HP ColorLaser MFP178nw and EWS Problem (Factory Reset)

[EVKO]

Hello, I'm using an HP ColorLaser MFP178nw printer. There was no problem until this time, but when I took and installed the original toners, the WiFi settings were suddenly reset. Right now, I can only connect with an Ethernet cable. I wanted to enter the printer settings and pair it again, but the last time I entered the printer IP address and EWS address 2 years ago, but I didn't remember the password. No matter what I did, I couldn't find the password. (I changed this password when I first installed it). Then I thought I'd reset the printer, first I pressed the cancel button and the right arrow button, but it didn't work. Then I held down the WiFi symbol and the cancel button, but it didn't happen again. In short, no matter what I did, it didn't work. (I also continued to hold while turning it off and on, so I did everything normal) Now, how do I reset either this password or the complete printer? And what is the default password of this EWS system? Thank you.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @EVKO,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you are trying to reset the password or the entire HP Color Laser MFP 178nw printer, follow these steps:

1. Resetting the EWS Password:

Since you have forgotten the EWS (Embedded Web Server) password, resetting it involves restoring the network settings to factory defaults.

Note: Resetting the network settings will remove the WiFi configuration, so you will need to reconnect the printer to the network.

Steps to Reset the Network Settings:

Reset Network Settings via Control Panel:

• Make sure the printer is on.
• Press the Menu button on the printer's control panel.
• Use the Arrow keys to navigate to Network and press OK.
• Navigate to Clear Settings and press OK.
• Confirm by selecting Yes and pressing OK.
• The network settings will reset to factory defaults.

Reset Network Settings via WiFi Button:

• Make sure the printer is on.
• Press and hold the WiFi button on the printer's control panel for more than 10 seconds until the power light blinks.
• Release the button. This action will reset the network settings to factory defaults, including clearing the EWS password.

2. Default EWS Password:

After resetting, the EWS password may revert to a default setting or be blank. Try the following:

• Default Usernames: admin or user
• Default Password: admin, password, or leave it blank

If none of these work, the default might have been set by the printer when you first set it up, so the reset should have cleared any custom passwords.

3. Full Printer Reset:

If you wish to perform a full factory reset (resetting all settings including print settings, network settings, etc.):

Enter Service Mode:

• Turn off the printer.
• Press and hold the Cancel and Right Arrow buttons together.
• While holding these buttons, turn on the printer.
• Continue to hold the buttons until the printer displays Service Mode.

Factory Reset:

• Use the Arrow keys to navigate to Reset Menu.
• Select Full Reset and press OK.
• The printer will reset and restart.

4. Reconfigure the Printer:

After resetting the network settings or performing a full reset:

Reconnect to WiFi:

• Use the printer control panel to navigate to the Network Setup menu.
• Follow the prompts to connect the printer to your WiFi network again.

Access EWS:

• Once connected to WiFi, find the printer’s new IP address:
  • Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s control panel.
• Enter the IP address in a web browser to access the EWS.

Set a New EWS Password:

• Log in using the default credentials.
• Go to Security or Administrator Settings.
• Set a new password for EWS.

Refer to this document: HP Color Laser MFP 178nw User manual

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 

[EVKO]

Thank you for your reply. I reset the WiFi settings and tried all the combinations you typed to the EWS system and they all gave an error. When I wanted to reset the device,  as you said I turned on the device by holding down the right arrow and cancel button but it didn't work and didn't enter service mode. It continued its normal opening. First he wrote "it's heating up" and then he said "Copy-Ready". So I gave up and pulled my hand from the keys. So, unfortunately, none of them worked. I couldn't reset the printer or the EWS password. Won't it work if I connect it with a USB cable and somehow throw the software again? If possible, can you describe the link to this software and how to do it? Thank you.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @EVKO,

Thank you for your response, I appreciate your efforts. As the issue persists, I am sorry to hear that I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. 

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!