HP M180nw - control panel password prompt OR reset to defaults w/out knowing password

[pj_mcg]

I have an HP LaserJet Pro MFP M180nw. Since purchasing, I've always received the password prompt on the control panel, but it hasn't been a problem b/c I could always print. I had never setup a password, and never saw a solution or reason for this in the forums.

Now I need to reset the wireless settings and cannot access any functions like resetting defaults on the printer.

Questions:

1. How do I do a full reset on the printer? By this, I mean completedly setting it back to new, with all defaults, as I first received it without needing to use the control panel since the password prompt will prevent me. 

2. How do I remove the password prompt?

There needs to be more documentation on this in the user guides or forums. I don't see why I should have to open a thread on the forums to find this out.

thanks,

PJ

[John_Getzke]

The answer to both of your questions is a process called "Cold Reset".

Cold Reset steps are normally stored in the Service Manuals and are privilaged HP resources.

I'm not seeing any free resources posted for that model online at this time.  You will have to contact HP directly for the steps after completing a few verification steps.

If you find out the process please write back and share with us.  The steps may help someone else out too.

[pj_mcg · Accepted solution]

I do not know why this bit of information is so shrouded in secrecy.  I found another post from a user with a similar printer (HP M130NW), and the steps to reset to defaults worked for me:

1. Turn the product off.
2. Press and hold the Cancel (X) and Right Arrow (>) button  at the same time, and then turn the
product on.
3. When the message Permanent storage init. appears on the control-panel display, release the
buttons.

[pj_mcg]

After 4 months of problem free use, the control panel password prompt has reappeared again for no reason.

Had to reset the defaults again, meaning all the wifi setup, etc.   This thing continues to baffle me.  Nice job HP.

[John_Getzke]

Someone might be tampering with your printer settings, not necessarily in a malicious way.

To reduce the risk of accidental or intentional tampering try setting a new admin password on the Embedded Web Server.  Make it tough for someone to get in there and make any adjustments without your knowledge and see if the problem returns. When you reset the printer with a Cold Reset the admin password goes back to the defaults too, which a user could guess or look up from the User Guide.