HP releases printer firmware to undo non-HP ink cartridge blocking

Martin Brinkmann
Oct 13, 2016
Hardware
|
72

HP angered many of its customers in September 2016 when a previously released firmware update for company printers would block non-HP ink cartridges from working.

HP designed the update to come into effect on September 13, 2016; shortly thereafter, users reported issues with ink cartridges on Internet forums and sites.

The issues were widespread and large media companies and organizations like the BBC reported on the issue.

HP published a non-apology weeks later in which it announced that it was working on a firmware update to undo the change. It started that the firmware update would be made available in October but did not provide an exact date.

The time has come, as firmware updates are now available for HP printers. I cannot confirm that they are available for all affected printers as there is no list of all printers affected by the issue initially. Firmware updates were however available for all HP printers that I tested.

hp new printer firmware

If one of your HP printers was affected by the old firmware update, and the resulting blocking of non-HP ink cartridges, you may do the following to restore that functionality again:

  1. Visit the HP Customer Support site for software and driver downloads. You are redirected to a locale automatically depending on the device's IP address.
  2. The easiest option is to enter the HP printer model number, e.g. HP Officejet Pro 8610 e, in the form.
  3. The site returns a list of matching products, or the actual product depending on whether the search term resulted in multiple hits or just one.
  4. Scroll down to the firmware section on the page and expand it. You should see a new firmware release on October 12, 2016.
  5. Click on the download link next to it. You are asked whether you want to use the HP Download and Install Assistant, or download only. Download only is just fine, as the firmware is provided as an executable file that you can run to install it on the affected HP printer.

Once installed, non-HP printer ink cartridges should be recognized again so that they can be used once again. Repeat the process for other HP printers that you use.

Closing Words

It is probably a good idea to block the automatic installation of new HP printer firmware versions to avoid similar issues in the future. HP did not apologize for causing those issues, and did not state that it won't release firmware updates in the future that would -- once again -- block non-HP ink cartridges on HP printers.

Check out our original article for instructions on how to block firmware updates on HP printers. You can still download firmware manually if released to install it on the printer should it offer new features or improvements.

Summary
HP releases printer firmware to undo non-HP ink cartridge blocking
Article Name
HP releases printer firmware to undo non-HP ink cartridge blocking
Description
HP has just released a new firmware for HP printers that restores support for non-HP printer ink cartridges on company printers.
Author
Publisher
Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. richard perkinton said on August 10, 2022 at 6:43 pm
    Reply

    I recently bought a brand new hp Officejet pro 9020 all in one printer I now have a 400.00 brick after using it once.. If I had known about this deception I would never wasted my hard earned money.. I have always bought hp printers …NEVER AGAIN… shame on you.

  2. Anonymous said on April 30, 2022 at 9:53 pm
    Reply

    HP not only controls the ink you use, they also monitor everything you print, yes everything. They don’t care about you or anyone else. They are only interested in the almighty dollar and controlling where you spend it. And all the information they get from monitoring what you print goes right to your loyal government who are systematically taking way your rights. There is not a damn thing anybody is doing about it. HP won’t even apologize for the inconvenience they caused because they’re getting paid by you know who for all the info. Haven’t you you noticed that HP has got a direct line to your PC they created under the cover of the ink connection. Wake up people. They are doing it right in front of your face but people won’t get together because what effects you doesn’t effect me and what effects me doesn’t effect you so we don’t ever join or unite cause things don’t have the same importance at the time

  3. Anonymous said on March 22, 2021 at 7:31 pm
    Reply

    I have been using 3rd party ink for more than a year on my HP Officejet Pro 8625. A recent updates 3/2021 from HP has stopped my printer working with error msg: problem with ink system. I tested with the old HP inks then the printer works fine.
    I contacted HP today 3/22/2021. They told me that there is no way to uninstall the update or remove the firmware. I either have to buy a new printer or buy HP ink system.

    I will never buy HP products again.

  4. George said on November 16, 2020 at 2:41 am
    Reply

    And to day they do it again. An update loaded on my LaserJet MFP M281fdn and the cartridge in use for the last 3 months are no longer recognised.
    Ther is an option in teh service menu to downgrade, but do you think I can find a previous firmware version. Not!

  5. Cydne said on March 28, 2020 at 7:41 pm
    Reply

    Yesterday they did it again. I had automatic updates off also. I don’t know how updates got turned on, but our 6960 is now a useless brick because I refuse to pay as much for cartridges as I did for the printer. I now can’t use wireless printing from my phone unless I turn on automatic updates.
    The world is going crazy with Corona virus and they decide to roll out an update to rip of their customers. Awful!

