Once again there are problems with printers that stop working after a firmware update. This time, several models from the US PC and printer manufacturer HP are affected, which can become virtually unusable after an update. The two errors 49 and 79 usually mean the end.
Errors 49 and 79 pull LaserJets out of circulation
As the author Günther Born first reported on his IT and Windows blog, he received an email from a reader whose HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw after updating to firmware 20221010 from October 20, 2022 first received “Error 79” and finally only issued “Error 49”. Even a factory reset should have no effect, the printer will loop and crash before alternative firmware can be installed.
Not an isolated case by far
A glance reveals that this is not an isolated case to the official HP support forum. The affected users keep mentioning the new firmware 20221010 as the starting point for the two errors and the subsequent endless loop.
M281 and M283 series affected
The M281 printer series is particularly affected. The LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw and M281fdw models are mentioned several times, which also have an activated automatic printer from the factory have a firmware update service and are expected to be updated everywhere.
But the current one for HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw, which was released at the end of 2019 and is still available in retail at prices starting at around 600 euros, already has its own entry in the manufacturer's support forum.
Those affected will be left to their own devices
The affected users write in the HP forum that they were only informed that the guarantee for the M281 series has already expired; for the M283 series, a final answer is still pending in the corresponding support thread.
Printers act like a relic
Printers today almost seem like a relic from a bygone era Time and this is what the firmware and software looks like in many cases. The ongoing siphoning off of user and telemetry data is also highly controversial among users.
- Instant Ink: HP blocks printer cartridges when the service is terminated
But the operating system, especially Windows 11 and Windows 10, are also locked into Microsoft's outdated printer ecosystem fighting is always the stumbling block.
- Printer problems: Even with Windows 11, there is still no end in sight
- Windows 11: Problems with Brother printers on the USB port
- Microsoft confirms: Printers can block updates to Windows 11 2022
- Windows 10: Microsoft Patchday paralyzes printers again
< li>Windows 10: Cumulative updates in June paralyze printers
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