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Model: C11CD10201 Print/Copy/Scan/Fax Auto Document Feeder Will print on both sides of page Wifi / Inkjet

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Problem downgrading the firmware of an Epson WF-7840

Good morning everyone,

I've had the bad idea to upgrade the firmware of our Epson WF-7840 (version CD17M6 now).

Now, our non epson cartridges are not recognised anymore.

I've search the web about how to downgrade the firmware. I found the procedure, found how to put the printer in "recovery mode" and, on the Epson website, I found the "Recovery Mode Firmware version CB08LC" for the Epson WF-7840.

But it doesn't work...

First problem, the model of the printer does not appear in the "Epson firmware updater" but it sees that a printer is connected.

Second problem, and it is where it stops, when I launch the Update, it fails with a message on the printer's screen "Data file not found".

I tried with my mac (macbook pro 16" m1 max) and with an older macbook pro from 2009 with the same result. I tried with another USB cable and still no luck.

What am I doing wrong?

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Can someone give visual like pics or something because i have the old file but i get confused when you get to the trick your update part lol... i dont know how to switch them or what it entails.

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HOW DO I DOWNGRADE epson wf 7310 printer FIRMWARE?? having a problem with the chipset

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Hi folks,

I have a WF-7840

I really don’t have time to explain this, but I am so discouraged by how badly tech people explain things, I bit the bullet and put together a more comprehensive step by step.

I thought I would help all those other non-tech people out there by posting clear and a layman friendly explanation in proper English. I will give a short version first, then a bit of a longwinded version later which might help some people understand what’s going on, and what each file is for, and hopefully feel more comfortable with the process.  In the end, after you’re done, you’ll realize it’s quite simple and the next time you do it (god forbid), you’ll find it rather easy.

I will also explain some of the file naming discrepancies that are quite confusingly described in other posts. Or rather, I will indicate the proper file names or download locations

I hope I didn’t make any typos below. But if I did, please point them out and I will correct if I have time. Also, looks like the Word formatting got messed up a bit. Sorry about that. No time to figure out formatting.

Edit [March 2025]: If these instructions don’t get you to the finish line, please refer to Router Downer’s post below for a modification that may be required due to some possible recent updates on Epson’s end. I believe his post is Jan 23rd, 2025. Also, RouterDowner suggests using my long description for a more reliable repair.

 

So, here goes.

 

“Short” version (see after screenshots for longer version with more explanation):

1.      Download the old Epson recovery files. These are simply the recovery software for an older version of the firmware. Here are the links:

a.      https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4....

b.      https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4....

2.      Next, Download the current recovery utility tool from Epson’s current WF-7840 support site. This will have a longer name than the files in step 1 above (i.e., FWCH67TL_CD08M4.exe).

a.      https://epson.com/Support/Printers/All-I...

3.      So, now you have the files you need. Next step is to get the old firmware files unpacked from the files downloaded in 1:

a.      Run the old utility downloaded in step 1a (“FW_CD08M4.exe”).  What this does is start the recovery process. Normally you would have your printer in recovery mode during this step (described later), but it’s not necessary right now since you’re just trying to get the old recovery software (which won’t work anymore) to unpack the older firmware into your “temp” folder so you can copy it for later use.

b.      Navigate to C:\Users\”your name here”\AppData\Local\Temp (ensure hidden and system files are visible)

c.      You should now be in:

                                                              i.      C:\Users\”your name here”\AppData\Local\Temp

                                                             ii.      DON’T go into the Epson folder.

                                                           iii.      When you ran the old Recovery utility in step 3a above, a folder called “Firmware Updater()” appeared in the “Temp” folder. Inside it will be the old firmware files. Copy these anywhere you want. This file is called “FWCH67TL.rcx”.

                                                           iv.      Cancel the Recovery update utility. The “Firmware Updater()” folder will disappear. But you got the file you need.

4.      Now you have the old Firmware files saved.

5.      Next you have to attach your printer to a USB printer cable (port located next to the power cable on the back of the printer).

6.      Next you need to put your printer into recovery mode by pressing and holding the following buttons simultaneously:

a.      4,7, job/status, power button

b.      The printer screen will go black, then shortly after some white text indicating it’s in recovery mode will appear.

