Unable to access anything in control panel HP

[cloudstorm]

I have owned this printer for a couple years. Recently I needed to access the service menu and was unable to do so along with everything else in the menu. It is requiring a password of which I do not know what it is. I honestly do not remember making one or else it would be in my password list, I have tried everything that I have researched. Powering down and holding x button when powering up. Unplugging from power totally to do a factory reset and anything else I had found to try. I am totally locked out of my printer and it is sitting there useless.  I need to undo a firmware upgrade and or do a factory reset and at this point can do neither. Any help would be appreciated.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @cloudstorm 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how discouraging it feels to be locked out of your printer menus, especially after trying several reset methods without success. 

You’ve already taken thoughtful steps like power cycling and attempting a factory reset, so let’s focus on what can still be done to regain access.

1. Check for Embedded Web Server (EWS) access

• Connect the printer to your network.
• On your Windows 11 PC, open a browser and type the printer’s IP address (you can find this on the printer’s network configuration page).
• The EWS will open, and from there you can check if the password prompt appears.
• If you can log in, you may be able to reset settings from the EWS.

2. Restore network settings

• On the printer control panel, press and hold the Wireless button until the network light blinks.
• This restores the wireless settings to default and may clear certain lockouts.
• Reconnect the printer to Wi‑Fi using the HP App afterward.

3. Attempt a reset

• Power off the printer.
• Hold down the Cancel (X) and Right Arrow buttons together while powering on.
• Keep holding until the display shows “Permanent Storage Init.”
• This reset clears stored settings, including passwords, and returns the printer to factory defaults.

4. Firmware rollback is not supported directly

• Once firmware is upgraded, it cannot be downgraded through normal user methods.
• The best path is to reset the printer fully so the current firmware runs without requiring the old settings.

5. Use the HP App for setup after reset

• Download the HP App from the HP App Overview page.
• Add your printer again after the reset.
• The app will guide you through setup without needing the locked service menu.

6. Driver refresh on Windows 11

• Go to the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M182nw Drivers page.
• Install the latest full feature driver package.
• Restart your PC and printer to ensure smooth communication.

By using the reset and reconnecting through the HP App, you should be able to clear the password lock and regain full use of your printer.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye