HP has been dealing with a firmware update that is causing some OfficeJet Printers to brick. Reports from Bleeping Computer, the faulty firmware was released globally earlier this month, and affected customers are seeing a blue screen with the error code “83C0000B” on the printer’s touchscreen.
In HP’s support forums, customers in various countries have been asking about the issue. One printer owner notes that the blue screen error won’t even let them access the device’s service menu. HP had told a couple more customers to wait for the solution until May 16, but HP has not yet resolved the issue.
“Our teams are working diligently to address the blue screen error affecting a limited number HP OfficeJet Pro 9020e and HP OfficeJet 8010e series printers,” HP’s communications manager Nick Lucido writes in an email to The Verge. “We are recommending customers experiencing the error to contact our customer support team for assistance https://support.hp.com.”
HP sent Bleeping Computer The message was largely the exact same as that published on Saturday. One notable update today is HP’s acknowledgment of the faulty firmware issue affecting not only the 9020e series but now also the OfficeJet 8010e. Bleeping Computer had listed the affected printers to be versions of HP’s OfficeJet 9020e models, including HP OfficeJet Pro 9022e, Pro 9025e, Pro 9020e All-in-One, and Pro 9025e All-in-One Printer.
This isn’t the only HP-induced headache the company has brought upon its printer customers as of late — some of which have been intentional. HP had released an update earlier this year that blocked printers from using third-party ink. The company has done it before, resulting in a $1.5 million settlement of a class action lawsuit.
Printer manufacturers like HP have been notorious for locking down ink, as it’s the most profitable part of the printer business. But adding what’s essentially DRM on ink cartridges can cause other issues. The Verge’s Nathan Edwards had to read 57 reviews before he could be appointed senior editor. Easy to Use How to make his HP printer accept HP Instant Ink cartridges in the US.
The stresses of knowing a printer is just for printing, but realizing it’s also not going to do that one thing, can put you in a sobering state. Just remember, there’s a printer out there that’s just fine and does what it’s supposed to do — and with no poorly crafted firmwares (that I am aware of).