Updated: Jun 4, 2019
HP Laser Printer USB and FTP Firmware Update Procedures
Before you begin: The following instructions will guide you through the update of your printer’s firmware. If this is the first time you’ve ever updated firmware, please do the following first:
Set aside enough time to read this article in its entirety before you begin.
Read the “ReadMe” file from start to finish once it is unzipped.
Clear any updates with your IT department first! Once you’ve performed these valuable steps you are ready to update your firmware.
Downloading the laser printer Firmware File:
1. Go to www.hp.com.
2. Choose the “Support & Drivers” tab.
3. Next choose “Download drivers and software (and firmware)”.
4. Where it says “Enter product name/number,” type the machine name or model number and press enter.
5. This takes you to a list of all the models for this printer.
6. Select the appropriate model.
7. Next you will see a list of operating systems; at the bottom of this list it will display “Cross Operating System (BIOS, firmware, Diagnostics, etc.)”.
8. Select this option to bring you to the page to download the firmware (it lists 3 choices): Windows, UNIX or Mac. Some machines may have the HP Easy Firmware Upgrade Utility for Windows only. Choose the proper file for the Operating system in use. For this article, we are using a Windows-based PC, so we will download the Windows version.
9. Once the file has been downloaded, you will want to run the file. It will unzip to a specified place in your hard drive. Example: C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard.
Simplifying the File Path:
To make this process easier, given the need to reference the complete file path in this procedure, we are going to use the following steps:
1. Open the folder on the C: drive where the files were saved to by the unzipping program (WinZip is the most common application used for this purpose).
2. Once you have located these files, there should be two files in the folder: Readme.txt and FileName.RFU.
3. Open another window for the C:\ drive.
4. Move only the .RFU file directly into the C: drive by cutting and pasting or dragging and dropping the RFU file into the C: drive.
5. Rename the .RFU filename to something that is easier to remember by right-clicking on the file and choosing “Rename” from the list, or by clicking on an already preselected file.
6. Pick a name that is easy to remember such as “4015.rfu” (Remember that DOS has a restriction of 8 characters for the filename, plus the file extension). Next, choose either the USB or the FTP update method, depending upon how your printer is connected to the computer or network.
USB HP Laser Printer Update Firmware Procedure
Updating Firmware Through the USB Port (Printer is in a Ready state)
** It is important to note that if anything prevents the firmware update from completing -- such as a cable coming unplugged, a power outage, or “Blue Screen of Death” on the computer – it could cause more harm than intended. If for any reason the upgrade is unable to complete, there is a chance that the printer may not be able to recover and a firmware DIMM, or a Formatter, may need to be replaced (depending on model).**
USB Update Method: Open up a Command prompt. ✔ Windows XP: From the Start Menu, select “Run”, and type in “CMD” and press “Enter.” ✔ Windows Vista: From the Start Menu, enter “CMD” where it says “Start Search” and press “Enter.” A DOS window will appear. • Navigate to the root directory by typing “CD\”, and pressing “Enter.” • Type in the command exactly as it is listed below.
C:\>Copy/B C:\Firmware.rfu \\[Computer Name]\[Printer Name]
Assume that the following is true: ✔ RFU File location = C:\4250.rfu ✔ Computer Name = Work ✔ Printer Name HP4250 For this set of information the command would look as follows: C:\Copy/B C:\4250.rfu \\Work\HP4250
Next press the “Enter” key.
The printer should say “Receiving Update”, and eventually should restart on its own.
Once the printer comes back up to ready, print a configuration page to verify that the upgrade was successful by checking the firmware revision number listed under “Printer Information.” You now have the necessary USB firmware version.
Do not attempt a firmware upgrade if your area is currently experiencing frequent power outages.
Inform all users not to send print jobs during the upgrade.
Experience with DOS is recommended.
Hook up the printer using a USB cable.
Ensure the print driver is installed and working on the computer.
Restart the computer.
Close down any programs that are running in the background.
Ensure you have the following information from your computer: The computer name
Click on the “Start” button.
Go to “Settings” and choose “Control Panel”.
Choose “System” and then click on the tab labeled “Computer Name”.
Write down exactly what is to the right of the “Full Computer Name” line. The printer name
From “Control Panel,” locate the “Printers and Faxes” icon.
Right click on the printer you want to upgrade, and choose “Properties” from the list.
From the printer properties screen, select the “Sharing” tab.
Choose “Share This Printer” in order to allow the upgrade.