Color cartridge runs out even though I'm only printing b&w typed scripts. Any way to shut it off? Only have use for color printing once in a blue moon Hewlett Packard HP DeskJet Printer #932C

printers use all cartridges to get the correct colour even black
best get a new colour cartridge then realign the printer with a test pattern

Even though the interface says the cartridge is full, if the printer detects it being empty, odds are you will have to replace the color cartridge, even though you are only printing black.
You can try taking the cartridge out and cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser and reseat the color cartridge. If no change, replace the cartridge.

Although you are only trying to print a B & W picture, the color print cartridge/cartridges must also contain ink in order for the printer to work. All print cartridges must contain ink for printing of any type to take place.
Load the color print cartridges and the B & W picture will print.
If you were trying to print a color picture and the B & W cartridge was empty, the printer also, would not print.
I hope this helps you out.
Good Luck

If by referring to the left drip light you mean the bottom left light; this is the indicator light for the color ink cartridge:
Left print cartridge light blinks, Power light on. Tri-color print cartridge is damaged or missing.
? Reinstall the print cartridge. If the error persists, replace the print cartridge.
? You can still print with one cartridge

it is possible that once the computer and printer are communicating that the error messages could also be resolved by running the printer diagnostic program.

If your computers do not recognize the printer, uninstall the driver, if you had installed a specific driver, and then go to the site below to download a driver for your operating system and specific printer:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DriverDownload.jsp?prodNameId=439154&lang=en&cc=us&taskId=135&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=439153 After installing the operating system specific driver the computer should recognize the printer. Trust this is helpful. :)

Replace your color cartridge and power printer on. The color cartridge is probably empty (even though there might be a little ink left in it). Many inkjet printers require the color cartridge for composite black even if you are not printing in color.

What you have is a dried up color cartridge. You can try to use the <clean print heads> in the diagnostic tools section of you priner software. (usually, just try to print something & the window will appear) Sometimes you have to clean heads, then print test page like 2 or 3 times before it clears up. If that doesn't correct it, don't worry. Have your color cartridge filled (staples, office depot, & other stores do it cheap) - or - replace it with a new cartridge. You may have to run the clean print heads program after installing a new cartridge, but this will definitely fix your problem.

You need a new drum

Printer manufacturers design their printers to print some color mixed in with the black when you are only printing black. That is why your color cartridge is running out when you only print black and why it prints "weird colors" when the color cartridge is empty. Printer manufacturers sell the printers at a loss and make up the profit on the cartridges.

Unfortuantely , to solve the issue , sadly, yes you will have to replace the empty cartridge to continue to use the printer in a normal fashion. Its a sneaky and dirty trick many printer manufactuers do to make more money off of the customer through the purchase of printer ink.

Reinsert the color cartridge. Give print command for page. Open Preferences in print window. Open the Color tab. Click on Print in Color. (It may have been set for black only.) Try printing.