Updating the firmware of an HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234sdwe keeps the printer secure and fixes faults, and when the update will not install or the printer shows an update message, the usual causes are the connection, the way the update is started and the printer's state. The simplest route is HP Smart, which can check for firmware updates for the printer on your network, or the printer's own menu under Setup, Printer Maintenance, Update the Printer. Before you start, make sure the printer is on the network, shows Ready, has no jam or error and is not printing; keep it powered on and do not switch it off during the update, which restarts the printer more than once.
The checks in more detail
If automatic updates are turned on, the printer updates itself when idle, so a message that an update is in progress should be left alone. If the printer cannot reach HP's servers, check the network. Print a network configuration page, check the address and the signal and make sure that the printer's DNS is set correctly; use a wired connection if you can. A firewall or a router with filtering may block the update, so test on another network or ask the administrator. Restart the printer and the router and try again. If a message says that dynamic security is enabled and the printer will not accept third-party toner, that is a firmware feature, not an update failure.
You can also download the firmware file from HP's support page and install it from a computer, using the firmware update utility, with the printer connected by USB. Follow HP's instructions exactly, and do not interrupt it. Note the firmware version before and after, from the configuration page, so you know whether it took. If an update leaves the printer unresponsive, switch it off for a minute and on again; if it still fails, contact HP with the serial number. After the update, print a test page and check that scanning works. The M234sdwe is a LaserJet MFP with a touch panel and Wi-Fi, and HP Smart can offer firmware updates through the app as well as from the printer's own Setup menu.
Before updating, check that the printer is on a stable Wi-Fi connection or, better, connected by USB to the computer, and that nothing is queued; an update that is interrupted by a dropped connection or a power cut can leave the printer showing an error at start-up. If the update fails to download, restart the printer and the router and try again in the HP Smart app.
HP also publishes the firmware as a file for each operating system on its support page for the model, which you run from a computer connected by USB. Do not turn the printer off while the panel shows that an update is in progress, and leave it for several minutes after it restarts. If automatic updates caused a problem you did not expect, the setting can be switched to manual in the printer's web page.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP LaserJet M234sdwe firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The printer is busy or in an error
What separates it The update will not start
How to confirm Clear errors and stop printing
- 2
The printer cannot reach HP's servers
What separates it An update error message
How to confirm Check the network, DNS and signal
- 3
A firewall or router filter
What separates it The update is blocked
How to confirm Test on another network
- 4
An interrupted update
What separates it The printer restarts and fails
How to confirm Retry without interruption
- 5
A corrupt download
What separates it The update repeats
How to confirm Install from a computer by USB
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact symptom and when it began
- The ink or toner state
- The paper type used
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedClear errors and stop printing
ReversibleBefore updating.
Start from HP Smart or the menu
ReversibleUpdate the Printer.
Check the network
ReversibleDNS and signal.
Use USB and the utility
ReversibleIf it fails.
Never switch off
ReversibleDuring the update.
Contact HP
ReversibleIf it will not update.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Automatic updates
- The printer can update itself.
- Version
- Note it before and after.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the problem persists after these steps, contact the maker with the model and serial number
- !Do not keep running cleaning cycles
- !Keep the receipt for warranty
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update the M234sdwe?+
HP Smart or Setup, Printer Maintenance.
Can I update by USB?+
Yes, with HP's utility.
Should I turn it off?+
Not during an update.
What is dynamic security?+
A firmware feature about supplies.