1. HP LaserJet P4014 Printers / CB512A
2. Windows XP SP3
3. No error message, the feature just doesn't work with the newest firmware anymore even if its configured to do so
4. Updated to the latest firmware several months ago, which can not be undone (thanks HP)
So I've had several issues with the P4014, it began when I tried to update firmware 20120718 04.170.3. This firmware caused lots of issues which I have since fixed, it has been brought to my attention that there is an outstanding issue since upgraded firmware.
Prior to the firmware update when a toner cartridge was low, anyone was able to shake some extra life out of the cartridge until it was completely empty. This WAS great considering they ARE expensive to replace.
Since the firmware upgrade several months ago, each of the 3 printers that were updated stop printing when the printer senses them to be low. They just stop even though it still has a decent % left. You can take the toner out shake it all over the place, insert it back in but the printer will not be so easily fooled.
According to the printer settings there are three adjustable settings for "REPLACE BLACK CARTRIDGE"; "Stop at low", "Stop at out" and "Override at out". Like before, it should allow printing to continue prior to updating the firmware if you chose the proper option "Override at Out".
From the printer manual (OVERRIDE AT OUT : Select this option to override the message and continue printing after the print cartridge is depleted. HP does not guarantee print quality after you select this option.) is stated for this function. I don't understand why after updating the firmware and having the printer interface option selected to stop at out it won't allow us to continue printing even if the toner is not out.
Another thing to add is that the option on the printer itself is not there but is only on the web console for the printers.
One more VERY ODD thing I noticed is that out of 3 of the same printers with the same firmware; 20120718 04.170.3
Two of the printers show three options:
REPLACE BLACK CARTRIDGE: "Stop at low" "Stop at out" "Override at out"
While only one of the printers only has two options and does not show the 3rd:
REPLACE BLACK CARTRIDGE: "Stop at low" "Stop at out"
I attached the examples of two of the same printers both with the same firmware, one showing 3 options for "REPLACE BLACK CARTRIDGE" and the other showing 2. Regardless of how bizarre this is in itself, neither one of them works when setting the option to stop at out or stop at override at out.
Basically we are wasting money because of a firmware upgrade, unless anyone has any ideas how to override this beyond the printer settings (which don't work). I would really appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance