Error Code 11 - M234DWE - Genuine Toner suddenly stopped working. Unable to clear error

[K-Med]

Nothing yet...but it's made headlines in a few countries. I think they'll have to address this...I hope.

[shippinguy]

I have been periodically checking the support page for updates.  On 3/13/25 "20250209" was replaced with an older version, "20231016" I believe.  Today there is no firmware update available at all, the only one listed is for M232e-M237e which is not compatible with M234d.  Obviously they recognize that "20250209" was faulty or else why remove it?  Maybe a working replacement is being developed, fingers crossed.  I would suggest checking and not relying on support to inform you.

HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Printer Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

I cannot take credit for the bricked printer image, it was snipped from an RTM World article HP Firmware Update Disrupts LaserJet Printers - RTM World.  Ironically a Chinese company which further illustrates the wide-ranging impact of the failure.

[shippinguy]

Update:  The replacement toner cartridge that HP Support was going to send has been cancelled.  From HP Support:  The toner order has been canceled due to an advisory regarding the firmware upgrade issue. Your printer will be replaced, and the toner you currently have will be compatible with the replacement printer.   So for a collateral cost of $1 (which is fine) a new printer is going to ship to me with the expectation that the old printer is returned in the same box.  I confirmed that the order is in place (image below).  Note that my printer was past warranty so don't let this prevent you from reaching out to @HPSupport, the problem was created by HP so warranty status does not apply.   

[shippinguy]

On a side note, you can bet your @ss that I will be isolating the new printer as soon as the first test page comes off it, no more updates for this guy!!

[Valiant91]

My replacement printer was due yesterday, they’ve pushed it back to tomorrow now. Will see how it goes on!

[H411]

@Shippinguy (and everyone else) - They released an updated firmware (20250311) - and it has successfully un-bricked the printer. 

I'm kind of glad I didn't have to go through the hassle of replacing a printer.  Although I'd rather just get a refund for MSRP. I mean I did buy a new printer! I wonder if they can compensate me for that?

With that said - is everyone "happy" with that outcome? 

And @shippinguy - can you advise how to block the printer from ever phoning home again? Don't some of these models "require" internet access to work? I'm a little unsure of what to do. With my Brother printer I was able to cut it off from the outside world and it only communicates within my home network here.

Any advice would be helpful.

Good luck guys.

[K-Med]

Hey, which firmware did you use. I just downloaded the one I believed I needed for my M234DWE and nothing...still bricked.

[MI_ScottK]

Indeed it does work now.  Nice find.  Wonder if I’m going to get my $1 back?…I never did get confirmation that my printer shipped.

Disable automatic updates in the printer’s webserver.  Find the printer’s IP address (i.e. 192.168.xx.xx) and type it into a browser.  Login using “Admin” as the username and use the “Printer Pin” as your password.  The “Printer Pin” can be found on the label inside the printer near the cartridge.  Why didn’t they just use “Password” instead of “Printer Pin”, who knows?

Note, that clicking “Check Now” for new updates does not actually find the new firmware.  You have to go to HP’s website and download the installer.  

Good news!

[MI_ScottK]

Forgot to add that to stop the printer from phoning home, uncheck the block that states “install updates automatically”.

[SecondServeAce]

Interesting. My M140we is also unbricked with the new 20250311 firmware, but still shows the wrong product number and country/region.

I'll probably move forward with the replacement on account of these remaining issues, if HP does end up shipping it out.