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How to update firmware on hp color laserjet pro mfp m177fw?

By: Author Color With Leo


Keeping your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw printer up-to-date with the latest firmware is important to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Firmware is the basic operating software that runs your printer and controls all of its functions. HP regularly releases firmware updates to fix bugs, improve functionality, and enhance security.

Updating the firmware on your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few steps. In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete firmware update procedure so you can keep your printer running its best.

Prerequisites

Before starting the firmware update, make sure you have the following:

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw printer
  • Firmware update file from HP Support website (eg. .BIN file)
  • USB flash drive (minimum 4GB)
  • Admin access to printer settings
  • Printer connected to power source
  • Active network connection (for web-based firmware update method)

It’s a good idea to check the current firmware version installed on your printer so you can verify the update process at the end. To check the firmware version, print a configuration page from the printer’s control panel.

You’ll also want to back up any important customized settings before updating. The firmware update may reset some configurations back to factory defaults.

Download Latest Firmware

The first step is to download the latest firmware file for your specific HP printer model from the HP Support website. Here’s how:

  1. Go to hp.com and search for your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw printer.
  2. Select your printer from the list of search results.
  3. On the product support page, click the “Software and Drivers” tab.
  4. Scroll down to the “Firmware” section.
  5. Find the latest firmware version and click “Download.” This will download a .BIN file.
  6. Take note of the firmware version number to verify the update later.

Be sure to select the exact firmware file for your printer model. Downloading the wrong file could potentially damage your printer. The latest firmware will have release notes available on the download page so you can review improvements and bug fixes.

Transfer Firmware File to USB Drive

Once downloaded, you need to transfer the firmware .BIN file to a USB flash drive. Here’s how:

  1. Insert a USB flash drive into an available port on your computer. Be sure the drive has at least 4GB of available storage.
  2. Format the USB drive using FAT32 file system. This allows the printer to read the drive.
  3. Copy or move the downloaded .BIN firmware file to the root folder of the USB drive.
  4. Safely eject/unmount the USB drive from your computer.

The USB flash drive is now prepared with the latest firmware file and ready to update your printer.

Update Printer Firmware via USB

With the USB drive prepared, you can now update your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw firmware by following these steps:

  1. Make sure the printer is powered on and in Ready mode.
  2. Open the front panel of the printer.
  3. Locate the USB port inside the printer.
  4. Insert the USB drive containing the firmware file into the port.
  5. The printer should automatically detect the firmware file on the drive and start the update process.
  6. Wait for the printer update status lights to complete flashing.
  7. Remove the USB drive after the firmware has finished installing.
  8. Close the front panel.

The entire update process can take up to 10 minutes to complete. Do not interrupt the update or remove the USB drive early or it could damage your printer. Once finished, the printer will reboot and return to Ready mode with the new firmware version installed!

To verify, print a new configuration page and check that the firmware version matches the update you installed. If the configuration page prints successfully, your firmware update was completed successfully.

Update Printer Firmware via Web Browser

An alternative method to update your HP M177fw firmware is by using the embedded web server interface through a web browser. Here are the steps:

  1. Ensure your printer is connected to your local network via Ethernet.
  2. Find the printer IP address from a configuration page.
  3. On your computer’s web browser, type the printer IP address in the URL bar (e.g. http://192.168.0.101).
  4. Log in to the EWS with admin credentials if prompted.
  5. Select the “Firmware Updates” section.
  6. Click “Check for Updates” to find the latest firmware.
  7. Click “Install Update” and select the firmware .BIN file you downloaded earlier.
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
  9. Wait for the printer to finish updating.

Updating via the web browser allows you to install the firmware remotely but requires the printer to be networked. Take care not to disrupt the printer or navigation away from the update page during the installation process.

Troubleshooting Firmware Update Issues

In most cases, the firmware update process completes without any problems. However, here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues:

  • If the update fails to initialize, try reformatting the USB drive and copying the firmware file again. Ensure you are using a supported high-quality USB drive.
  • Double check that you downloaded the exact firmware file for your printer model. Using the wrong file could cause update issues.
  • If the web browser update stalls, refresh the page and try again. Check network connectivity is stable.
  • If the update completes but the printer is non-responsive, you may need to perform a hard reset to clear any issues. Turn the printer off, disconnect power for 30 seconds, then reconnect and turn back on.
  • For any other problems, consult the HP online troubleshooting guides for your specific model.

Calling HP support is recommended if you exhaust all troubleshooting steps and the firmware still fails to update or causes functionality issues.

Conclusion

Updating your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw with the latest firmware is important for optimal performance and new features. The process is quick and straightforward either using a USB drive or web browser update method. Just be sure to download the correct firmware file, prepare the USB drive properly, and let the update fully complete without disruption. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll be able to keep your printer firmware up-to-date.

Firmware Update Method Pros Cons
USB Drive
  • Simple offline method
  • Does not require network access
  • Requires USB drive
  • Must access printer physically
Web Browser
  • Update remotely over network
  • Easy to check for updates
  • Printer must be on network
  • More steps involved