Error Code 11 - LaserJet MFP m234sdw bricked

[Jeff1227]

Until about 9pm on Sunday March 16, 2025 my printer was fine. Then all of a sudden Error code 11. After a couple hours of research and rebooting printer and pulling out the cartridge a dozen times and cleaning it, it appears the HP bricking issue is WIDE SPREAD. HP has a huge issue.  They force customers to use HP cartridges, then they push out software which rends their printers USELESS even when paying a monthly subscription for their ink cartridges.  Now we all sit here stuck.  I tried downloading the firmware from 20250311 but it either doesn’t work or won’t install.  Seems like it won’t install.  And of course HP has virtually no way that allows customers to get support.   Why does anyone buy into their scam?   Now what are we suppose to do?  

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jeff1227,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you're having trouble using your printer with Instant Ink cartridges, and after a recent update, you’re encountering Error 11, preventing you from using the printer. I’m sorry you’re facing this issue.
 

Since the issue seems to be related to a firmware update, please try the following steps before attempting the update again:

Please remove the Cartridges from the Printer if possible, and try a Hard Reset, do keep us posted to help you better

** Hard reset :
1. Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.
2. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
3. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
5. Wait at least 60 seconds.
6. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
NOTE: HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.
7. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
8. Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on. The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
9. Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.
 

Please uninstall the HP Smart app --> restart the Device, Wi-Fi router and printer --> install it back and check

Please update the Firmware from the link, this will help on how to update the firmware on the printer or devices

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support 

[Jeff1227]

Finally on March 21 I was able to download the 03112025 firmware update (to my laptop), then use HPSmart App to apply that firmware update to the MFP M234sdw printer.  The firmware did apply this time and this did fix the printing issue.  Hope this helps others.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Jeff1227,

That's great to hear! 🎉 Glad the firmware update fixed the printing issue on your MFP M234sdw. Thanks for sharing the details — it could help others dealing with similar problems. Firmware updates can be tricky sometimes, but it sounds like you nailed it.
 

If you run into any other issues or have more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy printing! 🖨️👍

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support