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HP LaserJet Enterprise - Manage firmware features with HP FutureSmart level-switching

Introduction
Before you begin
Step one: Determine the version of HP FutureSmart installed
Step two: Switch between versions of firmware

Introduction

The HP FutureSmart 3 introduces the ability to quickly and easily add or remove firmware versions using the HP FutureSmart level-switching.
Level switching allows administrators to install a single firmware bundle on a printer, and then change between versions of HP FutureSmart Firmware on demand. This allows administrators to compare, test, and qualify HP FutureSmart firmware features before upgrading the firmware across a fleet of printers.
Level switching also allows administrators to quickly and easily update or fix fleet firmware to the same HP FutureSmart level without testing new firmware features.
The level of HP FutureSmart firmware can be changed using the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS), HP Web Jetadmin, or the product control panel.
note:
It is possible to downgrade to a version of HP FutureSmart that does not support firmware switching. If this happens it is necessary to reinstall the latest version of HP FutureSmart to upgrade, if desired.
note:
Administrators can click the Security tab to use Access Control settings to prevent users from switching between versions of HP FutureSmart firmware.
Use the following information to switch between versions of firmware with HP FutureSmart 3.

Before you begin

Before switching between versions of firmware, verify that the product supports both HP FutureSmart 2 and HP FutureSmart 3.

Step one: Determine the version of HP FutureSmart installed

Use the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) to determine which version of the HP FutureSmart bundle is installed on the product, and the version of HP FutureSmart the product is currently running.
  1. Access the EWS.
    1. From the Home screen on the product control panel, touch the Network button to display the IP address or host name.
    2. Open a Web browser, and in the address line, type the IP address or host name exactly as it displays on the product control panel. Press the Enter key on the computer keyboard. The EWS opens.
      Figure : Example of an IP address in a browser window
      note:
      If the Web browser displays a There is a problem with this website’s security certificate message when attempting to open the EWS, click Continue to this website (not recommended).
      Choosing Continue to this website (not recommended) will not harm the computer while navigating within the EWS for the HP product.
      Figure :
  2. Click the General tab.
  3. On the left navigation pane, click Firmware Upgrade.
  4. In the Current Firmware Information area, locate the Firmware Bundle Version and the HP FutureSmart Level.
    • Firmware Bundle Version – The version of the installed bundle is displayed in this field. The Firmware Revision and Firmware Date Code fields display additional information about the bundle.
    • HP FutureSmart Level – This field displays the level of HP FutureSmart firmware the product is configured to run.
    note:
    The product should have HP FutureSmart 3, Bundle Version 3.2 or later

Step two: Switch between versions of firmware

note:
Settings will not be lost when switching between versions, as long as the version being switched to supports the same functionality.
Use one of the following methods to switch between versions of firmware:

Method one: Switch versions using the HP Embedded Webserver (EWS)

HP FutureSmart 3 Level Switching Using the HP Embedded Web Server
HP FutureSmart 3 Level Switching Using the HP Embedded Web Server
This video demonstrates the new HP FutureSmart 3 Firmware Level Switching feature using the HP Embedded Web Server, or EWS.
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.
To switch between versions of HP FutureSmart using the EWS, complete the following steps:
  1. Access the EWS.
  2. Click the General tab.
  3. On the left navigation pane, click Firmware Upgrade.
  4. In the Change HP FutureSmart Level area, select the desired level of HP FutureSmart from the drop down list.
  5. Click Change..., and wait for the product to restart.

Method two: Switch versions using Web Jetadmin

If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.
note:
HP Web Jetadmin SR4 or newer is required to switch between versions of firmware. For the latest version of HP Web Jetadmin, go to www.hp.com/go/webjetadmin.
To switch between versions of HP FutureSmart using the HP Web Jetadmin, complete the following steps:
  1. Open Web Jetadmin.
  2. On the left navigation pane, click All devices.
  3. In the All Devices area, select the product to change.
  4. On the lower portion of the screen, click the Config tab.
  5. Open the Device list, and then click FutureSmart level.
  6. In the FutureSmart Level area, select the checkbox next to the level box.
  7. In the Level box, type the desired level of HP FutureSmart.
    note:
    If a number outside of the range that the device supports is entered, HP Web Jetadmin automatically changes the version number to the nearest minimum or maximum level that the device supports.
  8. Click Apply, and wait for the product to restart.

Method three: Switch versions using the product control panel

Switch between versions of firmware using a 4–line control panel
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.
Switch between versions of firmware using a touchscreen control panel
If you have trouble viewing the video or to view the video in a different size, click here to play the video on YouTube.
To switch between versions of HP FutureSmart using the product control panel, complete the following steps:
  1. Press or touch the Home button.
  2. Open the following menus:
    • Device Maintenance
    • HP FutureSmart Level
  3. Select the desired version of HP FutureSmart, and then select Change.
  4. Select Change to confirm the change, and wait for the product to restart.

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