HP Firmware 2021-08-02 broke my printer - how to downgrade to old software

[PatrickR_Mac]

The firmware update 2021-08-02 broke my printer.

Printing certain PDFs prints only garbage. All characters print only scares instead of the character itself.

Printing the same PDF on another HP Printer (with an older firmware) works just fine.

@HP Support: How to downgrade to the previous firmware?

[Valsimot]

What is the firmware version on a 2nd device that is working?

[ShlomiL]

Hi @PatrickR_Mac ,

Please download and install the latest Essential Software for your printer using HP Easy Admin below:

https://support.hp.com/my-en/document/c06164609

Once completing the installation, add the printer from Printers & Scanners, be sure to select the printer model rather AirPrint or Secure-AirPrint, then try printing with the HP Driver.

Please let me know the results,

Shlomi

[PatrickR_Mac]

Hello,

the second device is a HP OfficeJetPro 7740.

Firmwareversion EDWINXPP1N002.2113B.00

Build-Datum 2021-03-26

[Valsimot]

Downgrading firmware is not recommended, but if you want to do it for testing purposes I have an archive version for HP Officejet 477dw 2012A_05182020 it's a .rfu file you will need to use printers EWS of FTP for download firmware with .rfu.

[PatrickR_Mac]

Thank-you. Could you please send me the archive?

[Valsimot]

I have uploaded it to google drive:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12adO6fDV4OD57XZj0MWMHcSyC2RsntPj/view?usp=sharing 

[PatrickR_Mac]

Hello, Thank-you for the file.

Could you provide me please instructions how to install this firmware?

[Valsimot]

Google search on how to, you need to use printers EWS to access tab for firmware then select .rfu file from the computer.

If you are not sure what are you doing I would highly recommend you not to downgrade firmware, you can make your device totally inoperable.

[PatrickR_Mac]

Hello, 

Thank-you for your help. Unfortunately it did not work.

This broke the ability to scan to either one of my HP printers.

It brings up the error "you do not have access right to use HP scanner 3.app".

This is a nightmare. At this moment I would nobody recommend any HP printers for a MacUser.