  6. Lee said on January 30, 2020 at 7:36 am
    Reply

    Explains why we had sooo much trouble with our HP printer last year and is basically cactus now. Given up with HP.
    At least it was an old printer so we had many years of trouble free use.
    But thinking the win10 laptop we purchased 2 years back may have been the demise of the printer once it got connected to it.
    We did twig might have been something up with those auto updates
    and such and the class lawsuit we heard on the news confirmed it.
    A couple of wasted ink catridges, probably full too.

  7. Anonymous said on May 25, 2019 at 1:13 am
    Reply

    thank you Douglas

  8. Douglas Johns said on November 14, 2018 at 2:20 am
    Reply

    It’s saddening to read the comments about the totally morally bankrupt and unethical practices of this once great company. I was privileged and proud to work for the trully honest and upright Hewlett Packard company for some 18years, most of that time it was under the stewardship of the founders, Bill & Dave, two truly honourable and upright gentlemen of unquestionable integrity. When company developed its computer products and launched these into the market, a seachange took place in the company and slick, back street traders of questionable ethical standing took over, destroyingthe very nature of the company. Its unquestionable that a vast and very profitable business ensued, but both Bill and Dave must surely be ill at ease and perhaps really turning in their graves at these practices listed here and elsewhere whilst still using their honourable names to continue trading in this fashion.

  9. Linda and Gary Gamble said on October 25, 2018 at 8:55 pm
    Reply

    I asked for a new driver for my Photosmart 8450, and HP offered one made in 2005. It will not install as it is too old. I bought my HP printer in 2012.

  10. Arrbee said on September 17, 2018 at 9:11 am
    Reply

    Guess what – Sept. 16 2018, and they just did it AGAIN. My printer worked fine last week. Made the mistake of installing a software update today. And now: “There is a problem with the printer or ink system”.

    Nothing would get it to print. Until I borrowed a friend’s HP cartridge and of course – works fine. Yep. Nothing wrong with the printer. Just HP’s corporate ethics.

    Best of all, looks like they changed the error message from the last time just so fewer consumers would clue in. What a scam. What a morally corrupt company.

    I will personally boycott HP from now on. And encourage all those reading this to do the same – noting that they’ve now made printer ink cost more than human blood, and their profit margins rely on that (literally – google it). Time to hit them where it hurts.

  11. Bob said on April 29, 2018 at 10:32 pm
    Reply

    I have an Officejet from Costco Model 6958. I was able to get it to work with a 3rd party 902XL by going into properties and reversing the enable/disable feature and then doing a 2nd level head cleaning. All of a sudden I got a good diagnostic page and it’s still working.

  12. Quix said on April 13, 2018 at 4:28 pm
    Reply

    “….of all companies!!!”

    That statement speaks directly to your “rose-tinted glasses”, Dr. C.
    If you do the research, you will find that HP has a less than stellar history compared to ANY of it’s competitors. Their practices, domestically and international, are despicable.

    I strongly encourage you to contact the law firm I’ve documented in this forum, on 9January18.
    BTW, your printer model is the first one listed.
    https://www.girardgibbs.com/hp-ink-cartridge-antitrust-lawsuit-investigation/

    ps- I hope you didn’t replace your HP printer with a Samsung

    ‘HP Acquires Samsung Printer Business’
    http://h30261.www3.hp.com/news-and-events/news-library/2016/09-12-2016.aspx

  13. Dr. Roger Camp said on April 13, 2018 at 4:35 am
    Reply

    I just cannot believe this high handed ink scam by HP of all companies!!!
    Been using the scanner a lot lately and suddenly could not print and told the 6830 was not ON LINE. Spent a lot of valuable time checking and tracking and wifi analyzing and I am just completely devastated. Was preparing to print some Tax Return statements and data and now have to go to Best Buy and purchase a new printer/scanner from a non-US company. WTF HP????

  14. Irene Fogel said on March 11, 2018 at 10:46 pm
    Reply

    Last week I was ready to buy a new printer. My HP Officejet Pro 6230 stopped printing with cartridge error messages. I have always used generic ink. Anyway, I downloaded your link for the fix and it worked. Thank you so much. I really like my printer.

    1. cECELIA said on January 3, 2019 at 4:17 am
      Reply

      What did you do that worked with the download???I NEED IT!!!

  15. kevin said on March 11, 2018 at 6:57 pm
    Reply

    hi thanks for the tip however i can not find a hp 7580 all in one printer firmware update.

    https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-officejet-pro-l7500-all-in-one-printer-series/2511708/model/2511711

    what should i do? none released oct 2016

  16. quix said on January 9, 2018 at 3:43 pm
    Reply

    Join the class action lawsuit against HP.
    This is really not about what kind of compensation you will receive, in my opinion.
    This is about consumer protection and corporate racketeering.
    Remember that if HP prevails, this will open the flood gates for ALL printer companies to disallow 3rd party cartridges and worse.

