HP Color Laser MFP 178nw - Cannot log in to Embedded Web Server after firmware update (V3.82.01.23)

[Shazari]

Hello,

I have an HP Color Laser MFP 178nw and after updating to the latest firmware (V3.82.01.23 - 2025-02-26) I can no longer log in to the Embedded Web Server as administrator.

The printer itself works normally and I can access the web interface without any problems. However, every login attempt fails with:

"Login failed. Please verify your ID and password."

What I have already tried:

• Accessing the EWS using the printer's IP address (not a hostname)
• HTTP and HTTPS
• Empty password
• WPS PIN
• Different web browsers
• Private/Incognito mode
• Clearing browser cache
• Restarting the printer
• Factory reset
• Tech Mode

Nothing changed the behavior.

I also found another discussion mentioning a bug when using hostnames instead of IP addresses, but this does not apply to my printer because I always access the EWS directly via its IP address.

Without administrator access I cannot change any network or security settings.

Is there a known issue with firmware V3.82.01.23 that prevents administrator login, or is there a service procedure to reset the administrator credentials?

Thank you.

[Valsimot]

Long shot try 1934 for password.

Do you know how to enter TECH mode on the printer?

TECH Mode -> Data setup -> Clear all memory    that will reset it to factor defaults.

[Shazari]

Hello Valsimot,

Thank you very much for your reply.

I wasn’t sure whether I’d cleared the entire memory, so I’ve just done that now.

I accessed Tech Mode without having to enter the password and selected ‘Clear All Memory’ -> ‘Germany’.

I then tried logging into the EWS using admin with a blank password, my previous administrator password, and also the WPS PIN, but unfortunately none of them worked.

Do you have any other suggestions or ideas I could try?

Or is there perhaps an internal recovery procedure or firmware recovery available for this issue?

Thank you again for your time and assistance.

Best regards