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HP printer firmware blocks non genuine ink again claiming "malware attack"
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MrMobodies:
Before network to scan folder for many documents I used Irfanview which started the basic HP scan tool but that seems to look nice and more geared up for with no bloat and reminds me a little of Canon network scangear.


--- Quote ---We reverse engineered over 7100 scanners and included built in drivers in VueScan so you can keep using the scanner you already have.
Download VueScan and start scanning in 60 seconds.
--- End quote ---
That's nice they go to the effort.
NiHaoMike:

--- Quote from: PlainName on May 23, 2023, 08:29:58 pm ---BTW, regarding scanning programs, I found none of the printer manufacturer's stuff was that brilliant. I'd get used to one then change printer for various reasons (usually because it turned out to be shit, or break out of warranty, etc) and then my workflow wouldn't work with the new scanning app. Epson pissed me off by changing the app without the option to go back, so I had to readjust despite not even getting a new scanner!

So I splurged on VueScan which works with pretty much any scanner/AIO. Not cheap, but lifetime updates and all that, and you can change your scanner without raging at the stupid software that comes with it.

--- End quote ---
Or just make sure to get a scanner that's on the SANE supported list.
MrMobodies:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/hp-has-found-an-exciting-new-way-to-drm-your-printer/ar-AA1bHdGu

--- Quote ---The Verge
HP has found an exciting new way to DRM your printer!
Story by Sean Hollister • May 25
...

Here are a few choice quotes from the terms and conditions for HP’s ink service that I think you’ll appreciate (bolding mine):

You expressly allow HP to remotely change, patch, update or otherwise modify Your printer’s software  :bullshit: , firmware or programming remotely, without notice to You  :bullshit: , in order to provide the Service to You or to comply with applicable laws

Remote monitoring may include provision to HP of one or more of: page counts, types of documents printed (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, pdf, jpeg, etc.), types of devices that initiated print jobs, printer serial number, cartridge information (e.g. HP original cartridge status, and whether the cartridge was new or used at the time of its last insertion into the printer), and other similar types of metrics related to your Service as may be added by HP from time to time

You agree to maintain connectivity of Your Printer to the Internet and to not remove or disable any remote monitoring software or functionality on Your Printer

If Your printer is not connected to the Internet, then the Subscription Cartridges (as defined in section d. below) will be disabled, and You will not be able to use them to print; however, You will continue to be charged for the Service as described in Section 7 (“Paying for Your Service”). In order to reactivate disabled cartridges, You will need to reconnect Your printer to the Internet and keep it connected

When Your Service is cancelled for any reason, HP will remotely disable the Subscription Cartridges and You will no longer be able to print with the Subscription Cartridges. In such a case, you will need to purchase a regular HP cartridge compatible with your printer, in order to continue printing

HP may increase or otherwise change the Service Plan Fee and Overage Fee, and add additional fees, for any Service Plan, or otherwise change or add Service Plans at any time in HP’s sole discretion with prior notice to You
--- End quote ---

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/hewlett-packard-disables-printers-non-hp-ink/

--- Quote ---Hewlett-Packard hit with complaints after disabling printers that use rival firms’ ink cartridges
12 May 2023, 10:29
...
Hewlett-Packard has prompted an 11111 after disabling printers of customers who try to use ink from rival companies.

HP has released a new ‘firmware’ update which blocks customers from using cheaper non-HP ink.

Customers’ printers were remotely updated and will now only work with approved ink cartridges which are fitted with a special microchip.

HP said the change was made to ‘reduce the risk of malware attacks’, adding 'third-party cartridges that use non-HP chips or circuitry can pose risks to the hardware performance, print quality, and security.'
...
HP’s website says the company also blocks the use of rival cartridges in order to * “maintain the integrity of our printing systems, and protect our intellectual property”.

One customer complained online: “We've been confused about why the printer won't print. Turns out hp has ink cartridges that won't work if you're not paying their monthly subscription. That's an absolutely crazy thing to do. Got my printer blocking the ink that's IN THE CARTRIDGE”
...
One angry woman said she “previously loved” HP printers but will now “never buy one again their underhanded dealings via ink supply-including their subscription is too ‘Big Brother’ for me”

Last year the company paid $1.35m (£1m) to consumers in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal who had bought printers not knowing they were equipped with the cartridge-blocking feature
--- End quote ---
I don't see any integrity left in them. If they care about their "intellectual property" so much that they put into the printers and firmware, they can keep it I don't want if it is going to be so precious and sentimental to them that they have to  start meddling/interfering and affecting the customer's use where it no longer does the things it once did out of the box.

https://www.techradar.com/news/hp-printers-could-soon-lose-their-official-environmental-certification-following-user-fury

--- Quote ---HP printers could soon lose their official environmental certification following user fury
By Craig Hale published 4 days ago
HP firmware is not *environmentally friendly, body claims

A complaint has been issued by Executive Director Tricia Judge, on behalf of the International Imaging Technology Council (IITC), calling for around 100 HP printer models to have their official environmental certification revoked, due to the company’s suspect firmware updates.

The IITC - which describes itself as the “trade association of toner and inkjet cartridge remanufacturers, component suppliers and cartridge collectors in North America” - addressed its complaint to the Global Electronics Council (GEC), which is responsible for managing the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registry, calling out HP for “greenwashing” and false labeling.

In the letter, Judge wrote: “[HP] has made a mockery of the EPEAT registration process,” citing firmware issues and company morales over manufacturing and production concerns.

HP greenwashing
Judge specifically points at criterion 4.9.2.1 of the EPEAT, which requires “documentation that product does not prevent the use of non-manufacturer cartridges and non-manufacturer containers.”

However, despite its various EPEAT-certified printer models, HP’s Dynamic Security update  :bullshit: and HP+ subscription each have been recorded blocking anything other than the company’s own ink, blatantly neglecting the above criterion.

While HP does promise to recycle cartridges in over 60 countries and territories globally (assuming that Instant Ink subscribers stick to returning empties), the fact that tens of other manufacturers recycling their cartridges cannot sell them for use in HP models is of significant environmental importance. Not forgetting the likely price hike that comes with using OEM ink for consumers.

The complaint calls out tens of individual business printer models on pages 8 and 9, including the LaserJet, DesignJet, and OfficeJet families, on the grounds of the Dynamic Security firmware update. It also highlights models like the DeskJet, Envy, LaserJet, and OfficeJet on the grounds of HP+.

HP did not immediately respond to TechRadar Pro’s request for comment on the matter.

Check out the best hybrid working tech for supporting office-based and home-based working
--- End quote ---
Good

*More like HP's attitude. If a printer was purchased with a set of features and it worked out of the box with a set of third party cartridges and I don't mean the ones enrolled with the ink subscription then leave those printers alone.
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