    HP Ink Cartridge Antitrust Lawsuit Investigation
    https://www.girardgibbs.com/hp-ink-cartridge-antitrust-lawsuit-investigation/

    This case has been consolidated among the firms that previously were acting separately in this matter.
    Girard Gibbs is the lead firm and is handling the client-intake side of things on behalf of other involved firms.

    Information you will need to provide (as best as you can remember):

    -The HP printer model`(Don’t worry if your printer model is not on the list of affected models)
    -Date printer was purchased
    -Merchant that printer was purchased from and cost of printer
    -Main reason for purchase (ie, business or personal use, features you were particularly interested in)
    – Did you plan on using 3rd party cartridges at the time of purchase or later
    -Provide as much detail as possible on the circumstances surrounding your printer failure (what happened..exactly, error messages, etc)
    -Anything else you think may be germane.
    -Be as clear and precise as possible.
    -Provide your information for attorney to get back to you

    Contact person at Gerard Gibbs:
    Alynia Phillips
    anp@gerrardgibns.com
    415 544 6447

    Other info-
    The lead attorney in this case (whose credentials are intimidating, to say the least)
    https://www.girardgibbs.com/attorneys/elias/

    Some background history on the lawsuit
    https://wirthconsulting.org/2017/09/06/hp-seeking-to-have-inkjet-printer-firmware-class-action-lawsuit-dismissed/

  17. Quix said on January 7, 2018 at 11:06 pm
    Reply

    To Susan and everyone else affected by HP’s deceptive “security” updates resulting in temporary or permanent printer failures, or who have capitulated and are now paying inflated prices for HP cartridges (assuming the printer has not been irrevocably bricked).

    Although there is no remedy to HP’s deceptive security updates, there is an opportunity to remedy HP’s egregious behaviour. There is newer information regarding a class action lawsuit.that I hope ghacks forum members will take advantage of.

    I will detail this in a separate post for clarity.
    ~~

    As I have said before in this forum (and provided a link), HP made it abundantly clear, from the beginning, that their long term objective includes disallowing 3rd party ink cartridges that THEY deem “counterfeit”.

    My All-In-One HP printer (bricked), to date, is not even listed as one of the affected models by HP. Hence, no foul, no harm, according to HP.
    HP’s own user forums, however, indicate that my experience is far from atypical.
    HP’s claim that only VERY SELECT models were adversely affected by the self-destructing firmware update is patently absurd.

    After HP released their so-called firmware “fix”, for the “very select models affected”, this “fix” may or may not have even repaired the damage, in the long term.

    Further, the fact that some 3rd party cartridges may work on certain HP printer models (after the firmware “fix”) and other 3rd party cartridges don’t work may be due in part to HP’s preferential 3rd party cartridge relationships, such as Costco (who sells HP printers).

    For those who cannot even use HP’s “genuine” rip-off cartridges, this may be due to HP planned forced obsolescence of certain printer models, like my own All-In-One.

    HP made it abundantly clear (post-firmware “fix”) that they had the right to rescind their “benevolence” whenever they felt like it.

    And they have done just that-
    (article gives a nod to ghacks)
    https://gizmodo.com/one-year-after-bricking-third-party-ink-with-update-hp-1809073739

    and Martin’s latest-
    https://www.ghacks.net/2017/09/14/hp-pushes-third-party-ink-blocking-printer-firmware-update-again/

    There is no point in rehashing HP’s “counterfeit” argument, no matter how nonsensical it may be.
    That is for the lawyers to deal with.
    That being said, who else, besides HP, could believe that their own formerly reliable 3rd party cartridges are something tantamount to a Chinese “Rolex”?

    I will post the update on the now-consolidated class-action suit against HP asap.

  18. Susan said on January 6, 2018 at 8:58 pm
    Reply

    I have tried installing the firmware for my HP Officejet pro 6230, and each time I try the install fails. I bought printer ink that is supposed to be compatible with HP, and it is not working. I can send the ink back for a refund, but I would like to be able to buy ink that is not HP. Any way to get this download on the firmware to work so I can use other th
    an HP ink?

  19. Gerry McCracken said on December 20, 2017 at 4:08 am
    Reply

    If the latest update for your computer is listed as Sept 14, 2016, does that mean there’s a good chance it won’t work with cartridges that are not HP?

    I have a photosmart 5520 and I can’t afford the $74.00 they want for ink.

