Some HP printer models allow Firmware Updates - does yours?

[dbMark]

Many newer HP LaserJet printers have the capability for easy Firmware updates so you can search for and download a file from their website and follow its instruction to replace the printer's firmware with a newer version. For example, here is a sample list of some of the printers that can be upgraded. You can search HP's web site for additional models. Be aware that not all printer models allow firmware upgrades to be downloaded as a file.

Search terms on the HP web site: LaserJet <<model>> printer firmware

B&W Models
4200 Current Version 20041007 04.019.1 released 15 Nov 2004
4300 Current Version 20041007 04.019.1 released 15 Nov 2004
4250 Current Version 20050304 08.008.6 released 21 Mar 2005
4350 (same version and file as 4250)
9000 Current Version 20040809 02.516.0 released 08 Nov 2004
9050 Current Version 20041116 08.101.1 released 23 Dec 2004
9050mfp Curr Version 20050415 08.021.7 released 29 Apr 2005

Color Models
5500 Current Version 20041216 04.019.4 released 23 Dec 2004
9500 Current Version 20050518 05.007.1 released 04 Jun 2005

To determine the current level of firmware installed on your printer:

Go to the printer control panel.
Press Menu until INFORMATION MENU appears on the control panel display.
Press < Item > until PRINT CONFIGURATION appears on the control panel display.
Press Select to print the Configuration Page.
Look in the Printer Information section of the Configuration Page to find the Firmware Datecode. The Firmware Datecode will look something like this: 20021011 04.003.2

dbMark

 

[dbMark]

A word of caution: Installing updated firmware can reset printer settings to their defaults, so if you've changed settings manually, for whatever reason, print the current configuration and printer settings before updating. Otherwise you'll wonder what changed in which menu and how to get it back to the way it was.

 

[Tightpants]

Good tip. I updated the firmware on our HP DesignJEt 4000ps and it cured a problem with the margin size.

I did the update via the embedded web server.

 

[bisawest]

I would like to mention the old saying,"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Just because there is a firmware update available, I would not recomend installing it unless you have a problem, as the "new" firmware may cause "new" problems.

Have a nice day today, and a better day tomorrow!!!