Temporarily disable Windows Defender or any third-party security software. These tools often block the low-level USB communication required for firmware flashing.
| Setting | After reset |
|---------|--------------|
| Admin password | sec00000 or blank |
| Network mode | DHCP enabled |
| WiFi SSID (W models) | Samsung_ML-2160W_xxxx |
| WiFi password (W models) | None (open) or default printed on label |
| Power save | 20 minutes |
| Language | English (or region default) |
If you want to clear Wi-Fi passwords and network firmware settings:
This is the standard method used by technicians to fix toner issues. You will need a Windows PC, a USB cable, and the specific firmware file (often found on specialized printer repair forums or sites like vntg.pl or similar resources).
To reset the firmware on a Samsung ML-2160 series printer (including ML-2165, 2160W, and 2165W), you must distinguish between a simple factory reset (to clear settings) and a firmware "fix" (to bypass toner chip locks). 1. Standard Factory Reset
This clears network settings and user configurations but does not allow you to use refilled cartridges without chips.
Procedure: Turn the device on, then hold the Stop/Cancel button for approximately 10–15 seconds until the LEDs flash. Release the button and restart the printer. 2. Firmware "Fix" Reset (Chipless Printing)
If your goal is to eliminate "Toner Exhausted" errors and print without a chip, you must install a modified firmware. This process typically requires generating a unique "fix" file based on your printer's Serial Number and CRUM number. Step 1: Get Printer Reports
Configuration Report: Hold the Print Screen/WPS button for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes once.
Supplies Information (CRUM): Hold the same button for about 15 seconds until the LED stays solid green. Step 2: Apply the Firmware firmware reset samsung ml 2160 2165 2160w 2165w
Download the appropriate firmware fix from a provider like eReset or ORPYS.
Connect the printer via USB and drag the .hd firmware file onto the usbprns2.exe application.
Wait 1–2 minutes for the printer to reboot. Do not turn off the power during this time. Step 3: Finalize
Once the update is complete, remove the chip from the toner cartridge or cover it with tape.
If your firmware is too new to be "fixed" via software, you may need to downgrade using JTAG as detailed by dimasio.com. Service Providers for Firmware Fixes
You can obtain custom reset files and specialized tools from these sources:
eReset: Provides firmware reset fixes that reset toner counters to 100% after every restart.
ORPYS: Offers downloadable firmware archives for the ML-2160 series.
Chipless Printers: Provides guides on fixing toner errors by overwriting permanent memory. If you want to clear Wi-Fi passwords and
Fix-Bay: Offers generator tools like OnLineFIX.exe for specific ML-2165W models. If you'd like, I can help you:
Identify your specific firmware version to see if it's compatible. Find a refill guide for your MLT-D101 toner cartridge. Troubleshoot a connection error during the firmware update.
A firmware reset for the Samsung ML-2160, 2165, 2160W, and 2165W series is a popular modification designed to bypass the printer’s toner chip security. By overwriting the official firmware with a "fix" version, users can refill existing cartridges or use cheaper compatible ones without the printer blocking them with "low toner" or "replace cartridge" errors. Key Benefits
Massive Cost Savings: Reduces printing costs by up to 85% by allowing refills of the original "starter" cartridge and use of non-original toners.
Chip Independence: Once the reset is applied, you can remove or tape over the toner chip; the printer will permanently recognize the toner as 100% full.
Ease of Use: The process typically involves running a simple program (an .hd file) on a computer connected via USB, taking roughly 5–10 minutes. Major Risks & Drawbacks
Warranty Voidance: Modifying the firmware with third-party software is not supported by Samsung and will void your official warranty.
Risk of "Bricking": If the update is interrupted (e.g., power failure or disconnected cable), the printer’s firmware can become corrupted, rendering the device non-functional.
No Universal Fix: Reset files are usually tied to a specific Serial Number or CRUM number; using the wrong version can cause permanent errors. This is the standard method used by technicians
Environmental Monitoring: Because the printer always sees "100%," you must manually monitor print quality to know when a refill is actually needed to avoid damaging the internal drum. Typical Reset Process
Alex had a deadline. It was 11:30 PM, and the final draft of his portfolio needed to be printed for a 9:00 AM interview. He hit "Print" on his trusty Samsung ML-2165W , only for the dreaded red LED to start blinking.
The printer insisted it was "out of toner," even though Alex had just refilled the cartridge by hand. The problem wasn't the powder; it was the CRUM chip on the cartridge, a tiny digital watchdog that told the printer the toner was dead, even if it was full.
Alex knew he had two choices: buy a brand-new, expensive cartridge or perform a firmware reset. The Plan
He found a guide on a tech forum. The goal was to "fix" the printer’s brain so it would stop checking the chip entirely. To do it, he needed three things: The printer's Serial Number. The CRUM number from a "Supplies Information" report. The current Firmware Version (like V1.00.01.11). The Ritual
Alex held down the Print Screen/WPS button for 10 seconds until the green light flashed, and out came the configuration report. He then held it for 15 seconds to get the supplies report.
With the data in hand, he downloaded a "fix" file—a custom .hd firmware designed for his specific serial number. He connected the printer via USB and dragged the firmware file onto a small program called usbprns2.exe.
Unlike older printer models where a simple hardware "test mode" could reset counters, the ML-2160 series requires a specific firmware update to modify the printer's behavior. This customized firmware bypasses the CRUM chip verification process or resets the mainboard’s internal page counter.
Samsung’s printer division was acquired by HP. As part of their "Dynamic Security" feature, firmware updates often contain code that explicitly blocks non-HP (or non-Samsung) toner. If you have been using affordable third-party cartridges successfully for months and suddenly they stop working, it is almost certain that an automatic firmware update has been pushed to your device.
The solution? Reset the firmware to an older version that does not contain these restrictions.