  20. elizabeth said on November 13, 2017 at 8:27 pm
    Reply

    Recently unemployed after several years so no longer printing my personal items at work. I hooked up the old printer (HP 6700) to my newer laptop. Needed to get ink so went to the same place I used to visit for my inexpensive refills and got all stocked up. It seems that I now have a full set of printer cartridges that are completely useless to me. My printer model is ‘no longer supported’ – there’s no update available for my model that will allow the aftermarket printer cartridges. The error message on the printer says to contact HP…is there any point? So frustrated and annoyed!!!
    I appreciate the post – at least I have an idea of why my printer has become an oversized paperweight.

  21. Evan said on September 30, 2017 at 9:25 am
    Reply

    I also purchased a new HP 5740 in Germany two months ago, and am using it here in Shanghai. Yesterday the black cartridge that came with it ran empty, and I tried putting a non-genuine cartridge in it (a refilled / remanufactured HP cartridge). Absolutely no luck. Tried many reboots of computer and printer, reinstalling printer drivers, and Googled for hours. It would be great if there some old 5740 firmware exists that I could install on it. Otherwise, I have been quite happy with the printer so far. This was my third HP printer, but, out of spite, will definitely be the last.

  22. Jeffrey said on September 29, 2017 at 7:03 pm
    Reply

    I was gifted a used HP 5740 all in one. It needs both ink cartridges. I’m on a fixed income, so I want to use NON-HP ink. I’ve been Googling for over an hour to learn: 1. How do I know if I have the “blocking non-hp cartridges” software on my desktop? 2. If I do, how can I remove it? 3. Anybody know of a very good 2nd source to buy less expensive ink?

    Thanks to anybody that can answer me;
    Jeffrey

  23. Jack said on September 28, 2017 at 11:17 pm
    Reply

    OMG!… I spent nearly the whole weekend trying to find out what was wrong with my 8500 (A909g), that’s really dishonest from HP doing this. I wish there was a way we I could revert back to the previous firmware.

  24. Robert Shyder said on September 25, 2017 at 3:59 pm
    Reply

    I tried following your instructions to access the firmware for a HP Deskjet 3521 printer. The update release doesn’t show a release date of Oct 12,2016, rather Sept 2016 and the details do not refer to non-HP cartridges. Did you test this HP printer? What do I do now? I am sure this printer is HP cartridge protected since I had received a message questioning the latest cartridge which I installed and it was a HP original cartridge.
    Thanks

  25. chris said on September 4, 2017 at 8:22 pm
    Reply

    No more HP for me!

  26. MesneLegis said on August 31, 2017 at 8:03 am
    Reply

    What’s the difference between this deliberate “time bomb” sabotage of our printers, and ransomware? Both are done for the sole purpose of extorting money from us. None of us would have agreed to the download had we been told the unvarnished truth about the ramifications. If they rely on “Acceptance of Terms” as establishing a contract, that should be challenged in court as an egregious contract, or down right fraudulent. I wish millions would band together in a Class Action, and make an example of them bring them to their knees. If they were monetarily punished sufficiently, every manufacturer would tremble in fear at the very thought of attempting such an evil scheme.

  27. soledad said on July 20, 2017 at 8:51 pm
    Reply

    hello. i cannot use alternatives cartridges in my printer and there is no update firmware online. i have a cp1025nw. can you please help me? thanks.

  28. David Powell said on June 3, 2017 at 2:26 am
    Reply

    I’ve been using a “Print Xe” black ink cartridge for about 10 months (purchased Aug 2016) with no issues, until a week ago when I powered off and on for a network issue on my HP 8500A. That’s when I got the incompatible ink message. I rarely power the printer down because it goes through convulsions whenever I do, and tries to empty the ink cartridges, so the sudden “incompatible” message may be initiated by the power cycling.

    I didn’t find the exact firmware fix on the site mentioned above, but tried an update (OJP8500_A910gn_1621D.exe (4.3 MB)) from Sept 19 2016. The update failed twice and then I put in a (practically empty) HP black cartridge and after “checking itself” for 10 minutes the printer accepted the update. Unfortunately it didn’t fix the problem and won’t print with the 3rd party cartridge.

    I narrated this at some length to possibly help others (or save them some time) but if any other 8500 owners have a fix, I’d love to hear it. TIA

    1. Ian Palin said on September 24, 2020 at 6:24 pm
      Reply

      3 years later and i am still trying to find the same fix for my 8550 printer, i will never buy HP again.

      1. R beck said on February 7, 2021 at 11:20 pm
        Reply

        My HP 6310 will not take brand new 2nd party ink cartridges. I have had enough of the HP bullshit. Will never even consider another HP product.

