Update bricks HP printers - WITH HP TONER CARTRIDGES!

[thewayne]

In the ultimate own-goal, a recent HP "security update" has bricked models LaserJet MFP M232-M237, preventing them from printing even with HP toner cartridges. Some people have gone out buying Brother lasers and just junking the HP gear.

Good on them! Not that it will get HP to change their terrible behavior, but at least you can hurt them in the wallet.

Now, Brother had a bit of trouble last week. News came out that they did a similar DRM move and that people had trouble using non-Brother toner in Brother laser printers, but it was a very small number of printers and never confirmed. I'm not sure what to make of that. We'll see if it's ever confirmed and I shall report on it if it happens. Brother is denying it, whereas HP revels in it.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/firmware-update-bricks-hp-printers-makes-them-unable-to-use-hp-cartridges/

Comments

[disneydream06]

Still annoys the crap out of me that I bought and HP printer and couldn't get it to connect to my computer. Expensive, relatively, paper weight. :o
Maybe if I was more computer saavy, it might be better. :o
Hugs, Jon

[thewayne]

Worst possible case is falling back on a USB cable. But wireless can be tricky. I've configured three or four Brother printers with WiFi, they were easy. Never tried an HP with WiFi.

The worst I experienced was a Lexmark. USB printer and they flat-out did not have drivers for either an upgraded OS or going from PC to Mac, I can't remember which. Threw it in the trash and haven't owned Lexmark since.

[disneydream06]

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kellan_the_tabby]

*snorrrrt*

[thewayne]

Yep!

[silveradept]

Yet more reasons to discard all your HP gear and never get any more. And to do the same to any printer manufacturer who thinks (against all reason) that HP has a good idea with this and tries to do it themselves.