LaserJet 4700dn stuck on initializing after a year without using

[amytato]

The last time I made this work a year ago, it worked perfectly. However, I tried booting it up recently and it just sticks on 'initializing' forever.

I have tried cold resetting and NVRAM resetting, but it just says 'continuing' and proceeds right to the initializing part after some zooming in on the HP logo. I have also tried re-seating the memory.

What do I do now?

[davidzuts]

Used the attached to diagnose.

[amytato]

It blinks twice, pauses for a bit, then blinks twice again, like a heartbeat.

[davidzuts · Accepted solution]

I would start with the firmware CF card. Since the screen says initializing it means it is attempting to load the firmware (operating system) and I would think something is wrong with the chip and it can not complete the firmware load.

[amytato]

Are there any instructions on how to test and fix the CF card? Do I have to get a new one? Is it standardized?

[davidzuts]

Can not be fixed unless you have a good cf card and the ability to copy the good card to the bad card. Better option:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Q7725JJ-Color-LaserJet-4700-32M-Flash-Firmware-Q7725-60002-/371434644145?...

[amytato]

I see. Will just copy-pasting the correct firmware (clj4700fw_46_230_6.rfu), which I have a copy of, onto the cf card not work?

[davidzuts]

It does not work that way. The firmware is in a special file format on the cf card. The firmware upgrade you have has to be written to the existing firmware on the cd card in blocks not just a straight copy.

[amytato]

I used the method in https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/Bricked-HP-LaserJet-4250-After-Failed-Firmware-Updat... to put in new firmware. Now I'm getting 6/6 A/F, and neither cold resetting nor NVRAM reset seems to be doing anything.

[amytato]

Actually, it looks like after some fiddling and connecting and disconnecting things, it works! Thank you for steering me in the direction of the firmware, though it turns out I could in fact just overwrite the CF with the online firmware.