MFP 179nfw EWS password reset to factory default

[DueEmmeDue]

Hi, after changing the ews password through the (local) ews portal, via Ethernet (no wifi, no usb), I was no longer able to log in as administrator, neither with the one just changed, nor with the default one (the wps pin number). The new password was alphanumeric: is it likely that, although it was accepted, it could not be entered (i.e. is a numeric-only password valid)? The network configuration report now no longer shows the EWS Information entry (but I have a previous printout where it did). How can I reset the ews pin number to the factory default? I have already tried through the various HP software applications (control panel, drivers, etc.), but there is no option that allows me to do what I am asking for. Thanks.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DueEmmeDue,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

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

I understand your HP Color Laser MFP 179nfw and the issue where you can no longer access the EWS after changing the administrator password. Let’s go through a few steps that can help you reset the EWS password back to factory defaults.

Confirm that the password field accepts alphanumeric characters

The MFP 179 series does accept alphanumeric passwords.

If the password was saved incorrectly, the EWS may reject both the new and default PIN.

Restart the printer to clear temporary session data

Power the printer off, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on.

Try logging in to the EWS again using the password you set.

Check if the printer IP address changed

Print a Network Configuration Report from the printer’s menu.

Make sure you’re opening the correct IP address in your browser.

Restore network settings (this resets the EWS admin password)

On the printer control panel, navigate to:
Menu → System Setup → Admin Settings → Restore Defaults

Choose Network Default or Network Reset.

This restores the EWS login credentials back to the factory PIN (usually the WPS PIN on the config page).

If EWS options are missing, perform a full factory reset

From the control panel:
Menu → System Setup → Admin Settings → Restore Defaults → All Settings

This resets all system configurations, including the EWS admin password.

After reset, print another Network Report

The EWS Information section should reappear.

Use the displayed WPS PIN as the default administrator password when logging in to EWS.

Reconfigure Ethernet or Wi-Fi after the reset

A full reset will clear network configuration, so reconnect the printer to Ethernet or Wi-Fi again.

Once network is restored, access the EWS through the new IP address.

Avoid turning off the printer during the password change process

Interrupting the EWS while saving settings may cause the access control module to mis-register the password.

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,

[DueEmmeDue]

- Restart the printer to clear temporary session data: ok, done

- Check if the printer IP address changed: ok, no changes; ip address is my local net as I wish

- Restore network settings (this resets the EWS admin passwor): not so good, 'cause no voice in the menu:

<Menu> → <System Setup> → <Admin Settings>: this last ('admin settings') does not appear...

So, this solution is not working for me. Note (if applicable): fw vers = V3.82.01.23

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DueEmmeDue,

Thanks for the detailed follow-up, this helps narrow it down.

On the HP Color Laser MFP 179nfw, the behavior you’re seeing is expected when the EWS admin credentials become corrupted or locked at firmware level. I’ll explain what’s happening and what can and cannot be reset on this model.

I understand your issue with EWS access on the HP Color Laser MFP 179nfw after changing the administrator password. Let’s go through what’s important to know and the realistic recovery options.

1. About the EWS password format

• The EWS does accept alphanumeric passwords, so the issue is not caused by using letters.
• When the password save process glitches, the printer can lock the admin credentials internally.
• Once this happens, both the new password and the default WPS PIN will be rejected.

This is a known limitation on this series.

2. Why “Admin Settings” is missing

On the MFP 179nfw:
• The Admin Settings menu only appears when EWS authentication is healthy
• If EWS credentials are corrupted, the firmware hides Admin Settings entirely
• This is why you cannot see:
Menu → System Setup → Admin Settings

This is not user error — it’s a firmware safeguard.

3. Why Network Reset does NOT fix this

• Network Reset only clears IP, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi parameters
• EWS credentials are stored separately in protected memory
• That’s why:
– IP stays correct
– EWS Information disappears from the Network Config Report
– Login is impossible even with the WPS PIN

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,

[DueEmmeDue · Accepted solution]

OK, I solved it anyway. Surely with a good dose of luck. I tried, and succeeded, in this way: via the "standard" menu (no hidden items to reveal or similar), "Menu > 4. Network > Clear all settings > ok"; after an automatic reboot, the EWS PIN reappeared (I saw it by printing the "network configuration report"), even though it was different from both the "original" EWS PIN (which I had previously printed) and the WPS PIN (which remained unchanged). After logging in as "admin" and using the new EWS PIN, I managed to gain access as administrator. Obviously, every setting I changed had to be redone. Thanks anyway for the support, Mauro.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DueEmmeDue,

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,