Samsung releases a firmware update to prevent compatible cartridges
On October 31st, Samsung released a new firmware upgrade for their printers. Most complex electronics have software that makes things function properly, and Samsung is no different. Many firmware upgrades are to fix previous incompatibilities and security vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, this particular firmware upgrade includes instructions to make the Samsung printer only work with original Samsung printer cartridges.
Most people who use Samsung printers are aware of the high price of the Samsung toner cartridges. Fortunately, there is a money saving alternative and that is Samsung compatible cartridges. These are not made by Samsung, but they are made to function and work with Samsung printers. The nice thing about Samsung compatible cartridges is the price. An original Samsung cartridge costs about 4 times that of a Samsung compatible cartridge. Therefore, significant savings can be had by using Samsung compatible cartridges.
Recently, updated Samsung printers will no longer work with Samsung compatible cartridges. Often times, the firmware update will happen behind the scenes, and users may not even notice or will automatically click OK when the pop-up appears. Fortunately, in order to make a Samsung printer work with compatible cartridges, it is only necessary to uninstall the new firmware upgrade. Then the Samsung printer will be back to the original settings, which worked fine with compatible cartridges.
Simply disconnect the printer from the Internet. Then uninstall the software or driver from the printer. Usually, this consists of uninstalling the printer and the driver that goes with it. The old driver can be found under printer and faxes, server properties, and then look under the drivers tab. If the old driver is not uninstalled, a prompt should ask if the old driver should be used. Just opt to install a new one instead of using the old driver.
After the old printer and driver are uninstalled, reinstall the printer using the original driver software. Older drivers, not containing the firmware, can also be found online. Once the printer and drivers are installed, the printer and Samsung compatible cartridges should work together again. After the printer is reconnected to the Internet, be sure to ignore the future firmware upgrade prompts. Using Samsung compatible cartridges can save a lot of money, and it is still possible to use them with Samsung printers.