Firmware Update Instructions

Overview

Firmware update is essential to enhance the printer’s performance and/or fix printer issues. However, this procedure should only be performed if Lexmark Technical Support has recommended a firmware update. Recommendations will be made by a technician if a printer function or printing anomaly is known to be corrected by updating the printer firmware.

How to Check the Firmware Code Level of the Printer

To identify your current firmware code, try either of the following options:

Option 1

Print the Menu Settings Page (MSP).

  1. On the printer control panel, press Menu or Settings.
  2. Press Reports.
  3. Press Menu Settings Page to print.
  4. Look for the Device Information section on the print outs.
  5. Look for Base or Engine.

Option 2

If the printer is connected to the network, you may check its firmware code through the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

  1. Open a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.) and enter the printer's IP address.
  2. Click Reports.
  3. Click Device or Device Information.
  4. Look for Base or Engine.

How to Download Firmware

  • Go to the Drivers & Downloads page.
  • Enter the printer model name and then select Find Drivers & Downloads.
  • Using the table filters, sort by Type: Firmware.
  • When you select the firmware, a modal will pop up with a EULA -- the download will not start until you have read and agree to the terms.

How to Update Firmware

Note: Do not update the firmware if you are unsure about the presence of special code or code that is specific to a Downloadable Language Emulator (DLE). A strong recommendation is to contact Lexmark Technical Support and seek the advice of a trained technician if unsure whether updating firmware is right for you.

  1. Choose firmware update method.
    1. USB Flash Drive or Thumb Drive.
    2. Using a computer.
  2. Once you have the latest firmware downloaded, extract the zip file and locate the firmware flash (.fls) file.
  3. Printer must be in a Ready state or set the printer to Invalid Engine Code state.
    Note: Contact Lexmark Technical Support on how to set the printer to Invalid Engine Code.
  4. Make sure that NO other option cards are installed in the device, as these options often require specific firmware to operate properly. To do this, print a Menu Settings page and look for these options listed under Installed Features or Installed Options.
    Note: Failure to ignore this step will cause the update to fail, and it can potentially lead an unrecoverable error.
  5. Determine whether your printer is connected via local (USB cable) or network (Ethernet or wireless) and make sure both computer and printer are communicating properly.
Computer Operating System Printer Connection Type Firmware Update Method

Linux

Network

Embedded Web Server (EWS)

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Mac

Network

Embedded Web Server (EWS)

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Windows

Local

USButil (DOS-based) and/or USB Flash Utility (GUI-based)

Windows

Network

Embedded Web Server (EWS)

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Document ID:HO550

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