Driver and firmware installation problems LaserJet M1212nf

[marty1111]

My HP LaserJet M1212nf MFP that is connected over a USB connection, but it was suddenly not recognized any more by Windows 10. Now I want to re-install drivers and update firmware for my printer, but I can't find the most recent versions that were previously installed and constantly run into problems.

Here's a short problem summary:

• HP Smart install fails: When I connect my printer it offers a USB-flash drive directory with HP Smart install. When I launch that, it doesn't work (contained versions: Driver v20120929_1.0.1.58769, HP Smart Install_v20121108_1.60779).
• HP Print and Scan Doctor v5.7.1: when I analyze the problem then it can't find my printer. Print and Scan Doctor redirects me to a support page to download the drivers, but that redirect gives me a 404 HTTP not found error.
• Manually downloaded drivers (v20120929_1.0.1.58769):  the Driver-Product Installation Software_HP_M1130_M1210_MFP_Full_Solution-v20180815-10158769_1.exe contains driver version v20120929_1.0.1.58769. When run, it never finishes its installation and keeps waiting forever at the "New device is now connected..." wait bar.
• Firmware manually downloaded from HP support: The download contains version: 20201012_v20150408_2.26518 in file: HP_M1212_M1213_M1219_M1217_M1218_FW_Update.exe., When I print my configuration pages is shows that the current "Firmware datecode" is: 20200617. So I have to install new firmware (maybe that fixes the HP Smart installer that is presented by the printer when connecting too?).
• Manual HP Driver download: gives me v20120929_1.0.1.58769. The currently installed "Software driver version" is: 20121108 (listed in my printed Configuration pages, from the menu on my printer). Which appears to be newer. Where can I find the latest driver for download at HP?

I need to do two things.

1. Install the latest drivers and software for my printer.
2. Install the latest firmware on my printer.

First of all how can I get the latest drivers + software and firmware, because the support page appears to serve outdated versions?

Secondly how should I go about updating firmware? First install drivers and then the firmware? (I can't get the firmware to install on the printer.)

BTW Does Windows Update also update HP drivers and utility software of my LaserJet printer?

Hopefully the printer will work again after that?

Who knows where to find the latest drivers and can help solving the driver and firmware installation problems?

[marty1111]

I tried every manual I could find online (HP Laserjet installation won't start on Windows 10). Nothing worked only bits and pieces worked.

This is how I managed to get to a working stage where a test page can be printed:

1. First unpack the driver installer. Break it off. Then start the driver installer manually at:
2. C:\M1130MFP_M1210MFP_Full_Solution\HpSetup.exe
   (run as admin)'
3. Then switch on the printer as instructed.
4. At the end the installer fails.
5. Now open Win 10 control panel -> Devices and Printers
6. Add a printer - TOP LINE
7. Choose a dev...: select option "The printer that I want isn't listed"
8. Select the right printer and USB port manually.

That's the furthest I came. Then I can print a test page successfully.

Now the new firmware installation still fails.

When you run it, it says:

 Who knows how to get the latest firmware installed (firmware update RFU setting in ON in the control panel settings of the LaserJet)?

[marty1111]

Stop the press after a reboot, I only get printer errors, when trying to print something.

The LaserJet presents the computer with a USB drive, that contains the outdated driver installer.

Running that again results in an error again, but printing works one time again.

How can one get the drivers and supporting software installed on current Windows 10 OSes?

[marty1111]

The nightmare continuous. After a suspend and resume, I can't scan anymore.

When I power on the printer my windows 10 shows me a new drive with installer again. I ran the installer again, but now my scan function didn't start working.

How can I get the M1212nfp MFP connected over USB to fully work under current Windows 10?

[Bernard42]

               Hello marty1111 ,

You will have to uninstall the old driver and install the new full Hp driver :

HP LaserJet Full Feature Software and Driver

20180815_1

240.8 MB

Jul 22, 2021

Download

Uninstall the old driver in Control Panel, "Programs and Features", then remove

all occurrences in Program and Program X86, in Control Panel, right click on your old printer (If it is still there, chances are that it is no longer there) ''Remove'' if it is present.

Restart the PC, connect the printer to the mains, connect a USB cord on the PC side, on the printer you

will connect during installation ONLY when prompted.

Start installing your printer, by right-clicking on the Setup. downloaded driver exe, installed ''en

as administrator'', let the installation take place, at the end, restart the PC.

To create a shortcut on the Windows desktop, open Control Panel, right-click on your

new printer, create shortcut, on the desktop, yes.

A new shortcut has been created on the Windows desktop.

Turn on your printer, print a test page. That's it, your printer is working again.

        Excellent Day.

[Ivan_911]

I had the same issue and fixed it.
It seems that new Windows 10 versions have conflict with "HP Smart Install" feature (when printer detected first as usb storage with driver files).

So the solution is to disable this feature:

1) Clear everything - uninstall currently installed drivers for you printer.

2) Disable this feature with this tool: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_6658518-6658568-16 (scroll down to link for "HP Smart Install Utility for M1130, M1210 printers"). Restart printer (important) and PC.

3) Download and Install latest drivers for you printer.

Now it will not stuck in infinite loop of installation and should complete succesfully.
You can always turn "HP Smart Install" feature back on, unsing the same tool if needed.

[marty1111]

@Bernard42 thanks for your reply, but what you described I did already 3 times.

I uninstalled using the hp uninstall program, removed it from Windows add/remove programs. Removed all occurences from control panel.

I reinstall, it fails. I can still print a test page, print one time and after a reboot, printing and scanning is down the drain again.

When turning on the printer, windows presents a flash drive with HP-Smart install.

...repeat indefinitely,... terrible experience,... day ruined again and again

[marty1111]

@Ivan_911 Thanks Ivan, that's what I'm going to try next.

IHAQ,

How did you uninstall the printer? (Via Win 10 add/remove prg, via HP uninstaller prg, via control panel?, via device manager?)

[Bernard42]

              Mon Tutoriel ( 2 ).

  We will have to get our hands dirty: Open the registry: Type the keys: ''Windows + R'', type ''regedit'' in the empty space, do ''keyboard entry'' (or ''OK''). You are there, in the registry, OK. In the registry, at the top, click on ''Edit'', ''Find'', Type the name of your printer ( For example: HP Officejet 5740 ), tap next. In the right column, found, right click, delete the rows that contain the name of your printer. Once deleted, press the F3 key (For next), right column (again), delete the lines that contain your printer's name. Do this until the registry issues a message ''contains no more files of this name''. It's long, but very effective. Close the registry and restart the computer. At the end of the reboot, you can install the new full HP driver,

with the help of my tutorial. (1)

[Ivan_911]

I have used basic Windows tools - add-remove programs and maybe Devices and Printers tab in Settings.