Carol, I just saw noticed your problem and I hope I can help you. To find your printers preferences [could be called "Properties"], click on file/printers and in the window that opens notice the little window that shows your printers name. At the end of that window there should be a button named "Properties". Click on that and it will open another window with a bunch of printer settings, one gives you a choice to print color or B/W. Click on the B/W. That should will set your printer to only print in black and white. After you print for a while do the above again to make certain the it hasn't reset itself back to "color". Also see if your printer will print without the color cartridge installed. If it will, put the cartridge in an airtite zip lock bag and only install it when you need to print in color. The bag should keep it from drying out. Its a lot of bother but the cost saving is worth it. Next time you purchase a color printer get one that has individual color cartridges, You will save a ton of money. Hope this all works for you. Good luck. Lew Russakov Huntington Beach, CA PCSOFT's List Owner's: Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]> Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>