Older generation cartridge error

[Pat1932]

Wondering how you downgrade the Firmware?  For my printer, the exact opposite is true:  it had 2020 dated cartridges (3 color and one ink combo).  Colors almost out. Tried to change to new (2019) date - HP not 3rd party and got the Older Generation Cartridge error. (Not sure who replaced the existing to 2020 but obviously, no thought we'd suddenly be out printer cartridges if didn't use in certain sequence or within certain (unspecified) time frame! HELP. Thank you.

[Holly2751]

I had to replace a used cartridge but the new cartidges I had in the drawer were blocked as too old (HP ones) or not HP (3 different ones I had).  I didn't want to throw away almost $200 in ink. 

Researching this site found you can download an older version of printer firmware and install.  I had to purchase a USB cable (both ends) to connect my printer to my computer and ran the downloaded file from one of the links in this thread (HP_OfficeJet_Pro_8710-8715-8718_7-17-20) .  It took a few minutes but it installed the older version and my computer is back in business again.  I tried it with a Membersmark cartridge and one of the HP cartridges that would not work before, both worked.  Hurray!!  Thanks everyone.  Hope this info helps you also.

[Pat1932]

I was able to find and deselect Automatic Updates & Printer Ink Protections. Then found a site with downloads of the downgraded Firmware for each HP printer cartridges (902 color combo) at Support.LDProducts.com  for How To Downgrade HP 902 XL - step by step instructions with a link to all the different versions of printers.  (Turns out this site is a 3rd party producer of the inks.  What a relief that it worked!  What a lot of work.  I have always loved HP products, especially their printers.  However, knowing what I now know, don't think I'd ever bother purchasing another HP printer.  Obviously, HP understands that lots of folks would just throw up their hands and spend lots of money buying more cartridges.  I think this is appalling!!  (Luckily, for me, this wasn't my printer.)  But am happy I saved my friend money and fixed the issue.

[ImDan99]

Aargh!  I am sharing the frustration that everyone is experiencing on this issue.  I have about $200 of "older" genuine HP cartridges that have been obsoleted by the automatic firmware upgrade.  I am using a Mac, so I cannot roll back my firmware unless I get a Windows machine and connect it to my printer.   Does anyone have a firmware rollback solution via Mac?

[content removed]

[GKevMi]

I went to [content removed]

and downloaded the file for my 8710:  "HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 / 8715 / 8718 Downgrade".

It downloaded a zip file:   HP-OfficeJet-Pro-8710-8715-8718-downgrade.zip

which has only 1 file: HP-OfficeJet-Pro-8710-8715-8718_7-17-20.exe.

My AVG found no virus or malware but the www.virustotal.com website found:

Cyren --- W32/AutoKMS.A.gen!Eldorado

Gridinsoft --- Ransom.Win32.Filecoder.ko!s5

SecureAge APEX --- Malicious

I extracted the .exe file onto a USB drive, loaded it onto an old laptop, connected it to a printer USB cable, created a Win 10 restore point, and then ran the .exe.

It worked so my older cartridges now work great.  AVG scanned my old laptop and found no virus. I'm happy with the results.

I'm not happy with HP for ramming this faulty new firmware down our throats and then taking no responsibility for correcting it themselves.  I'm with the people who are writing off HP for any new printer purchases!  I won't buy it again!

[Frustrated205]

Now that link just says,

"This is where we usually host downgrade firmware files but HP filed a DMCA take down notice. We had to remove the files because HP doesn't want you to downgrade your firmware and get around HP's monopolistic and anti-competitive techniques of stopping aftermarket cartridges. Please call, email or tweet your local government official and tell them HP shouldn't be allowed to stop you from using aftermarket cartridges by forcing firmware updates on their customers."

Shame on you, HP. Heaven forbit someone makes it possible for us to use our already purchased genuine HP ink.

[lounytoon]

Have an HP 6978 running into the same issue after installing a brand new official HP branded K cartridge that I purchased from Costco awhile ago with an expiration of 2020/5/11.  Hoping the firmware downgrade will help.  This is frustrating.

[CarolMujica]

I'm having the same issue.  Talked to HP today.  They said buy new cartridges and then offered my some deal which I had no interest in.  I have plenty of genuine HP cartridiges that I bought at Costco.   I mentioned downgrading the firmware and they gave me some story about how I shouldn't do that.  I said I could buy another printer for what I have spent on cartridiges I can't use, and they had the nerve to tell me about deals on new printers, and that I should upgrade the printer.  All I do is print and scan/fax.  I don't need any additional features.  And I certainly wouldn't buy another HP printer.  EVER. 

That said, has anyone found a way to reset printer to factory defaults?  Maybe that would work?

[Psyclone]

Yes, unfortunately "The Man" is keeping us under wraps.  This is TOTALLY unacceptable!  What's the point in buying genuine HP cartridges when they expire before being used?  Not everyone is last minute and only runs to their local store when they realized they're out of ink.  MANY of us buy 2 at a time to save on the RIDICULOUS costs for replacement cartridges.  I smell Class Action Suit!!!!

ENOUGH HP....Make it right or I swear I'm gonna find me a "Better Call Saul" ambulance chaser and start one!!!

[AL224]

Can you share how you downgraded the firmware? I called their Support and was told that there is no way to roll back the firmware version.  It is ridiculous that they would update their firmware to obsolete their own cartridges.