M880 Device Information fields not accessible

[dalexander2]

I just moved two MFP M880 printers from a building we closed down and want to use them at other buildings. I want to change the Device Information, but the fields are not accessible. I'm logged in as administrator.

[Samrit26]

Hello,

I’ve seen this exact behavior on M880 / FutureSmart Enterprise devices, so let me explain why this happens and how to fix it properly.

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Why the Device Information fields are greyed out (even as admin)

On HP Color LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M880z, the “Device Information” fields (Location, Asset Number, Description, etc.) can be locked at the firmware / management layer, not the local admin role.

Common reasons:

1. Settings locked by Web Jetadmin or another fleet tool

2. SNMP Set is disabled or restricted

3. Device Information is locked to EWS-only editing

4. FutureSmart policy profile applied from previous environment

5. Control panel editing explicitly disabled

Logging in as Administrator at the control panel alone is not sufficient if any of the above are true.

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Correct way to change Device Information (best practice)

✅ Method 1: Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) — Recommended

1. Get the printer’s IP address

2. Open a browser → http://<printer IP>

3. Log in as Administrator

4. Go to:

   Settings → Device Information

5. Edit:

   • Device Name

   • Location

   • Asset Number

   • Description

👉 On many Enterprise models, these fields are intentionally read-only at the control panel and only editable via EWS.

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If the fields are STILL locked in EWS

This means a management or security policy is enforcing read-only mode.

Step 1: Check SNMP settings

In EWS:

Networking → SNMP

Verify:

• SNMP Set = Enabled

• Community string is not locked to read-only

If SNMP Set is disabled, Device Info becomes non-editable.

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Step 2: Check Web Jetadmin control (very common)

If these printers were previously managed by HP Web Jetadmin, they may still be enforcing a policy.

In EWS:

Settings → Security → Security Settings

Look for:

• Configuration locked

• Management tool ownership

• Policy enforcement enabled

If Web Jetadmin still “owns” the device, local changes are blocked.

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Nuclear option (only if you fully control the printers)

If these units are no longer tied to the old environment:

⚠️ Partial reset (safe)

From the control panel:

Administration → General Settings → Reset Factory Settings

This:

• Clears location/device info locks

• Keeps firmware intact

• Does NOT downgrade firmware

⚠️ Warning:
This wipes network config, address books, and security settings.