7.      Next run the software you downloaded in step 2 (current Epson recovery firmware named “FWCH67TL_CD30N1.exe”).  Note, this won’t work if your printer isn’t in recovery mode.

8.      So this does the exact same thing as the old recovery utility software from step 3. It unpacks the firmware into the “Firmware Updater()” folder in the “Temp” folder.  But this time you want to deploy firmware onto your printer. But not yet. First:

9.      You need to replace the new firmware files just unpacked (also called FWCH67TL.rcx) with the old firmware unpacked and saved in step 3.c.iii.. So, replace the firmware that was just unpacked.  You want to replace this newer firmware that was just unpacked into “Firmware Updater()” with the old firmware you saved in step 3.c.iii above (note: keep the newer Recovery Utility software open/running on your computer while doing this or the folder “Firmware Updater()” will disappear).

10.  Once you have replaced these files in the newly created “Firmware Updater() folder, you can finish the last installation steps in the software. It’s pretty user friendly. Just follow the remaining prompts from where you left off before pausing to replace the firmware files with old files.

a.      Don’t select the Network connection type to the printer however. Tick the box next to the USB connection type only.

11.  The newer Epson recovery utility software was essentially tricked into deploying the older firmware you copied into the “Firmware Updater()” folder onto the printer.

12.  The software will then say something similar to “wait for the printer to power itself down”. You’re lucky if the printer actually powers itself down. I clicked “finish” in the software. The software closed, but it looked like my printer was still deploying the firmware onto it’s internal “chip(s)”. The power button was flashing intermittently (but also sometimes solid), and the white text message on the screen wasn’t definitive.  So I walked away for an hour and let it do it’s thing.

13.  When I returned, almost half the lights on my printer were blinking, including error, printer, and many other. Lit up like a Christmas tree.  Quite alarming, but nothing to worry about. Still some non-definitive text on the screen (but new stuff from before). Holding the power button did nothing.

14.  Easy fix.

a.      Unplug.

b.      Plug back in.

c.      Power up by pressing power button.

15.  Printer accepts previously rejected printer cartridges. Everything working properly.

Okay, not that short. Longer version with more explanation below screenshots.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Screenshots supposed to be here. Will try and get then entered properly, but may appear at bottom, or not at all if there's not option for easily posting screenshots.

Screenshot 1: Firmware Updater() folder does not show up until you run the recovery utilities.

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Screenshot 2: When you run the recovery utilities, the folder underlined in red will show up.

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Screenshot 3: Epson recovery utility. In this case, the printer is not in recovery mode, and the installed firmware is newer than the “newest” recovery firmware, so the status column shows error messages about “It cannot be updated”. When the printer is in recovery mode, these messages won’t appear, so nothing to worry about.

Block Image

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Long version (see above screenshots for a shorter, more concise version with less explanation):

1.      Download the old Epson recovery files (first link “a” below). This is simply the recovery software for an older version of the firmware. Here are the links:

a.      https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4....

b.      https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4....

2.      Download the current recovery utility tool from epson’s current WF-7840 support site. This will have a longer name than the files in step 1 above (i.e., FWCH67TL_CD08M4.exe).

a.      https://epson.com/Support/Printers/All-I...

b.      You will find this official, current recovery utility at the following link (but not immediately at the home page the link brings you to). You also need to navigate to:

                                                              i.       “downloads”,

                                                             ii.      Choose your operating system (if not automatically detected by Epson),

                                                           iii.      Then go to the firmware category, and download the recovery utility.

3.      So, now you have the files you need. Next step is to get the old firmware files unpacked from the files downloaded in 1:

a.      Run the old utility downloaded in step 1a (“FW_CD08M4.exe”).  What this does is start the recovery process. Normally you would have your printer in recovery mode during this step (described later), but it’s not necessary right now since you’re just trying to get the old recovery software (which won’t work anymore) to unpack the older firmware into your “temp” folder so you can copy it for later use. Why people just don’t post these older firmware files is beyond me. Maybe it’s a legal issue.

b.      So where is this mysterious temp folder where these firmware files are unpacked?. You can get to the temp folder following the manual way people describe elsewhere in this topic (basically just navigating to C:\Users\”your name here”\AppData\Local\Temp)

c.      You should now be in:

                                                              i.      C:\Users\”your name here”\AppData\Local\Temp

                                                             ii.      DON’T go into the Epson folder. Yes it lives here also in the “temp” folder, but I don’t know why people keep saying to go there. The Recovery Utility doesn’t use it to unpack the old firmware. It creates a new folder in “Temp” with no indication it is an Epson folder (see next step).

