

If I can't reverse it, can I return the cartridges? Your best option is simply to prevent the next update causing the same problem - see here for instructions. In most printers made after December 2016, there is no realistic way to reverse a firmware update. However, more recent updates have not attracted the same attention, so without the public and media pressure to address the issue, HP have not been inclined to make later changes reversible. Following a negative media reaction to the updates released in September 2016, HP made downloadable versions available that would roll back the changes to the dynamic security feature. This controls how the printer talks to cartridges, so if the chip on your cartridge is designed for an older version of the firmware, the printer won't be able to communicate with it, and will report it as missing or damaged. HP issue updates for a number of reasons, but the main effect is to alter their "dynamic security" feature. You can turn updates off, but the default setting is "on". You won't be notified before or after the update, and often the only way that you'll find out that it happened is that your cartridges will stop working. If your printer is on your WiFi network or is connected by cable to a computer with an internet connection, firmware updates can happen in the background. The programs running on this microprocessor are called "firmware" as opposed to "software" because they are semi-permanent and are not designed for user interaction.

Your printer has a microprocessor inside - basically a mini computer - that makes it work.

If I can't reverse it, can I return the cartridges?.Essentially, HP have sent some data to your printer that has broken its ability to talk to the cartridges. Often, a set of cartridges will be working perfectly well one day, and have this error the next. If you are seeing an error message that says one of the following, you have probably been affected by a firmware update (especially if it suddenly pops up for all cartridges at once):Ĭartridge problem : One or more of the cartridges may be missing or damagedĬartridge problem : Remove and reinstall the indicated cartridges This article is updated regularly and has been edited to take account of the firmware updates released in January 2022.
