Fixing USB Connection Issues After Installing Chipless Firmware on a Printer

Question:
After installing chipless firmware, I can't get my laptop to recognize the printer when connecting with a USB Type-A to Type-B cable. What could be causing this problem, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

When a printer stops being detected over USB after installing chipless firmware, the issue is usually related to drivers or system recognition rather than the cable itself. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

1. Driver Compatibility Issues

   • After flashing chipless firmware, the printer may no longer identify itself as the same device in Windows or macOS. This means your computer may need a new driver installation.

   • Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Report > USB (Mac) to see if the printer appears under a different name or as an "Unknown Device."

   • Reinstall the printer driver manually, or if provided, use the chipless firmware's dedicated driver package.

2. USB Port and Cable Check

   • Even though you are using a Type-A to Type-B cable (the standard printer USB cable), confirm it is a data cable and not a "charge-only" cable. Some cheaper cables do not support data transfer.

   • Try connecting to a different USB port directly on the laptop, avoiding hubs or adapters.

3. Firmware Installation Confirmation

   • Sometimes the chipless firmware installation only partially completes. If the firmware isn't fully applied, the printer can remain in a "limbo state" where the USB controller isn't fully functional. Re-run the chipless firmware installer and confirm the process completes without interruption.

4. Common Error Codes and Symptoms

   • If you see an Error 2000020C or USB Device Not Recognized in Windows, it means the driver is missing or corrupted.

   • If the printer powers on but is invisible to the laptop, it's almost always a driver or firmware mismatch.

5. Next Steps

   • Uninstall the printer completely from your system, including drivers.

   • Restart your computer and reinstall using the proper driver package for chipless firmware.

   • If that fails, try the connection on a different laptop to confirm whether the issue is with your computer setup or the printer itself.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can work on your printer. Our repair services cover either the whole machine or specific components, with clear instructions included. That said, our rates may not be the lowest, so we recommend also trying self-help via online resources. A great starting point is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where you can use the search bar next to "About" to look up guides on chipless firmware installation, driver setup, and USB troubleshooting.

Thank you again for your question and for supporting BCH Technologies. We hope this guidance helps you get your printer recognized by your laptop again.