                                                           iii.      When you ran the old Recovery utility in step 3a above, a folder called “Firmware Updater()” appeared in the “Temp” folder. Inside it will be the old firmware files. Copy these anywhere you want. I saved them on my dropbox so I never have to go through steps 1a to 1d again if I ever have to do this downgrade over.

                                                           iv.      Cancel the Recovery update utility. The “Firmware Updater()” folder will disappear. But you got the files you need.

a.      If you can’t see the files or folders noted above, make sure hidden and system files are visible. Do a google search for this if you don’t know how. It varies by operating system

4.      Now you have the old Firmware files saved.

5.      Next you have to attach your printer to a USB printer cable (port located next to the power cable on the back of the printer). Epson recommends you unplug other USB devices which is silly. Just unplug other printers or other devices I may not be thinking of that could be damaged. I left my external hard drive plugged in without issue.

6.      Next you need to put your printer into recovery mode by pressing and holding the following buttons simultaneously:

a.      4,7, job/status, power button

b.      The printer screen will go black, then shortly after some white text indicating it’s in recovery mode will appear.

7.      Next run the software you downloaded in step 2 (current Epson recovery firmware named “FWCH67TL_CD30N1.exe”).  Note, this won’t work if your printer isn’t in recovery mode since the “recovery” firmware is likely older than the firmware currently in your printer.  You will just see a window on your computer stating the firmware can’t be “downgraded” if you’re not in recovery mode on the printer.  It will only run properly if you’re in recovery mode on the printer.  It’s possible that Epson may rename this software in newer versions. But as long as you downloaded it from the link in step 2a, or just navigated to Epson’s support page using google, you should be fine.

8.      So this does the exact same thing as the old recovery utility software from step 3. It unpacks the firmware into the same  “Firmware Updater()” folder in the “Temp” folder.  But this time you want to deploy firmware onto your printer. But not yet.

9.      You need to replace the new firmware with the old firmware. So, replace the firmware that was just unpacked using the recovery utility.  You want to replace this newer firmware that was just unpacked into “Firmware Updater()” with the old firmware you saved in step 3.c.iii above (remember, keep the newer Recovery Utility open on your computer while doing this or the folder “Firmware Updater()” will disappear).

10.  Once you have replaced these files in the newly created “Firmware Updater() folder, you can finish the last installation steps in the software. It’s pretty user friendly. Just follow the remaining prompts from where you left off before pausing to replace the firmware files with old files.

a.      Don’t select the Network connection type to the printer however. Tick the box next to the USB connection type (see screenshot below)…except you wont see the “Downgraded(it cannot be updated) message that’s in the screenshot if your printer is in recovery mode).

11.  The newer Epson recovery utility software was essentially tricked into deploying the older firmware you copied into the “Firmware Updater()” folder.

12.  The software will then say something similar to “wait for the printer to power itself down”. You’re lucky if the printer actually powers itself down. I clicked “finish” in the software. The software closed, but it looked like my printer was still deploying the firmware onto it’s internal “chip(s)”. The power button was flashing intermittently (but also sometimes solid), and the white text message on the screen wasn’t definitive.  So I walked away for an hour and let it do it’s thing.

13.  When I returned, almost half the lights on my printer were blinking, including error, printer, and many other. Lit up like a Christmas tree.  Quite alarming, but nothing to worry about. Still some non-definitive text on the screen (but new stuff from before). Holding the power button did nothing.

14.  Easy fix.

a.      Unplug.

b.      Plug back in.

c.      Power up by pressing power button.

15.  Printer accepts previously rejected printer cartridges. Everything working properly.

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17 Comments:

Thank you! 🙏 Gives me hope to try again. I got as far as being able to downgrade- but it'll only accept Epson cartridges. I want to use refillable third-party ones with one-time use chips.

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Im glad you feel you have hope again. Yes, very discouraging. I noticed you are using Mac. Im not sure my instructions are good for Mac since I used PC. If for some reason you can’t get it to succeed with Mac, I am betting you could find a friend with a PC and successfully connect it to the printer to downgrade the firmware. For reference, I was on windows 11. I would be very surprised if firmware was operating system specific since it would have to work out of the box for both mac and pc.