  29. quixote said on April 26, 2017 at 4:21 pm
    Reply

    Alessandro,
    I’ve made several comments on this forum that may help you.
    You can get your printer to work again without buying into the “original genuine” cartridge BS.

    Understand that HP has been working on a model, over time, to force their users, globally, to go to a tiered-level subscription ordering model. Here is just one example-
    https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-instant-ink-launched-in-ireland/

    In other words, HP has been using the “carrot and stick” approach to their end.

    The Stick: You’ve already experienced it (forget about their firmware downloads, even if they temporarily do work).

    The Carrot:
    While it is true that their subscription is cheaper than just purchasing one or two cartridges at a retail store, YOU ARE STILL SUPPORTING EXTORTIONISTS WHO DO NOT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS…ONLY THEIR PROFIT MARGIN.

    You can do an online search for “replacement HP printer cartridges” (they should guarantee interoperability).
    Alternatively, Costco is now in Australia (with membership fee).

    Don’t get mad, get even;

  30. Alessandro from Melbourne, Australia said on April 26, 2017 at 4:28 am
    Reply

    I have a hp officejet pro 8600 plus that is stuck on initializing setup process due to the firmware blocking code.
    I’ve been forced to reset the printer but it’s blocked at stage 2 (out of 4) where is asking for genuine cartridge to be insert in.The problem is that I don’t have anymore original hp cartridges and for sure I’m not going to buy a new genuine one, it will cost me between $140/150. I will prefer to trow the printer in the bin and go to buy a new NON hp printer!!!

    I downloaded last firmware from Hp website (26/04/2017) but when lunching the executable file it doen’t see any printer on the network

    So unless somebody can help me on how to resolve this issue I will LITERALLY burn this sh*t out my backyard!!

    Thanks in advance for any advice…

  31. Monique said on March 20, 2017 at 7:10 pm
    Reply

    I have both a B/W and colour -HP-compatible cartridges. It worked fine until today, when I got a message saying the colour cartridge was incompatible. I’ve tried removing the cartridges, cleaning the contacts. I can’t print a test page because the system says I have to deal with the error message first (incompatible cartridge).

    I have tried going onto the website for the UK, and get sent round in circles.. When I try to locate the driver for my C4480,

    Installing a Mac Printer Driver Using Apple Software Update
    Install the HP Printer Driver and Software provided within your operating system.
    Learn more

    When I click on “Learn More”, I get taken back to the page that says “start by identifying your products”.
    Help.

  32. Quix said on February 27, 2017 at 7:49 pm
    Reply

    You’re very welcome, Cayanne.

    And many thanks to Martin Brinkmann for his informative website and allowing quality user discussion.

  33. Cayanne said on February 27, 2017 at 6:36 pm
    Reply

    Quix – Thanks so much for that. I will follow your leads above & see what happens.
    Much appreciated,

  34. Quix said on February 22, 2017 at 4:15 pm
    Reply

    Cayanne,
    Contrary to what HP states regarding supplying firmware “fixes” for affected printers, this is patently not true.

    Only some HP models got a newer firmware update, after the deliberate printer disablement, but not all and the published affected HP printer models does not reflect the totality of HP inkjet models that were affected (targeted).

    However, as is mentioned by some forum members here, who knows what else HP is including in their updates considering that the firmware which ultimately disabled the printers was programmed to TIME-RELEASE to a future date (and possibly also based on a certain number of print jobs or other parameters).

    Arrogant HP upper management is on record stating that they reserve the right to repeat this outrageous travesty anytime in the future. Further, they only PARTIALLY “capitulated” the last time, due to so much bad press around the world.

    Yes, there are ways to get around this (without the dubious intervention by HP).
    I supplied a direct answer to your question, just the other day on Feb 19, in response to a comment by Tammy.
    Find a compatible 3rd party after market cartridge supplier, as I previously said (like Costco).
    Also, this Dutch company may have been the first to properly deal with this issue, whose link I’ve included for informational purposes.
    http://www.123inkt.nl/news/Press+Release+123inktnl+reaction+on+blocked+HP+Printers-593.html

    Find my previous post on other options and good luck.

  35. Charlie said on December 6, 2016 at 11:36 pm
    Reply

    At the moment my HP Photosmart 7525 has only HP XL cartridges installed, but several of them are getting low on ink. I intend to replace them with refilled HP XL cartridges from COSTCO when the printer runs them dry. I hope the refills work OK because COSTCO refills are way cheaper than new HP cartridges.

    1. Anonymous said on March 21, 2017 at 12:51 pm
      Reply

      COSTCO refills are working OK.

