printer - Does HP LaserJet firmware update remove functionality?

07
2014-07
  • Foo Bar

    I just got an old LaserJet 2400 series, retired from business use. Is there any reason NOT to update the 10 year old firmware? For example, is there a substantial chance of bricking the printer? Or even worse, does newer firmware include obnoxious DRM that blocks 3rd party toner cartridges?

    • Answers
  • hdhondt

    Updating the firmware should not remove any functionality, but there is always a possibility that something may go wrong during the update process. That will most likely leave you with a dead printer.

    On the other hand, as Ramhound said, updates should only be done if you have a valid reason. Unless the upgrade will fix a bug that affects you, or if it offers some new functionality that you want to use, there really is no reason for the upgrade. With an old printer I am sure there is no additional functionality, so that only leaves bugs.

    Conclusion: if the printer has been working fine, leave it as is.

    Even if the printer has been giving problems, make sure you first reset it to factory default settings, before you even think of an upgrade. Factory resets solve many, many printer problems by clearing all the data that's stored in the printer's non-volatile memory. HP's support website gives instructions for it (they call it a "cold reset"). If the following does not work, check out the variations given in the link.

    1. Turn the printer off.
    2. Hold down the select button and turn the printer on. Hold down the select button until all three printer control-panel lights flash once and then remain on. This might take up to 10 seconds.
    3. After the message SELECT LANGUAGE appears on the display, press the Up Arrow button or the Down Arrow button until COLD RESET is highlighted.
    4. Press the Select button. The printer performs a cold reset and then continues its power-on sequence.

    • Related Question

    Reset the Setting of HP LaserJet Printer to Default
  • Graviton

    Is there anyway I can reset the HP laserJet Printer setting to the default? I have a margin issue when printing a Microsoft Word Document and I'm pretty sure it's the setting problem ( Other printers can print nicely without the margin issue).

    But I can't seem to find anything on the Internet that shows me how to solve this problem. Any ideas?

    My model is laserjet printer 1010


    • Related Answers
  • John T

    You can find cold reset instructions here for LaserJet printers, just make sure to choose the right model as you haven't mentioned it in your question.

    For the 1010 you can reset your model like so:

    Turn the printer off. Press and hold down the green GO button.

    Turn the print on while continuing to hold down the green GO button for at least 5 seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. During this process, the attention LED (!) turns on.

    Release the GO button. The printer is ready if the green ready light is steadily on.

    Source