Edit: sorry, I was confusing you with the OP. But for anyone using Mac, the above may still be helpful if the instructions don’t apply to the Mac Operating System.

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WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS POST @DaveYVR. OMG I AM GOING TO TRY THIS WHEN MY BRAIN SLOWS DOWN AS I AM SO TIRED TRYING TO GET BOTH ME 7820 AND MY 7840 WORKING AGAIN.

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This worked perfectly for me, thank you so much for explaining this step-by-step!

Tips: When starting recovery mode, mine did not say recovery mode, it was just a black screen with some white type.

My printer also did not restart on its own, I unplugged it once it said the update was complete.

My printer also offered me a firmware update as soon as it powered back on. Obviously, make sure you decline! Also on your computer, you can update settings to NEVER for checking updates to prevent an accidental upgrade. Here is a link if you need that step by step. (https://www.compandsave.com/epson-printe...)

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You are amazing. Thank you so Much.

Where putting into recovery mode, make sure to turn off first, then hit 4,7, Job/status and Power ON.

At end, just let the machine work after update is done. Give it 30 minutes, it will power off, then everything works great.

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In order to fix the problem you need to reinstall FWCH67TL_CD08M4 .This can be done tricking the updater swapping the file during the update .

Go to the temp directory on the C:\Users\Your-Username\AppData\Local\Temp, you should find a Epson directory run the FWCH67TL_CD08M4.exe, now on the temp directory above you will find a directory called Firmware Updater() copy the file FWCH67TL in a safe place (this is the firmware you want).

Close the updater now run FWCH67TL_CD17M6.exe you will find in the Temp directory a new Firmware Updater() directory swap the file FWCH67T to the file you have previously saved continue the update overriding the firmware on the printer.

This should work for any other updated firmware.

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Where to find the old firmware files?

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@Paul Muir These don't appear to be the files listed in the thread above

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Is the FWFWCH67TL the same for the WF7820?

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AWESOME. Thank you so much. I have the WF-7840 . I couldnt get it to work at first but ended up opening the the older firmware to install and just copied both the folder that were created in the temp loaction (WZSE1.TMP and Fimware Updater1). then went to install the new update and just pasted both those copied folders into the new folder and replaced the files in the destination. Thanks so much

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Hey all,

Does anyone actually have a copy of the Epson Recovery Mode Firmware tool that isn't the "latest", such as "FWCH67TL_CD08M4.exe"? I'm looking to recover my WF-7820 that was auto-updated today (1/23/2025).

The CD29OB update from 1/3/2023 was applied and of course Epson doesn't seem to archive previous versions (or maybe they do and I couldn't exercise the proper URL path) of the recovery mode firmware at all (not a real shock if their objective is to eliminate prior firmware that is compatible with 3rd party ink).

It seems the Epson Recovery Mode Firmware CD29OB may have been patched to eliminate prior firmware "side loading", so having access to the prior tool versions would be required for self-repair, etc. If you have a different experience, feel free to respond as it's unclear from the current comments if recent recovery comments were from the 1/3/2025 CD29OB update or something just prior.

If you have a proper link, or can provide the tool that'd be great. In theory if they're signed properly for Windows, it shouldn't be an issue versus providing a blind executable without it being signed. Maybe throwing this stuff on a Github repo with up-to-date instructions would be a good solution if iFixit doesn't have something similar.

Thanks!

---

UPDATE 1/26/2025:

Ok,

So if you're dealing with CD29OB drivers and trying to rollback, here's what you do (just follow DaveYVRs instructions, but here are the files you need):

This will allow you to downgrade with the recovery tool, as the CD29OB one patched out the ability to supplant the driver file in some way.

DaveYVRs instructions are good enough to get you through it, just remember to connect the printer via USB, power up the printer, use the "Power, 4, 7, Job Status" and you'll see the recovery mode initiate on the printer screen, copy the FWCH67TL.rcx file into the proper place when the recovery tool is running (but you haven't started the update), start the update (you'll see it copy everything and you can "finish" the process when prompted), set a timer for 15 minutes and eventually your printer will go into Xmas tree mode (flashing lights), just power it off and use as you normally would (for me that would be setup on the Ethernet connection) -- I didn't have to remove any ink cartridges after rebooting it, everything just worked normally.

