HP LaserJet Pro MFP M477 initializing

[Reddog33]

I have tried a hard reset, unplugging all cords, cables, wires, and nothing seems to make the printer move from the screen showing initializing.  Please help.

[ReverseTalk]

Hello. Please see if these steps resolve the issue:

Step 1: Check the printer control panel

Make sure the printer control panel display does not have any protective film and that the viewing angle is correct.

1. The printer might have shipped with protective film or colored promotional stickers on the control panel display. Remove any protective film or promotional stickers from the touchscreen.
2. Make sure you can look directly at the printer control panel. Some control panels are adjustable, and can be raised or lowered to adjust the viewing angle.
   Adjust the display until you can see it clearly.
   If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Plug in the printer directly to a wall outlet

If the printer is connected to a power strip or surge protector, it might not be getting enough power to function properly. Make sure the printer is connected to a functioning power source.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from any power strips or surge protectors.
3. Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet.
4. Try to use the touchscreen menu.
   • If these steps resolved the issue, continue with the next steps to update the printer firmware.
   • If these steps did not resolve the issue, skip to the step to service the printer.

Step 3: Download and install the firmware

Download and install the firmware from the HP website.

1. Turn on the printer.
2. If your printer is connected to the computer with a USB cable, disconnect the cable from the printer.
3. Go to HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads.
4. If prompted, select a method to identify your printer model, and then follow the on-screen instructions to go to the download page.
5. Click Firmware, and then Download.
6. Use the HP Download and Install Assistant for a guided driver download and installation, or select Download only to manually open or run the driver file through your Internet browser’s download tools.

Your printer is ready to use.

[RTice]

Hi Reddog33:

Try this.  It is not specific to the M477, but may work.  Let us know.

[Reddog33]

Thank you ReverseTalk and RTice.  After calling support directly, it appears the issue has something to do with faxing.  An HP Support technician has been disbatched to assist us. 

I was asked to try a number of ideas, including as simple as opening and closing the cartridge door quickly five times, but what appears on the screen is still the same initializing.

This is very frustrating.

[ReverseTalk]

Thanks for the update! I also escalated this to the HP "product owner" after my initial reply, so  you might be contacted about the issue again.

🙂

[Norm Plumb]

Hello Reddog33,

I am experienced with this printer model and I have a few basic questions to help me understand your printer initializing problem. 

1.  Is this printer new out of the box?

2. If not, was there an event that occurred- like lightening, power surge or new printer firmware installed?

3. Is the printer plugged into a power strip or directly into the wall outlet?  (I have seen power strips that have defective outlets and do not supply adequate power to the printer.  If it is in an outlet-surge protector, please plug teh power cord into the wall and reboot printer.)

Try these suggestions and reply back

Norm

[Liu_Leo]

are you using the additional Tray 3 ?  does the tray 3 always out of paper and the "initializing" error  start to happen? 

try to check that if helps

[Reddog33]

Norm Plumb,

1) No, it is not new out of the box...we purchased this printer in February 2016 - 3 months ago.

2) If there was an event that occurred, like lightening or new firmware, I am not aware.  I would presume I would be the only one in the office that would know how to update firmware, and I did not update the printer.

3) The printer is plugged directly into the wall outlet.  It appears to get plenty of power.

[Reddog33]

Liu Leo, I was unaware there was a tray 3.  The printer, when first turned on, only shows the initializing and never gets past this point.

[Norm Plumb]

Hello Reddog33,

Thanks for your answers to my questions.  It does not look like it suffered from a power surge or lack of outlet power.  I noticed that a question was posted about tray 3.   Do you have a tray 3 accessory in use with this printer?  The PCA on tray 3 can produce the initialization  message on the control panel when out of media occurs during a large print job.  So , mu question is are you using a tray 3 accessory?   Will the printer print an internal page (from Setup icon-reports) or not.  If you are not using a tray 3 accessory, no obvious event  that can be related to the issue,  I would suggest that you call HP phone support and have a case created to service your printer.  This is not normal behavior for a fairly new device.

Norm