HPLaserJet pro MFP m281fdw printer stuck on initializing screen/ 49 error after firmware update

[Sakalili]

Hi, last night I went to the Hp support website and downloaded the update firmware file listed for the hp LaserJet pro MFP m281fdw printer. Then it restarted and got stuck on logo then initializing screen, then 49 Error service error appears, then a white screen. The loops goes on and on and restarts showing the same thing .

My computer does not detect any usb or printer attached, I tried to connect on my laptop and there is no connection. I tried the NVram hard reset but no results. I disconnected the printer from the electrical cord for a whole day and nothing happened. It seems like the installed firmware from HP website is corrupted and damaged the startup menu on my touch screen.

is there is anyway that i can downgrade it or factory recovery/reset?

Please help as the printer does not operate anymore

[katherine73]

Take a look at: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/Color-LaserJet-Pro-MFP-M281...

[Sakalili]

Hi Katherine,

Thank you for including me in the trail posts. I have tried everything ( Hard/ Soft) reset, disconnect everything , used a different computer, reset my router, removing HP cartridges, and list goes on. I even contacted HP gave me some vague solutions that people tried over the forums and said that she will email me instructions then disconnected the call. I have a case open but no activity from HP side. I am 100% sure that someone from HP  messed up and uploaded a bad file that bricks the motherboard on the printer. There is no way that you can do a factory recovery since the computer does not detect anything through the USB. I am not sure what to do but it has been couple of days of regretting buying an HP product.

[katherine73]

Sakalili, I couldn't find a way to get the firmware updated either. The formatter board isn't active long enough to perform the update process prior to initiating the re-boot cycle (when it displays the 49 error message.) I've even tried to interrupt the reset by inserting a USB memory stick. It might interrupt the process a second longer, but it will still jump from the touchscreen UI (for printing from the USB memory stick) back to the 49 error message and reboot. I'm going to try replacing the formatter board with a known-working, used replacement (it should arrive in a few days.) I believe it should fix the printer, but it's still going to cost $80 for the board.

Otherwise, if you can get a hold of someone at HP, please bring the thread I linked above to their attention. It's not just one printer that has this issue, it's many, many of them that have been bricked due to the buggy firmware update.

[Sakalili]

I think your method will work for sure, since you are changing the hardware. I will update you once i receive any information.