So I recently had to replace a printer in my office that I accidentally broke on Friday afternoon (long story, but wasn't my fault, I was just the last to use it) and I did some quick research and settled on a Epson Workforce Pro WF-4530 AIO.
I unbox the printer, begin to do what I have always done with new printers and as the last step I install what are referred to as the "initial" ink cartridges. I start the printer up and everything appears to be humming along with the setup and then it happens. CYAN cartridge not detected, please insert the initial cartridge that came with your printer and try again.
Great. New printer, bad initial cart. Good thing I bought the store 2 year additional warranty, covers crap like this.
The printer itself doesn't appear to be broken at all. So I call the store (MicroCenter) and explain the problem. They agree to swap the cartridge out for a new one off the shelf. I get to the store, and they don't have it. But they have one in the display model. I take that cart and head back to the office, replacing it and proceeding with the setup. Failed. but now, on top of the same error message and now paper size is not being detected. Failed initial cart, failed device, desk flip ensues and I box it back up, returning it to the store for a replacement.
While getting the replacement I am talking to one of the store clerks and they inform me that a lot of the new ink jet printers are doing this with the initial cartridges, if the initial cartridge has a failure, the whole printer is rendered useless because you cannot complete the setup.
I have a WTF moment to myself. What kind of design is that?!?!? Good news is that the replacement was setup today, and everything is working. It's a nice printer when it's working properly (after two firmware updates).
Anyone out there from HP, Epson, Canon or whoever makes a Pro-sumer grade Inkjet MFC confirm what this store clerk told me, that if the initial carts fail, you have to replace the printer because the cartridges are specific to that printer?
TL:DR
Initial cartridge prevented setup from being completed, rendered whole printer inoperable even after swapping out a good cartridge. Rage.