Note: Each time the cartridge is removed from the printer an "empty cartridge" message appears and a blinking amber light will come on, on the printer. Holding the paper feed (or stop/reset) button down for 3-5 sec. will allow you to override the counter.

Some printers can be tricked into reading full again.

This is the procedure I used for an MP470.
1. Disconnect the power cable.
2. Hold down "On/Off" button.
3. Reconnect the power cable.
4. With the power button still down, press the "Stop/Reset" button twice.
5. Release the "On/Off" button.
6. The printer is now in "factory mode".
- wait until "idle" is displayed.
7. Press the right arrow button (next to the "OK" button) repeatedly until "Shipping Mode 3" is displayed.
8. Press the "OK" Button
9. Wait until "Without Cleaning" is displayed and then press the "Stop/Reset" button once. (I pressed the ok button after Stop/Reset button on my MP470).
10. A test page should print.
11. Open the cover.
- the cartridges should position themselves at the far left - the cartridge removal location.
12. Disconnect the power cable.
13. Remove both cartridges.
14. Close the cover.
15. Reconnect the power cable.
16. Press the "On/Off" button once.
17. Wait until a "Replace Cartridges" message is displayed.
- insert cartridges.
18. Wait until the printer is operating in its normal mode. The display shows the normal start menu (ie: Copy).
The ink levels have been reset.
- check by going to printer>properties>maintenance>view printer status

This is the procedure I used for an MP460.
1. Disconnect the power cable
2. Hold down power button
3. Reconnect the power cable
4. With the power button still down, press twice the "Cancel/Stop" red button
5. Release the power button
6. The printer is now in factory mode...(wait about 30 seconds until it says "idle")
7. Press the down arrow (next to the "OK" button) until it says "Shipping Mode 1"
8. Press the "OK" Button
9. Now with it displaying "Without Cleaning" press the power button
10. A test page should print
11. Now open cover
12. Disconnect the power again
13. Take both cartridges out like normal
14. Close cover
15. Reconnect power cable
16. Press power button
17. Replace cartridges

MP-160 is different from MX300 so I tried my best with it...
The main solution is to reset the entire printer:
1. Disconnect the power cable
2. Connect it while holding down the power button
3. With the power button still down, press twice the "Cancel/Stop" red button
4. Release the power button
5. The printer turns into a kind of factory mode...(wait for about 10 seconds, until it says "Idle")
6. Press the ">" (next to the "OK" button) once. "Shipping Mode 3"
7. Press the "OK" button.
8. Press "OK" again for "Without cleaning"
9. A test page will print..
10. Open the cover, like you are about to change the cartridges.
11. Disconnect the power cable again.
12. Take out both cartridges.
13. Close the cover.
14. Connect the power cable once again.
15. Turn the printer on.
16. Now just put the cartridges back...