      1. Fredhedges said on November 6, 2017 at 8:33 pm
        Reply

        Mine are NOT working OK.

    2. Charlie said on February 19, 2017 at 7:36 pm
      Reply

      I replaced the 2 black cartridges with cartridges that COSTCO refilled (cheap cheap!). No problems so far.

  36. radon said on December 6, 2016 at 9:51 pm
    Reply

    How Can I check the HP injet firmware version. Which one is affected of the BUG ?
    My catridge normally print the test page but reported that the cartrige is electrically disfunctioned when I treid to print from computer ( interesting ).

  37. vince said on November 6, 2016 at 3:18 pm
    Reply

    Any advice on fixing problem with HP LaserJet Pro400 series?
    We use a couple o9f them and now they arfe useless!
    Thanks

  38. Quix said on October 30, 2016 at 11:00 pm
    Reply

    To forum members who have been affected by HP’s deliberate sabotage-

    I would strongly encourage you to contact the law firm, below, even if your HP printer model is not listed, (like mine, a 3050 All-In-One) and even if the latest firmware upgrade has “fixed” the problem. In my case, HP claims my model is no longer supported (except for downloading malware masquerading as an update).
    Obviously, I’m not happy.

    http://www.hgdlawfirm.com/blog/2016/09/27/heninger-garrison-davis-llc-has-filed-a-lawsuit-alleging-that-hp-printers-had-a-preset-failure-date-for-non-hp-ink-cartridges/

    You have nothing to lose contacting the firm (class action) and may possibly get some kind of satisfaction, even if nothing more than HP being permanently barred/penalized from doing the same in the future, and which HP has already stated, is their intended plan-

    For those who were made “whole” by the latest firmware fix to correct the disablement:

    HP: We will block non-HP cartridges in the future again……
    http://www.myce.com/news/hp-will-block-non-hp-cartridges-future-firmware-update-temporary-solution-80673/

    http://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-inc-will-block-third-party-cartridges-in-future/

    More, on this despicable company-
    https://www.techdirt.com/blog/?company=hp

    Also, be aware that HP bought Samsung’s printer division the very same month (September, 2016). Some coincidence.
    http://www.therecycler.com/posts/samsung-shareholders-approve-sale-to-hp/

    1. cayanne said on February 22, 2017 at 12:57 am
      Reply

      Thanks all for the information here. Spent hours trying to figure out what the heck happened to our black ink printing… It’s funny – it’s only the black ink that seems to be locked up. 3rd party color ink still works…
      Either way, I contacted the law firm via live chat just now & will participate in class action should it come to fruition.
      There is no apparent firmware reversal released for the 2 HP models we have here, so the yoke is on us for now. Is there anywhere out there to find a fix & I just haven’t found it, or ….. ?? One model we have is under warranty until 2018, so I don’t want to just dump our printers & boycott HP yet… And, we have a home business in it’s launch-stage and cannot be without ability to print right now.
      Anyone knows a way to get around it, I’d give it a shot, but I’m not a true techy person. Ugh

  39. Catherine said on October 29, 2016 at 4:22 pm
    Reply

    I updated using the wrong printer model, 6830, instead of 6815, and it didn’t work. The printouts are all in pink. I want to try to make it work before I trash the printer. I only used it a few times before this crazy edict came out. Can I delete the first download and retry?

  40. bozo said on October 28, 2016 at 9:07 pm
    Reply

    No new firmware for my 6700.

  41. Geertje said on October 17, 2016 at 7:45 pm
    Reply

    Hi,
    What to do when there is no recent firmware update (Oct 2016) provided to revert the recent update giving a malfunctioning HP printer? In this case it concerns a HP Color Laserjet Pro M252dw printer, with 3 HP color cartridges and 1 third-party black cartridge, the latter it does not recognise anymore (supply memory error).
    All suggestions appreciated!
    Many thanks
    Gerti

  42. quix said on October 15, 2016 at 6:46 pm
    Reply

    I would start by using an email service that does not have a history of blocking/flagging/spamming wholly legitimate email (for often dubious reasons).
    And respects your privacy more that MS, yahoo, google.

    Generally, ‘pay-for’ email is superior, per the often quoted rule of thumb:
    “‘If You’re Not Paying, You’re The Product’**

    **There are caveats, of course, as there is plenty of lousy pay-for software out there.

    1. Charlie said on October 15, 2016 at 8:35 pm
      Reply

      I also run Outlook 2007, but I don’t use it for other than personal email and don’t use its addr to sign up for anything.

