How to Update Firmware on HP 2840

Firmware upgrades help keep hardware running smoothly

The 2840 is a so-called "all-in-one" printer, which can print, scan, fax and photocopy, and is designed for use in a small office setting. Like all computer hardware, the 2840 contains firmware, a set of built-in instructions that need to be rewritten from time to time. More than 40 oddities and operating quirks in the 2840 have been identified across most computer operating systems. Hewlett-Packard's firmware update promises to remedy these problems, including incompatibility with photo memory cards, lost or incoherent faxes and dropped computer connectivity.

Instructions

Download and install firmware update

1. 

   Visit HP's website for firmware upgrade.

   Connect your Color LaserJet 2840 to the computer--either USB or 10/100 network is fine. Turn on the computer and printer and log onto the 2840 page of HP's drivers and software center.

2. 

   Download the current version.

   Select the language your printer is set to from the drop-down menu. Then click on your operating system. Scroll down the download page until you find the firmware heading. Click on the gray button under "firmware." Then click "Save File" in the dialogue box that pops up.

3. Close all applications, then open the firmware upgrade by double-clicking on it. The update should have a name that starts with "28X0_FW_Update." The final eight numbers provide the update's release date in the yyyy/mm/dd format.

4. If a security filter asks, click "run" or "open," then begin the flashing process by selecting the LaserJet 2840 from the drop-down menu. Note that in most cases, the actual upgrade takes less than a second.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to close all applications when performing a firmware upgrade. Unlike driver changes, which can often be redone, a bad firmware flash can render devices unusable.

References

• Hewlett-Packard: 2800 Printer Center

Resources

• Hewlett-Packard: Download Center for HP Color LaserJet 2840