Epson seems to archive some of the drivers in https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FILENAME_H... URL path, but some of the older stuff mentioned in this thread are definitely not available in that URL path. I would suggest keeping versions of the drivers and an older version of the recovery firmware tool around in a github repo, or wherever -- really makes this whole thing much easier than relying on Epson to do something consumer-friendly.

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IT WORKED!!! IT WORKED!!!

Dude… I was at my wits end with this LOL and I refuse to buy more ink when I have 4 brand new black that it suddenly wouldn’t recognize. I just bought the printer a month ago I thought I was taking crazy pills. Learned my lesson— never update the firmware, but I’m glad I have the downgrade saved in case it happens again.. seriously thank you guys for figuring it out ❤️

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Thanks Router Downer for the follow up. Much appreciated. Gave you a thumbs up. I will edit mine when I have time to make reference to your post here so people can further troubleshoot if my instructions dont get them to the finish line.

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Thanks for the update I did what you did and was able edit the installer dmg file with the older update firmware file so I could just double click downgrader.dmg after putting printer into recovery and it worked like you said. Here's a link if anyone wants to use the downgrader dmg i made: https://github.com/TylerSharpe11/Epson-p...

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I was able to run the https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4.... after I started my WF-7840 in recovery mode connected with a USB cable.

Recovery Mode = power off printer then hold the 4,7, job status and power button. I did not unplug the printer until it would not restart itself from the recovery mode. After the unplug and restart, I had to remove the ink cartridges and reinsert them. After that it worked!

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Does the printer need to be turn on or off?

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This was great. I never found out where the files were located running the updeater, but it did not matter. I saved the files from Epson web site on my computer in a "Printer" folder. Opened the .exe Recover file and got the message could not update, so i went to next step and put the printer in recovery mode using the keys mentioned in step 6a. Once it went into recovery mode and the Updater was ran, the printer screen showed 3 files it updated. I did not know where they came from, but powered off the printer and on again and all the cartridges were now recognized. working like normal.

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I was on my last chance since the reddit information didn't work. this worked awesome. I was afraid it wasn't going to work and then wahlah, the printer turned off. i turned it back on without the ink inside, put the ink in after that and all errors were gone. thank you so very much!!!!! it was the new firmware that also caused my errors for those who are looking after they are trying to find a solution.

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My printer won’t print after the firm ware update! I have googled and googled and I can’t find any kind of help! Please what can I do to be able to print!?!?

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I just updated the firmware on my Epson 7820. I had relatively fresh 3rd party ink cartridges that were working fine and now they aren't recognized.

Is there any way to contact Epson to tell them how much we hate them trying to force us to not use 3rd party ink?

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Workforce Pro 7840:

Tried all this and it didn't work (updated recovery I think) but I did buy these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D127FXCM?ref...

(812XL Ink Cartridges High Yield Remanufactured Replacement for Epson 812 XL T812XL 812 to use with WF-7820 WF-7840 WF-7310 EC-C7000 P) for 42.99 swapped the chips out and worked perfectly AND I don't need to change them as they are not one use!

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Ouch, I wonder what was different with your restore from all the successes above your comment. But glad you were able to purchase working cartridges so quickly after your failed restore attempt. Any specific details you can give about your restore attempt? Variation in model number, printer cartridge type the restore didnt work with, etc? Were the cartridges you were trying to install new or in storage for a long time (purchased prior to the past firmware downgrade date possibly?) . And what do you mean by “updated recovery”?

Hope this doesnt discourage others from trying. We’ve had a near 100% success rate other than yours. And the last success seems to be very recent (about a week ago).

Note to all: any future successes or failures, please let us know. Thanks.

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I'm not sure except that the recovery run the software you downloaded in step 2 (current Epson recovery firmware named “FWCH67TL_CD30N1.exe”) is now FWCH67TL_CD29OB.exe it is the only thing I can think of. The cartridges were new bought after the firmware update

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I do hope there is a way to bypass I really liked using the way it was before even though it is fine now

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Kathrine,

What do you mean by swapping the chips out? I've never done this before. I'm a victim of Epson's empire as well as so many others. I drank the kool-aide and did an Epson Software update not knowing that it was going to make my non-Epson cartridges non usable. Anyways, any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

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Was the cartridge smaller than the epson ones?

