M118dw password problems

[Wintersteiger]

I set up my new M118dw today, which went smoothly at first. When I was done configuring everything, I set an admin password which is long and contains special characters (randomly generated). The EWS setup pages accepted it, but now when I try to log on, it rejects the password in all possible forms of UI interfaces, including the web-based one, the HP Smart App, the Android HP app, etc. (I may have screwed up and saved the wrong password in my password manager, just assume I forgot it.)

Worse, after a couple of reboots, it now won't connect to the Wi-Fi either, but I can still access it via USB. I tried the 15-second Wi-Fi & Resume button method which was suggested elsewhere on this forum, which possibly triggered the Wi-Fi problems, but it didn't reset any other settings it seems.

The procedure to reset the printer to factory defaults in the user guide also doesn't work, because to get to the page with the "Restore Defaults" button requires me to log in first. 

There was also a new firmware, which I was able to install without a password (was dated 2019, now it's a 2020 dated firmware).

Further, when I try to install the printer on my PC, it reports that the printer can't find any wireless networks. There was only exactly one time that it was able to get a list of SSIDs, now the list is always empty and when I enter it manually, it reports that it can't find the network.

How do I reset this printer?

[Betty0610 · Accepted solution]

@Wintersteiger

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

We'll have to perform a reset on the Printer for this. I have sent you a private message, for more details that cannot be shared in a public post.

Please do check your inbox on the forums page for the private message.

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

[Wintersteiger]

Many thanks, the secret method did reset the printer successfully! It took me around 20 attempts and I think it was crucial to release the button immediately as the lights go off; I kept holding it for too long.

[Betty0610]

I'm glad to hear that and you're most welcome. Do get back to us in the future for further assistance.

Have a nice day!:)

[stc151]

I need reset instructions as well. Have a new WiFi account and cannot use my printer.