"HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI". DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR INSTALL IT.

[CKHedges]

Date 6 30 2017

Today I was notified of an HP Software update to HP 5740 for Windows 10 by HP Support Assist.

The download was titled "HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI".

DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR INSTALL IT.

I downloaded and tried to install it the same day.

It immediately failed to install.

Instead it opened a "Communication Error" meassage and immediately stopped all communication with printer.

HP Print and Scan Doctor could not repair it.

Attempting to use the printer again just opened a loop of "Communcation Errors" and "Install Failed" errors.

Customer service tried to tell me it must have been a Microsoft update not HP software.

To help they said they would fix it but only if I paid $20 or enrolled in HP INK.

I objected to it as a Ransome Ware attack.

Finally they sent a faxed tutorial "if I wanted to try to repair it myself".

This is a deliberate action by HP to disrupt product function in order to sell HP INK.

I was smart enough to pay them by Credit Card, and you all know where that is going. 

So HP uses Ransomware to sell HP Ink.  

They said my call was "common"  and I'm sure it is.

Have you had this experience?   Comments?

[CKHedges]

I forgot to include one key element.  I was so insistant that this was just a marketing ploy, the tech oferred to "automate" future software updates so I "wouldn't be affected by future install failures like this one".  Just another indication that HP is only doing this as a marketing gimick.

[CKHedges]

Here is another indication of HP being deceptive in this regard.  The first tech I spoke with refused to accept any responsibility for fixing the damage.   I told the tech that if HP issue updates that effectively disable the hardware then HP should fix the damage for free.  The tech informed me that I had no obligation to accept their HP updates and I had to approve them to install them.  Isn't that deceptive in itself?  Effectively, if you accept HP software updatess YOU are responsible for any resulting damage it causes.  And HP expects YOU to pay to fix them.

[DavidSMP]

Hi @CKHedges,

I have escalated your concern to HP’s Support Team in your region to have it reviewed for available options if any. 
You should be contacted within 4 business days (Excluding Holidays & Weekends). 

Response times may vary by region. 
Please send a Private Message, if you aren’t contacted within 4-5 business days.” 

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂

Cheers!