[Error Code] M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

[theengel]

I replaced a formatter on a M4345 MFP. The IT wasn't there, and I didn't know how they wanted the network configured. The cust called back, and said they're having trouble connecting. I went back and worked with IT, and I honestly couldn't find any reason that it shouldn't work. Everything looked like it was supposed to look. We could even go to the http imbedded jetdirect page. But every job got hung up in the print queue. We could print from USB, but not from the network. Tried adding a jet direct card, and the same thing happened.

Finally, I thought maybe upgrading the firmware might help us. So I started that from the usb, using HP's easy upgrade program. Everything seemed to go well. Everything acted as though expected... except afterward, the printer LED stayed on "data" instead of "ready". We waited for about 10 minutes and finally decided to reboot the printer.

Now, it starts counting memory, and then stops. I don't remember the exact wording it said, but I think it was something like:

download rfu file,

[Wild Bill]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

That easy up grade firmware failed that's why its asking for the rfu file. Get IT to upload it thru the USB and you should be good.

[theengel]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

I tried to do a firmware update after this happened, and there's absolutely no response from the printer.

Although, I was using HP's easy update tool, and not downloading it through the DOS prompt. Maybe tomorrow I'll try it another way.

[Iowatech]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

Might want to see if the driver/software package could be reinstalled, too. One of the reasons HP installation software is that large is because it is supposed to take care of that sort of problem at installation.
Or that could be stupid, sorry.

[theengel]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

This problem just keeps getting worse.

Went back this morning to try and copy the file via USB. But the only response I get is "Device not ready"

When I try to install the firmware through HP's firmware tool, it sends the upgrade to the print queue on my computer, but it stops there.

So I figure, even though my vendor is making noise and swearing this can't be a defective new OEM board, I would go ahead and swap boards. Bingo. All the jobs lined up in the print queue spit out.

But now, the scanner won't work. When I start the machine, everything except the copier function works fine. There's a message on the control panel "scanner initializing."

The only thing that has changed since the scanner was working is the formatter. I can't see it being anything else but a bad formatter. And yes, it's new and it's OEM. This is driving me crazy. And I have a feeling the vendor is not going to replace it.

Anyone have ANY ideas on this?

[Iowatech]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

Looks like you probably need a new scanner control board. It's the only way I've been able to fix the "Scanner Initializing" message the couple of times I've seen it.
But here's something really easy that you might want to try:
Turn the machine off, then unplug it from the wall for a couple of minutes. If the scanner control board has any life left in it, that might cause it to start operating properly until you get a new board.
At least that worked fairly well for me last week when I had the "Scanner Initializing" message. My scanner control board hasn't come in yet, but as of right now no part ETA calls for that either.
Hope that helps.

[faxman28]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

download the rfu file from hp not the easy update tool. then ftp the printer from internet explorer. the scanner board may have not updated correctly when the fw upgrade failed with the easy tool. also to upgrade via usb the printer driver needs to be loaded to create the print port, to use the copy command in CMD.

[Iowatech]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

download the rfu file from hp not the easy update tool. then ftp the printer from internet explorer. the scanner board may have not updated correctly when the fw upgrade failed with the easy tool. also to upgrade via usb the printer driver needs to be loaded to create the print port, to use the copy command in CMD.

I never thought of that as a firmware problem, thanks!
I'm going to try that when I go back to my machine as well.

[theengel]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

If the firmware installation goes wrong, you can't use ftp because the printer won't communicate with the network. You can't use the command prompt either--the message comes back "device not ready." You can't use the HP easy update--it sends the firmware update to the print queue, and it stays there.

[Kenzo123]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

First thing , ljM4345mfp_fw_48_301_7.zip (51 MB) is the file name u got to download from hp support site.
2 delete the printer driver from the pc, instal new printer whitout the usb cable connected (at connection type select "USB virtual port)
3 connect printer and start uploading the RFU file.

I hope that will resolve your problem. For any other help pm me.

[theengel]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

No--that doesn't work. I did that. Still says device not ready when I try it through the command prompt.

[Kenzo123]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

does it say " ready to receive rfu file"?

[theengel]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

No.

I'm still waiting for spending approval so that I can replace the scanner control board. I'd like to get this thing wrapped up.

It kills me that doing a firmware upgrade on these HP machines ruins the formatter board. There was nothing wrong with the laptop I used, the cable I used, or anything else. It just hung up in the middle of the upgrade, and I had to replace the formatter because of it. I have another machine with the same problem (a 2420 where the customer tried to upgrade--it now needs a formatter, because the firmware is wired into the board).

You'd think HP would find a way to restart the upgrades in cases where this happens.

I know they have directions for when it happens, but the directions don't work. And with the two machines I'm talking about (M4345 and 2420), a failed firmware upgrade is fatal... you HAVE to replace the formatter. I haven't found a single tech who was able to fix the machine without replacing the formatter in these cases.

[faxman28]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

there is a flash card on the formatter, this holds the firmware. did you swap the flash card or replace the flash card, I think new formatters don't come with flash card.

[theengel]

Re: M4345 Hung during firmware update--now DEAD

M4345 has firmware hardwired--there is no flash card--unlike the 4345.