Epson Firmware Update - Now Cartridges Not Recognised

Chrishazle

Does anyone know if a firmware update to an Epson WF-3520DWF printer can be reversed / uninstalled? Win 7 home premium, USB connection.

Had the printer 10 months, using compatible cartridges without problem. Firmware update (after a fight) a couple of weeks ago, first time since then I've had to change a cartridge - did all 3 colours but not the black (.50% full), printer does not recognise any of the 4 cartridges. Tried 2 complete new sets - same result. All Epson say is "we cannot guarantee our printer will work with compatible rather than genuine Epson cartridges", they won't answer my questions about the firmware update.

All I can see at the moment is :
1. Some compatible cartridge sellers guarantee their cartridges will work. I can ask, then buy from one of them.
2. I can spend loads of money on genuine Epson cartridges.
3. I can bin a 10 month old £90 AIO printer and buy a replacement.

Apparently Epson are well known for using a firmware update to update the OEM block in the cartridge recognition stuff, and it takes a while for compatible manufacturers to change chips to make their cartridges work. Strikes me that OFT might take an interest in that!!

All help appreciated!

DevCoder

Strikes me that OFT might take an interest in that!!

Why? Epson are well within their rights to ensure that only their cartridges are used so they can give a warranty on the device.

Nothing wrong with that at all.

DevCoder

To answer your question, the average user cannot roll back the firmware. There is a very technical way to achieve it but it involves defeating the firmware update (older one) checking routines so that it just overwrites the firmware without caring whats there already.

kwikbreaks

I have an older Epson printer that hasn't been impacted by this but I've seen it reported by others and have resolved that when my own printer curls up its toes it won't get replaced with an Epson.

Considering the price Epson charge for a full set of cartridges I think you'll be better off getting a new printer from a different manufacturer. Hopefully others will think the same way so Epson lose sales over this underhand trick.

Chrishazle

Problem "solved" for now. Epson CIC were not much use, but I found an "Epson Express Repairer" 8 miles away. He had a printer with suitable Epson cartridges installed, so I took my printer to him, we installed those cartridges - and they work.

Luckily I'd already priced cartridges online - so when he wanted £63 for a full set - and he'd have to order them in so I'd have to collect them - I was able to decline. PCWorld were only £1 cheaper, but Ebuyer, just under £50 for the set, plus as an existing customer I got free next day delivery.

Now to wait for the compatible guys to change their chips to bypass this latest firmware update!

WTFH

How much did he charge you for the help he gave you?

Chrishazle

Printer is still under warranty, so he took a copy of my purchase receipt, plus my details, printer serial number etc, and said Epson could pay for his time! Also, if I'd bought Epson cartridges from him (for £63 instead of £50, plus the 16 mile round trip to collect them) I could get a years free warranty extension on the printer. Decided against that.

thor

How did the printer update it's firmware in the first place? I've got an Epson XP-305 and I'm worried that it might update wirelessly when I am using it without being able to stop it. Is there a way to prevent this from happening without disconnecting it from my router?

Chrishazle

It came up on screen - and without thinking, I accepted the firmware update as well as a driver update. My printer also has a wireless connection (as well as USB), you don't need to worry about that, it's the "check for updates" thing in the Epson software on your PC.

Epson swear blind that the firmware update would not cause the change in the cartridge recognition, they say the fault must be in the cartridges. Yeah, right! The cartridge I did not change had been working OK for quite a while, until the first cartridge change after the firmware update.

supersaverg

It is Epson's firmware update. Same happened to me as just stated on another post. Bought Brother printer and all seems well. Cheaper ink too.

sillygoose

supersaverg wrote: »

It is Epson's firmware update. Same happened to me as just stated on another post. Bought Brother printer and all seems well. Cheaper ink too.

As long as people are aware and disable the updating its never a problem and I get perfectly good new compatible cartridges for less than a pound each. They actually contain far more ink than the standard chip thinks so I have a little gizmo that lets me reprogram the chip when half empty so the printer thinks they are full again. So cartridges cost me more like 50p a go. No other printer can get near that apart from refilling with messy ink bottles.