118dw-- Forgot Printer Administrator Password, need Full Factory Reset

[helloWorld112]

Hi!

I accidentally forgot my printer administrator password, and now I can't change any system settings. How do I do a factory reset?

I've tried the "network reset" solution from a previous poster (pressing cancel and network button for 15 seconds), but that didn't erase the admin password.

[helloWorld112 · Accepted solution]

I figured it out from a youtube video by the channel "Master Toy," this is the procedure for a hard reset on the 118dw or 203dw:

1. Plug printer in, wait for it to turn on, then turn off with power button.

2. HOLD the "resume" button, the one with the paper and arrow logo on it (above the X button, below the three lights and the network button).

3. While holding this button, press the power button once to turn on the printer. Keep holding the "resume" button for 20 seconds at least.

That should perform a full factory reset!

It's very frustrating how all the HP support people, in all the forum posts, say "I'll DM you with the factory reset procedure." This means each new person who encounters this problem has to repost the same question over and over again.

These steps should honestly be in the manual or on an official support page somewhere.