3. Open the packaging and remove the tape from both cartridges. Figure 8: Removing the tape CAUTION: Do not touch the copper-colored contacts or re-tape the cartridges.
4. Hold the cartridges with the HP logo on top.
5. Insert tri-color cartridge in the left cartridge slot and the black cartridge in the right cartridge slot . Figure 9: Inserting the print cartridges
6. Push the cartridge firmly into the slot until it snaps into place.
7. Close the print cartridge door.

Hmmm....that sounds to be an issue with the ink cartridges...

You might be using ink cartridges purchased other than Dell or Staples...since these are the two who sell Dell Ink.

If thats not true, then take out both the cartridges in the printer.

Lets isolate the issue

1. Try only Black cartridge on Color slot(right). If you get Install both ink cartridges error, then its an issue with the Black ink cartridges and if you get message that install Black ink cartridge then its an issue with the prrinter.

2. Now install only color cartridge on Black cartridges slot(left), If you get color cartridge missing then its an issue with the Black cartridges which you are using and if you get install both ink cartridges then its an issue with the black slot on printer.

3. If issue found to be with Black ink cartridge then wipe the Nozzles(bottom) of the ink cartridge with lint free cotton cloth from back to front 5-6 times.

4. Also try replacing the ink cartridges purchased only from Dell or from Staples. Purchased from somewhere else or refilled might not work.

5. If issue found to be with printer, then i would suggest you to purchase new printer then.

Hope this fix the issue

By using Colorbyte's Imageprint software and their 'Phatte Black' cartridge.... 
www.colorbyte.com
I have not purchased it myself quite yet but im good friends with an Epson R&D guy who tested their system and highly recommends it.

Are you using a refilled cartridge or refilling your cartridge yourself?

Error 1203 is an issue that occurs either when a cartridge is bad or the printer cartridge Slot is bad... Try to cleaning the copper contacts of the both carts and cart slot in the printer and try again..
If that doesn't work, then you might try a new black cartridge and possibly a color cartridge too.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Mac
Please remember to post a feedback and or rating if my suggestion has helped you fix your problem.

Note: Refilling carts may damage the contacts of the carts as well as the printer (From a printer companies website)

(repeating this message again, for some reason this site logged me off and It didn't give me credit for the post)
Mac =)

Accept anyway. This is a problem with vista - it wants to assign it's own driver and doesn't like outside software such as Lexmark's.