My MFP M528 printer fails to initiate during startup and gives error code 98.00.00.

[GusM1]

My HP MFP M528 laser printer fails o complete the startup process and gives the error code 98.00.00. Turning the printer off and on again does not resolve the issue.

How do I cold start the printer?

[Repairatrooper]

Most likely the harddrive has failed in the unit. Power the unit on and when you see the HP icon on the screen, wait for 1/8 to appear on the screen at the bottom and then touch the icon. This takes you to  the preboot menu. In the menu go to administrator and then scroll down to diagnostics and run the harddrive diagnostics. If it fails replace the harddrive. Keep in mind that there is also an EMMC test that will fail because this device does not ship with an EMMC drive. Part number for replacement drive is L41606-011. Drive you install must support Self-Encryption. SSD drivers ARE NOT supported, do not waste your time trying.

If the Harddrive passes diagnostics, format the drive and download the firmware from the pre-boot menu.

[GusM1]

I ran the diagnostic program and it came back with a error on the hard disk. I ordered a new hard disk from HP and will receive it in 5-7 business days. It’s an expensive hard disk costing more than $500. I purchased this printer two years ago and I’m very surprised that the hard disk would fail this quickly. I have two other HP printers that have been in service for 17 and 10 years and have not experienced a hard disk failure problem. Any idea as to what caused the hard disk to fail after only two years of service? HP support told me this is an infrequent problem, especially after only two years of use, but it can happen that a hard disk fails so soon.

Thanks for your help with this issue!

[Repairatrooper]

Are you sure you ordered the part number I listed and it was actually from HP. Retail price from the HP parts store Canada 

I can almost guarantee that the drive that has failed will be a Toshiba drive and the replacement should be a Seagate. As for being a rare event, all vendors will always say that. 

[GusM1]

I gave the part number you provided (L41606-011) to HP Support located both in Canada and the support centre at HP’s main support centre. Neither one of these support centres could locate the part number you provided and told me the part number for the hard drive in my HP LASERJET MFP M528z was B5L29-67903. There is a huge price difference between the two hard drives. Where did you get your part number from and why couldn’t HP locate your part number? I will follow up with HP support again to see if they can explain why they can’t locate the part number you provided.

Thanks again!

[Repairatrooper]

The likely reason is that they are simply looking at a parts list for your specific printer, which often results, as we see here, a insane difference in price.  I have over 25 years experience servicing HP products and know how to locate compatible/identical parts that will completely interchange with each other. I suggest you cancel your order with whoever you ordered it from and simply order directly from the HP parts store using the part number I provided to you. 

https://parts.hp.com/hppartsIGSO/Default.aspx?mscssid=3C8AE982F540449BBD9A578E50821C31&cc=CA&lang=EN...

[GusM1]

I sent an email to the HP Parts Store and cancelled the order I placed for the B5L29-67903 hard drive and will be ordering the L41606-011 compatible hard drive you recommended.

Thanks for saving me a bundle of money!!!

[GusM1]

You are correct about the drive that failed. It is a Toshiba hard drive. Is there any kind of document from HP regarding how to remove the hard drive from the printer? Is it done by simply grasping the drive and pulling it straight back from the printer?

[Repairatrooper]

This should provide details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feloNpvIvPs

[GusM1]

Just wanted to let you know that I thought I would try formatting the faulty Toshiba hard disk drive on my MFP M528Z and reinstalling the latest firmware to see if I could get the printer to initialize and boot to the start up program. I just did this and was successful in getting the printer to complete the initialization and start up and to work again and to print. Not sure how much longer it will continue to function and print, but I will leave it as is for now before deciding whether to replace the hard drive. HP refused to cancel the order I placed for the expense  replacement $500 plus hard drive, as the order had already been processed and was about to be shipped to me. I was told I could arrange to return the drive after I received it, but I would be charged a restocking fee. They have not yet told me what the restocking fee would be.

I’m now wondering why the HP support team I spoke with in Costa Rica didn’t tell me to try this fix first, before going to the trouble and expense of ordering a very expensive replacement hard drive that I don’t appear to need.