Firmware Update for my Laserjet MFP 277dw

[scjconsulting]

This morning my printer informed me of an firmware update, which naturally installed. The printer NO longer prints because I have 3rd party laser cartridges.  I had heard about HP's tactic on injet printers, but never thought they would stoop so low just to force me to purchase their cartridges, which for a color laserjet, is very pricey.

I currently have the following HP hardware:

1. High-end ENVY Phoenix 850-065se Desktop (i7-5960x)
2. New high-end OMEN notebook
3. Lasejet MFP 277dw
4. Chromebook 11

I am also an HP AllianceONE partner.

How much of a chance do you think there is I will EVER buy HP hardware again?

If you use 3rd-party laser cartridges, do NOT do HP firmware updates.

[John_Getzke]

> I had heard about HP's tactic on injet printers, but never thought they would stoop so low just to force me to purchase their cartridges, which for a color laserjet, is very pricey.

What have you read that confirms HP has extended this policy to thier laserjet fleet?

I checked the patch notes for the M277 but do not see anything mentioning a security update (expand fixes):

http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-color-laserjet-pro-mfp-m277-series/7089...

Patch notes show firmware has not been released since March of 2016. 

The news about inkjets securing 3rd party cartridges is relatively new:

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hp-to-issue-optional-firmware-update-allowing-...

> I am also an HP AllianceONE partner.

I suggest you contact HP support or your 3rd party cartridge provider for more details. 

> How much of a chance do you think there is I will EVER buy HP hardware again?

Its totally within your right to switch manfacturers if you choose to do so.  But I would advise against using this as your reasoning without further evidence. 

Let us know if you want any help isolating down the problem further.

[John_Getzke · Accepted solution]

Found another thread for the M277 that seems to relate to yours:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/M277DW-Supply-Memory-Error-all-cartridges/m-p/5766705...

The solution by the user in this one suggests a bad firmware update as opposed to a deliberate attempt by HP to block third party laser cartridges.  This is more believeable to me than what HP did with the OfficeJets.  He fixed it by downgrading the firmware which atleast confirms teh problem is firmware related.

I commented on another M252 thread about a similar supply error message:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/how-to-revert-fix-recent-firmware-update-for-hp-colou...

I think its time we squash this one and get a comment from HP support directly.  If you would be so kind as to contact HP directly via Chat or a phone call we can get a official and timely response.  Then share what you have been told with the rest of us.  The community can spread the word from there.

I also found another thread digging deeper that offers a link to an older firmware version if you want to attempt it on your own:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/M277DW-Supply-Memory-Error/m-p/5760229/highlight/true...

[scjconsulting]

I'm still not sure why, but the latest firmware: 20160331 is the problem.  I was able to install the older firmware: 20150716 and it went back to working (I canceled my order for HP genuine cartridges).

Probably the usual no testing being done under all conditions, like having 3rd party cartridges!

As for calling HP: Have you called or chatted with their support staff lately?

As for not buying HP again:  I  think I will follow my reasoning on that one.

Thanks.

[scjconsulting]

I am not sure what happened.  I have not used the printer much over the past day, installed the HP software on a new computer and the problem was back.  I don't think the software installed did a firmware update.

Anyway, I put the old firmware back, the problem went away, and I have reset the printer since that time, and it came up okay.

I wonder if it's doing firmware updates on it's own?

[John_Getzke]

your printer may have automatic updates enabled by default.  If your printer is internet connected then it would be able to update on its own. 

I'd suggest two options to reduce the risk of the printer updating on you again:

1. Disconnect the printer from the internet.  If your home router or personal network has the features to restrict internet access by MAC or IP Address then do so to block the printers outgoing and incoming requests to update.  Your initial post suggested that this printer may be network and internet connected as you encountered a message from the printers control panel without mentioning anything about starting that process on your own.

2. Disable automatic updates from the control panel of the printer.  You shoudl be able to navigate to Setup > Service > LaserJet Update > Manage Updates and disable the features from this area to better restrict the auto update process.

Certain Full Software Solutions are known to ask users to check for firmware updates when compelting the installation.  its possible this option was enabled by default and conducted by the new machine you installed this printer on.  If you look through the installation options there should be a feature that you can disable or dismiss that will skip any kind of firmware update that kicks off each time you install.

[scjconsulting]

I was able to turn off updates to the printer as being the best idea to stop the bad firmware updates.  I will keep a file of the good firmware around.

The printer was set to ask to do updates, which is what I did the first time.  Maybe it thought I gave it permission to do it again?

There is even an option to allow downgrades of firmware.

Thanks again.