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Didn't work for me. I think they have pacthed this option.

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I have to agree. I get an error that it failed and retry doesn't work. Looks like they have locked that door. But you and I can just wait until a new batch of black market chips hit the shelves. Then we just NEVER take another update for the remainder of that printer's life.

Personally I think that it should be a violating of anti-trust to create an ink monopoly this way. If you don't want the competition LOWER YOUR OUTRAGEOUS PRICES. It's legalized extortion frankly.

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Hey GREAT NEWS I am using the carts that got blocked by the update. Down this thread there is a solution. unconventional but WORKS!!!

Here is a paste:

==========================

I had this exact problem. Couldn't figure it out for months. Then, suddenly, I tried one last time, but this time I used the firmware update for another similar model, the EC-C7000. The Firmware version is different. But in my disbelief it worked. I'm still in shock. The CD08M4 version firmware update didn't work for me no matter what I did. But for some reason this other CD17M6 did the trick. Epson is a tricky bastard. I urge you to try it. You can find the version I used on the Epson website here:

https://epson.ca/Support/Printers/All-In...

Just be sure to let the printer do it's thing. The lights will flicker randomly, and after about two minutes the printer will turn off on its own. Once that happens you can press the power button and viola....

Good luck and godspeed.

====================

END PASTE - Let me know your results

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@fossilqexpl1205

the technical term is: "Enshittification"

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I had this exact problem. Couldn't figure it out for months. Then, suddenly, I tried one last time, but this time I used the firmware update for another similar model, the EC-C7000. The Firmware version is different. But in my disbelief it worked. I'm still in shock. The CD08M4 version firmware update didn't work for me no matter what I did. But for some reason this other CD17M6 did the trick. Epson is a tricky bastard. I urge you to try it. You can find the version I used on the Epson website here:

https://epson.ca/Support/Printers/All-In...

Just be sure to let the printer do it's thing. The lights will flicker randomly, and after about two minutes the printer will turn off on its own. Once that happens you can press the power button and viola....

Good luck and godspeed.

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So it worked to install the firmware but do all the printer functions work as they should? And could you remind me how to get to the ROM menu? I'm gonna look for that but if you already have the answer... ;)

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Ok, the firmware update worked but I still have the same problem : the ink cartridge is not recognised... I tried putting the "CD08M4" file instead of the "CD17M6" also and ended up having the same message : File not found...

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I ended up buying the official inks and I hope to be able to go back to cheaper cartridge in the near future. One thing is for sure, I'll never update this F-ing firmware ever again...

&&^& YOU EPSON!!!

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It worked for me with the "CD08M4" file. After the update it still showed not recognized. The missing last step for me was to refresh the cartridges. Take them out and reinsert them.

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Where did you find the CD08M4 file? I do not see it on either laptop

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Hello,

Where can I download latest firmware for my Epson WF-7720? version FA27K7 27/07/2020

Thank you,

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Firmware CD08M4 Works, however Printer Cartridges Not Recognized is still the prevailing issue. I've attempted the Cart. Removal, Closed Lid for Cart. Reset, and Reinsertion 10 times now. Nothing has worked. Using aftermarket ink of course.

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I was able to run the https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4.... after I started my WF-7840 in recovery mode connected with a USB cable.

Recovery Mode = power off printer then hold the 4,7, job status and power button. I did not unplug the printer until it would not restart itself from the recovery mode. After the unplug and restart, I had to remove the ink cartridges and reinsert them. After that it worked!

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MAC:
Tired and obviously confused today, so I updated the firmware which I never do. To recover, I used the MAC dmg file from Paul Muir above. Saved it to a to new folder somewhere and extracted it (click on dmg file). Then I used Finder to go to Applications, Epson Software, Epson Firmware Updater. Created a "backup" folder and copied the old software to that. Copied the newly extracted dmg files from my backup folder (19_license.txt, Epson Firmware Updater.app and FWCH67TL.efu) to the WF-7840 Series folder.

Then put the printer into recovery mode. Turn off printer. Hold 4, 7 and Job Status button on right side of printer, then hold power button until you get a screen. It came up with a black screen similar to DOS. I then ran the updater using the files I had placed in the WF-7840 Series folder (navigate to folder and click to run on Epson Firmware Updater.app. Follow app steps. It took some time and you need to not turn off the printer. The power button will blink occasionally while waiting. Wait until it turns off by itself. Took about 10 minutes for me. Then I just powered it on, got the unsupported cartridge error. Opened the top and removed and reseated my third party cartridges and that worked for me.

