HP Color Laser MFP 178nw can't update firmware and EWS is broken

[AccoBo]

Hello, I have owned this printer (HP Color Laser MFP 178nw) for more than two years. I have never had any problems until now. I changed home networks, and the reconfiguration was a frenzy. The problem is related to the fact that the printer's EWS (embedded web service) is ‘broken’ in some way. I can log in with the basic user name (no password), but any screen is blank, a part from the uploading new firmware one. The firmware is the original 2019 one, so I tried to update it via web downloading it from the HP website but the web upload procedure takes forever, until the printer, after 10 minutes, goes to stand-by. I tried updating via USB, it seems to succeed but then the printer displays ""Upgrade Failed Chk Upgrade Mode". I read istructions that come with the firmware, but there's nothing about a "Upgrade Mode" to check. In this way, I cannot change the admin password or better set the printer. Is there anything, that can be done? Thank you.

[AccoBo]

To anyone in the same situation as me: do not update the firmware! Unfortunately, I found out how to do it (you have to enter the hidden Tech menu and enable firmware upgrading) too bad the new official firmware from HP is buggy! Now the printer doesn't work anymore, it gets stuck in a boot cycle, it is not recognised by the PC even if connected via USB, so it's just rubbish. You can read about a similar experience here (if only I had seen it before!) https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/HP-Color-Laser-MFP-178nw-bricked-by-fir...

I am literally shocked by the lousy quality of HP products nowadays. And the support for them.

[JMichelG]

Hello,

Watch my post here :

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/HP-Color-Laser-MFP-178-179-problem-with...

There ma be an answer to your problem

Cheers

Jean-Michel