HP 8740 model number displays HP 8730

[HalIII]

HP 8740 will only install as HP 8730.  If you print the status report the model displayed is HP 8730.  I have tried factory reset with no success.  Have also tried to update firmware but am unable to choose a version from the updater.  At least the printer still works.  Any ideas?

Thanks,

HHP

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @HalIII 

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

Thanks for reaching out—and you're right to feel puzzled by this. When an HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 displays or installs as an HP 8730, even after a factory reset, it often points to a firmware mismatch, board replacement, or a subtle misconfiguration at the firmware level. 

Let’s go through the possible reasons and what you can do about it.

Why Is Your HP 8740 Showing as HP 8730?

Here are the most likely causes:

1. System Board Replacement or Misprogramming

If the printer's formatter board or mainboard was ever replaced (factory or repair center), the wrong model ID may have been flashed during setup, causing the printer to self-identify as an HP 8730.

 

2. Firmware Bug or Incomplete Update

Older or mismatched firmware can sometimes cause the model to revert to a "default" ID if the update failed to apply model-specific parameters.

 

3. HP 8740 and 8730 Share a Base Platform

Both models use similar hardware, with the 8740 having additional features (like fax or finishing options). In rare cases, firmware designed for the 8730 might work but mislabel the printer, especially if an incorrect firmware package was applied at some point.

What You Can Do

Step 1: Confirm the Serial and Product Number

Before applying anything, check the actual product number on the back or inside of the printer. You should see something like:

Model: HP OfficeJet Pro 8740

Product Number: D9L20A (or similar)

If the product number matches an 8740, this confirms it's not a hardware mix-up.

Step 2: Reinstall the Correct Driver

If your system is installing it as a 8730, manually installing the correct 8740 driver can help:

Go to:
🔗 HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 Driver Page

Download and install the Full Feature Software and Drivers package.

During installation, choose to add a new printer.

Make sure it lists as “HP OfficeJet Pro 8740”.

If Windows forces the 8730 driver, remove all HP printers from Devices and Printers and delete old drivers from Print Management (on Windows Pro) before reinstalling.

Step 3: Firmware Update

Since your firmware updater isn’t detecting available versions, try using the standalone firmware utility directly from HP:

Download firmware from the same driver page above.

Run the update tool as Administrator.

If your printer does not appear in the list:

Connect via USB cable

Disable all other network interfaces (like Wi-Fi) temporarily

Retry the update

If it still fails, it may mean the printer is blocking updates due to the incorrect ID being stored at the hardware level.

Step 4: Check Printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer.

Enter the IP address shown into your web browser.

Look under System > Printer Information.

Let’s see what Model Number, Firmware Version, and Product Number are displayed.

Let me know how it goes!

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[HalIII]

Thank you for your help..   No luck with any of the suggestions.  The link to the software actually took me to the page for 8720 instead of 8740.  

Here is the firmware that reports  WEBPDLPP1N001.2531B.00 2025-07-28

Here is a snip from the web interface:

Thank you again