An HP firmware update is bricking printers and there’s no fix yet

HP’s problematic firmware has develop into downright lethal for a few of its printers. An update launched in early May has been bricking choose HP OfficeJet printers—and the fix nonetheless isn’t accessible yet, leaving house owners to stare at a blue error-code display.

As reported by Bleeping Computer and Engadget, pleas for assist have poured into the HP assist boards for the reason that second week of May about error code 83C0000B, which seems on affected printers’ touchscreens. With no different option to work together with the printer (and try a manufacturing unit reset), clients worldwide have been caught with nonfunctioning gadgets.

Printers inclined to this subject embrace OfficeJet 9020e sequence fashions just like the Pro 9022e, Pro 9025e, Pro 9020e All-in-One, and Pro 9025e All-in-One. HP mentioned in a press release to Bleeping Computer that solely a “limited number” of customers have been hit by this error, and that it is “diligently” engaged on a fix. If your printer is nonetheless operational, hold it offline (that is, disconnect it from the web) in order that it doesn’t obtain the dangerous software program update.

Those experiencing the difficulty ought to contact buyer assist by way of the assist web site https://support.hp.com. In the boards, clients have reported that sending within the printer for service is the one tangible decision accessible in the intervening time. 

Previously, the primary subject with HP printer firmware has been the regular unfold of the corporate’s “dynamic security” coverage, which blocked use of third-party ink cartridges. Though workarounds exist for some fashions (as we detailed in a latest article), this extra debacle received’t go away constructive associations with HP’s firmware updates—an issue in and of itself, given how many individuals don’t concern themselves with the precise safety and function enhancements that firmware (as a common idea) addresses.

Author: Alaina Yee, Senior Editor