HP M604 stuck on initializing after firmware update

[MathBen]

I recently installed the newest firmware on our M604dn, and now it won't complete "Initializing." I've reinstalled the firmware several times using a thumb drive, tried a power drain, reseated the eMMC. The startup seems to go fine all the way 1-->8, then goes through "Starting," then to "Initializing," and it counts forever. Any help would be appreciated.

I've seen suggestions to reset the NVRAM, but can't find instructions on how to do that for this printer.

Thanks for any help!

Ben

[Alex-TATS]

Hi @MathBen,

Instead of reinstalling the firmware again try Format Disk or Erase/Unlock it anad then Download Firmware (FAT32 formatted USB flash disk, delete the firmware file and re-download it from official HP site).

1) Enter pre-boot menu by pressing X button when 1/8 appears

2) Administrator -> Format Disk

3) Administrator -> Download -> USB Thumbdrive

4) back to Continue

or

1) Enter pre-boot menu by pressing X button when 1/8 appears

2) Administrator -> Manage Disk -> Boot Device -> Erase/Unlock

3) Administrator -> Download -> USB Thumbdrive

4) back to Continue

I hope that helps,

Cheers!

[MathBen]

Thanks, @Alex-TATS. I've tried these both multiple times. Format Disk returns instantly to the same screen after confirming action (leading me to believe it is not actually formatting the disk), and Erase/Unlock is greyed out. I did Secure Erase once, which allowed me to install new firmware; but now even that option immediately returns to the same screen  (so I believe no Secure Erase is actually happening). 

[SHThompson]

FutureSmart devices generally have a partial clean and a full clean option, I would do the full clean and then attempt to load from tthe USB drive.

[MathBen]

Thanks, @SHThompson. "Format" is the closest to "Full clean," and as I said above, that's not helping. Still "initializing" forever. Cold reset doesn't help either.

I take it nobody knows how to reset the NVRAM? Or is that a bogus idea to try?

Ben

[Alex-TATS]

Replacing the eMMC and then the formatter would be my next thoughts on this issue.

[SHThompson]

That's a fairly new printer is it still in warranty?

[MathBen]

18 months; out of warranty.

Tried new eMMC. Can't spend $400 on new formatter for $600 printer.

Thanks for the help, everyone. If anyone learns how to reset NVRAM, let me know.

[SHThompson]

HP does not post the manuals for that machine online but you can probably find them somewhere else.

If you send me a pm during regular work hours then hopefully I'll remember to actually look it up I do have the manuals at work.

[SHThompson]

Just got to thinking, if you had it for 18 months there is a possibility you paid for it with a credit-card that doubles the manufacturer's warranty.

I use my Discover card for expensive electronics because they definitely double the manufacturer's warranty but other cards do the same.