  43. quixote said on October 15, 2016 at 5:02 pm
    Reply

    I would no sooner trust any MS email (hotmail also) than I would now trust HP downloads.
    There are other email services that do a superior job by not blocking/flagging/spamming wholly legitimate email
    (which may or may not be politically motivated). And you can be sure MS takes your privacy as seriously as Yahoo & google.
    You might have to pay for it, but a practical rule of thumb echoed many times before:
    “‘If You’re Not Paying, You’re The Product’*

    *There are caveats, of course, as there is plenty of lousy pay-for software out there.

  44. Anonymous said on October 15, 2016 at 12:47 pm
    Reply

    Martin,
    When one of your users comments on this stream and I then get an email telling me there was a new reply, this message is included in the email that I receive via outlook,com from mail@ghacks.net
    “This sender failed our fraud detection checks and may not be who they appear to be”

    1. Martin Brinkmann said on October 15, 2016 at 3:04 pm
      Reply

      I’m not sure if I can do anything about that unfortunately. I have to research the matter more, but it is a false positive.

      1. Charlie said on October 15, 2016 at 8:33 pm
        Reply

        If you need me to, I can fwd the email to whatever email addr. you want…

  45. Randy said on October 14, 2016 at 7:23 pm
    Reply

    No firmware update found today to fix my Officejet Pro 8500A model A910a

    1. Bill Bower 949-364-1667 said on June 30, 2017 at 1:40 am
      Reply

      My unit is junk… I have brand new printer ink from HP Shows it full then depleted in five seconds.. I need a recommendation on a real printer… anyone?

  46. HP Public Relation said on October 14, 2016 at 6:42 pm
    Reply

    @ Charlie

    Even Ink Cartridges have chips and unique IDs attacked.

    HP may have done a big Data Racketeering.

    Buy HP Now. Really.

  47. Chris said on October 14, 2016 at 9:16 am
    Reply

    I’m glad they changed their minds, but too little too late. Gave all the HP printers I had to charity and bought a brand that didn’t choose to block non-OEM cartridges.

    The charity said they would take them apart to show kids how they work… they won’t be buying any HP cartridges either.

  48. Charlie said on October 14, 2016 at 12:15 am
    Reply

    Running home W10 64bit Dell desktop PC current with Windows Updates.
    So I downloaded the firmware update from the HP web site for my HP Photosmart 7525 all-in-one.
    I clicked to run the update and got a firewall (I run the MS Windows firewall & Defender) pop-up that asked me to allow access (WHAT!!??). I allowed, and the update started. It found my HP Photosmart 7525 on USB001 & generated a pop-up asking me to select the printer I wanted to update. Only my single printer was in the list, but it wouldn’t allow me to click in the little box to select my printer, and the only other option was to cancel – which I did. I tried one more time – same result.

  49. dwarf_tossrrr said on October 13, 2016 at 9:49 pm
    Reply

    Boycott any and all DRM infected devices that use consumables like ink or even COFFEE. :/ This should be a zero-tolerance thing.

    That said, my old as dirt HP Laserjet 3050 AIO still runs like a champ with “bootleg” toner drums.

  50. Ink Man said on October 13, 2016 at 7:36 pm
    Reply

    Because you can embed some hashes, as info about the blocked non-HP cartridges.

    1. Release a firmware that blocks non-hp approved cartridges and then stores some hash about the non-hp ink cartridges… Problem.

    2. Release a firmware that removes the block and call home for the stored hashes… Reaction.

    3. Now HP knows the most frigtening enemies that sell ink cartridges – non-hp approved – to HP Customers who try to evade non-cheap HP ink cartridges… Solution.

    Big Ink Data.

    HP will use the info kindly provided by all the gullible customers who ran for this unusual UPDATE of their firmware.

    Got no proof of this, but it’s definitely possible to do.

  51. Croatoan said on October 13, 2016 at 4:48 pm
    Reply

    Why printer firmware needs update?

    1. A or B, not C. said on October 14, 2016 at 7:37 am
      Reply

      @ Croatoan ……. Seems, OEMs n M$(.?) are resorting to manipulation of firmware of devices n BIOS of motherboards to block stuffs, in order to increase their market-share or revenue, eg since May 2016, Lenovo hv removed the AHCI/SATA option in the BIOS setting from their latest Win 10 Ultrabooks like the Yoga 900, 900S and Ideapad 710S, thus blocking Linux and Win 7/8.1 from being installed.
      …….As per M$ policy, Intel n AMD do not support Win 7/8.1 for their latest Kabylake n Zen chips – this is likely implemented thru the chips’ firmware.

