Does the LaserJet M281 not support SMB2 or what could be wrong?

[prinzkaiser]

I have a LaserJet M281. I want to use the scanner to scan to a network drive that is located on an Ubuntu Server 24.04. According to the documentation, the LaserJet M281 should support SMB2 (see https://kaas.hpcloud.hp.com/pdf-public/pdf_7886253_en-US-1.pdf). However, I had to set “server min protocol = NT1” in the smb.conf on my Ubuntu Server 24.04 with Samba 4.19.5. Otherwise the printer cannot find the network drive. With that configuration it works but it is insecure.
Does the LaserJet M281 not support SMB2 or what could be wrong?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @prinzkaiser,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Your device HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281 series does support SMB2.

However, your issue likely stems because the printer's firmware may be outdated.

A) Kindly refer to the steps on this link to update the printer firmware and let me know if that resolves the issue.

B) Check if SMB2 is enabled in the Embedded Web Server (EWS):

1. Access your printer's EWS by typing its IP address in a web browser.
2. Navigate to Networking or Advanced Settings.
3. Look for an SMB-related setting and ensure SMB2 is enabled.
4. Save changes and reboot the printer.

C) If the issue still persists, refer to the steps on this link to restore factory defaults.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[prinzkaiser]

Hi Kuroi_Kenshi,

thanks for your feedback.

My printer firmware seems to be up to date:

• Firmewware Datecode: 20230822

I can't find any smb related settings in EWS. Can you give me a hint, witch concrete settings related to the smb2 activation?

I tried a default restore, but it is still not working.

Many thanks for your support.

Best regards

[prinzkaiser]

Hi,

I found a solution for the problem.

In the smb.config I changed

• min protocol = SMB2

into 

• min protocol = SMB2_02

It seems that SMB2_10 is used by default when SMB2 is configured. It seems that the printer does not support SMB2_10.

Is that correct?

Many thanks for your support.

Best regards

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @prinzkaiser,

Yes, your finding is correct!

When setting min protocol = SMB2, Samba defaults to SMB2_10, which your HP LaserJet M281 may not support. By explicitly setting min protocol = SMB2_02, you ensure compatibility, as some older devices only support the earliest SMB2 version (SMB2_02).

Your workaround makes sense because SMB2_02 is the initial implementation of SMB2, whereas SMB2_10 introduced improvements that some older firmware versions might not support.

If you want to confirm the exact SMB version your printer supports, you could:

Check HP’s documentation for your specific firmware version.

Use Wireshark to capture network traffic when the printer attempts to connect and inspect the SMB negotiation.

But for now, your fix is the best approach while keeping security intact. 😊

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @prinzkaiser,

A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Best Regards,