I only wrote this because I could not find a MAC specific solution. I am on Sonoma 14.2.1 and had to read a lot of articles and posts to piece this together for MAC.

But large thanks to Paul for including a MAC file.

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Heehaw, it worked, now just if we can get updates to do the same for our smartphones to end this ridiculous inflation.

FYI. If you need the old recovery software for your version OS, all you do is copy the link from 1a from above and replace it with the file name you get from epson, the drive files are all stored in the same directory as: https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/FW_CD08M4....

Replace the last part of this directory file with your OS file name and you will get your recovery updater for your OS. Then complete the rest of steps.

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I couldn't get it to work until I realized it was still connected to the internet. Just make sure you don't have it hooked up to wifi or ethernet or anything. Also, USB port in front didn't work for whatever reason, had to use the usb port in the back. Don't exactly know why it took so long, but at least a good half-hour spent waiting.

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i have an efu file how can i read or change it?

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Do NOT UPDATE ANY EPSON HARDWARE FOR YOUR PRINTER. It will disable any ability to use printer cartridge not from Epson.

]

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If you had read it correctly it is an off brand and sorry to tell you mine works just fine

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Has you tried to downgrade their WF-7840 from the most recent Firmware Version CD29OB Jan/03/2025? If so what firmware did they downgrade to CD30N1?

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Yes, I just recently did it with the instructions above. When I clicked on the link for the previous version it was not the same as listed, but I went with it because I assumed that is what my printer used. So I believe whatever is in your temp files is your last version, but I had to use these instructions to downgrade so I might not be the most reliable advise. Good Luck! It is worth it. My printer worked immediately with the previous ink cartridges.

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I was unable to downgrade to the old version from CD29OB. After switching the files in the “Firmware Updater()” the software in the computer would fail and the green loading bar would be stuck on 33%. If I didn’t switch the files it would work updating to the most current.

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This was my experience as well.

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Use the response from DaveYVR, which is marked as the Most Helpful Answer.

Then, follow the instructions from this section:

Long version (see above screenshots for a shorter, more concise version with less explanation):

I just did this two days ago and it worked flawlessly. As he stated, use an USB cable [ you cannot run the firmware "downgrade" over the network as the software obtains the firmware version from the printer and will not allow a "downgrade" whereas the USB connection does not return the firmware version as you are putting the printer into a service/maintenance mode (and I'll assume they did this to allow techs to "downgrade") ] to connect your printer to your computer and after you apply the older firmware, walk away for at least 15 mins or longer, untill your printer is flashing like a Christmas tree (yes, it actually does this): that is when the firmware has been applied.

Good luck.

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I'll give it a shot and update the thread. I appreciate the response.

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I just get 'Failed to send firmware to the printer' errors after starting the recovery firmware tool (FWCH67TL_CD29OB.exe), copying in the file from the old firmware (ran FW_CD08M4.exe - which supplies FWCH67TL.rcx), then starting the update process.

The printer in the recovery firmware tool said 'USB' for connection and then the rest was blank (no model number).

Any ideas?

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Ditto. I'm having the exact samae issue "Router Downer" is having. Is there anyway we can obtain a copy of the "FWCH67TL_CD30N1.exe", since it appears the "FWCH67TL_CD29OB.exe" doesn't work? Maybe share a Gdrive or dropbox?

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oops! I missed the link for the "FWCH67TL_CD30N1.exe" above. Got it! and it worked like a charm! If you have a buymeacoffee account, I'll give you a big tip! You saved my printer, and saved me from spending $20 in

Tannerite unnecessarily.

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Previously it wasn't working but the latest update from "DaveYVR" works like a charm, thank you so much! I was able to downgraded my WF-7840.

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I was able edit the legit epson firmware installer dmg file with the older update firmware file so I could just double click downgrader.dmg after putting printer into recovery and it worked perfectly. Here's a link if anyone wants to use the downgrader dmg i made: https://github.com/TylerSharpe11/Epson-p...

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New version on epson's website
FW_CD09P1.exe won't allow to downgrade, any work arounds?

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Arnaud Bour will be eternally grateful.
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