      Nowadays, consumers need to be careful about buying new OEM tech-gadgets bc they may be “locked” or “blocked”, like how US mobile carriers used to lock their 2-year “subsidized”-plan(= pay by installments) smartphones to their network, which was disallowed in the EU n elsewhere.
      ……. Seems, some US tech companies r getting more greedy like fat pigs and more cunning like venomous snakes.
      .
      PS – Remember, per M$ policy, all new OEM Windows cptrs come with UEFI, Secure Boot n TPM 2.0 in the firmware of the motherboard, which can be manipulated for blocking purposes. Eg, M$ may one day, change their policy to implement blocking n use security as an excuse, like the misused Patriot Act.

    2. MozartMan said on October 13, 2016 at 5:39 pm
      Reply

      To block non-HP cartridges. :-)

  52. Rotten Scoundrel said on October 13, 2016 at 4:48 pm
    Reply

    Trust HP? Not since 1998 when they stopped support for a sixteen-month old printer I had. “Buy a new one,” the nice tech support person said.

    So this begs a question from the cynical — and long time professional programmer, how come it took so long to roll out the fix AND how many cartridges were people forced to buy in the past two or three weeks since they started this thuggery? The fix could have been rolled out next day at worst as the critical-block code would have been less than a full single line of code.

    Their Press Release for the roll-back sounds like they invented something big and all HP Printer owners should be very pleased with the HP brand.

    1. Kelly said on September 30, 2019 at 6:15 am
      Reply

      my hp stream notebook pc 13 I bought the same year as windows 10 upgrade came out. HP failed to inform new buyers of notebooks that HP knew before my notebook purchase that once you did the windows 10 upgrade you could not stop the updates that followed. It tanked my notebook really quit. It was my back up & I messed with it for months then one of the really big updates came and it would not reset reboot it no longer recognized c drive The only recovery media they offered me was win 10 Fast Forward to next big update the drive I had received had a split on the edge and would not work. So I called to get it again. They kept trying to force me to use smart friend by the time I called corporate to see if they would help me get recovery media I could have climbed thru the phone. That man tried to tell me I had not bought the recovery media not first time. An hour into this mad the agent kept trying to say why don’t you buy a new pc and off I went again. If I wasn’t willing to pay for recovery media again then why would I pay for a new pc. Ever seen a Southern woman get mad when I finally took a breath he said that hp would give me a 250.00 credit towards a pc. I tell this story in case anyone else has gotten screwed by HP whether it be a printer or pc. Don’t let up we should not get ripped off buying costly electronics.

    2. Tammy said on February 18, 2017 at 10:06 pm
      Reply

      Nope updated all drivers to recent, didn’t work. must go buy a non hp printer

      1. Susan said on January 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm
        Reply

        I am having the same issue, and I can’t use my OfficeJet 6230 and not sure if it will even work if I go buy HP ink now. I guess Hp would rather lose customers….and hope someone else will take my place. I will never buy or recommend an HP product. Hope they go out of the printer business.

      2. Kit said on October 28, 2018 at 5:45 pm
        Reply

        That is my position also, never to buy Hp again.

        All ready stop buying Hp computers and now it’s printers.

        They suck anyway.

      3. Louis Ayala said on June 21, 2022 at 8:20 am
        Reply

        I have just spent 50 dollars to buy new cartridges for my HP Officejet Plus printer that I love. I received it from the VA Vocational Rehab program as I am a disabled veteran. I think it sucks that HP would sabotage my awesome printer which I always use. I guess now I will be without a printer till I can afford to buy a printer that has all the features that I have come to appreciate. I will look for another printer.

      4. Quix said on February 19, 2017 at 4:46 pm
        Reply

        Tammy,
        Before you spend money on a new printer (HP bought Samsung printer divison), I would try different cartridges.
        There are some 3rd party companies that offer “HP-compatible” ones or at least guarantee their product if it fails.
        This is just one example, but there are more alternative suppliers now dealing with this problem. Or do a search online.
        http://costcoinkjetrefill.com/support
        (page down for details for HP models)

        Just my opinion, but i would NEVER download any update (software, firmware, driver) from HP website, ever again. I would block them/ disable the ability to automatically “update”. At the very least, they are wholly disingenuous and their intentions do not favor their customers.

    3. jern said on October 13, 2016 at 6:38 pm
      Reply

      HP is pushing “Instant Ink.” Basically its a subscription plan for ink. Pay a monthly fee for ink based on pages printed (Everybody wants subscriptions). The problem is how to get users to sign up for it. This, like MS’s year long Win10 upgrade push, may have been designed to help push users into the plan. It that was the reason, it appears to have made so many users mad that it failed.

      see: https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/r
      There is a list of printers here that were built for the program…
      https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/r#

      Basically, I think all the tech companies are looking for ways to increase and stabilize revenue – sometimes by reducing customer options.

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