Microsoft confirms Smart App issue renaming everyone's printers to HP
- Reference: 1701790815
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2023/12/05/hp_smartapp_microsoft_issue/
- Source link:
Microsoft has updated its Windows release health dashboard to admit a problem exists. The [1]title of the issue says it all: "Printer names and icons might be changed and HP Smart app automatically installs."
The problem appears widespread – as well as Windows 11, versions of Windows 10 going right back to the Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB have been hit by the issue, which appears to affect Windows devices with access to the Microsoft Store. Windows Server, including Windows Server 2012, is also affected.
[2]
[3]As a reminder , symptoms of an affected Windows 10 or 11 devices include the unexpected and unasked-for installation of the HP Smart App, even if no HP hardware is connected.
[4]
However, things can get progressively weirder, and Microsoft has reported that existing printers can end up being renamed HP printers, regardless of manufacturer. We've reported on how much [5]HP would like to take control of its ecosystem, but this seems extreme even for the inveterate ink pusher.
According to Microsoft, when renaming occurs, most printers are dubbed the "HP LaserJet M101-M106," and the printer icons might also be changed. Double-clicking the printer displays the error "No tasks are available for this page."
[6]HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers
[7]Killing trees with lasers isn’t cool, says Epson. So why are inkjets any better?
[8]USB Cart of Death: The wheeled scourge that drove Windows devs to despair
[9]Former infosec COO pleads guilty to attacking hospitals to drum up business
So, what is happening? Microsoft said it was still investigating the issue and coordinating with its partners on a solution. It all seems to stem from the mystery automatic installation of the HP Smart App. Windows devices that don't have access to the Microsoft Store should not be affected, according to the Windows giant.
The Register is awaiting a response from Microsoft on the issue and will update should the company respond. ®
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[1] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-22h2#printer-names-and-icons-might-be-changed-and-hp-smart-app-automatically-installs
[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2ZW9XNlJR4tTuIkjx2isAEwAAAEQ&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[3] https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/30/windows_hp_software_uninvited/
[4] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZW9XNlJR4tTuIkjx2isAEwAAAEQ&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[5] https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/
[6] https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/
[7] https://www.theregister.com/2022/12/05/opinion_column_printing/
[8] https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/25/windows_usb_cart_of_death/
[9] https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/20/former_infosec_coo_pleads_guilty/
[10] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
so...
Who should we nuke? Microsoft or HP? Or both. Please say both. Warming up the nuke strike packages now...
Re: nuke strike packages
OR...
a $50 billion Class Action lawsuit. Spread that amongst all those unlucky enough to have to use Windows, that will give each of them enough for a Starbucks Flat white.
Many years ago....
...there was a thing called Quality Assurance. I seem to remember it involved a lot of testing. I wonder what happened to it?
Re: Many years ago....
Welcome to QA, Andy. Help yourself to whatever's in your kitchen - now get on with your testing.
Re: Many years ago....
It's still conducted. Rigorous testing is performed to ensure that bugs are included in every release.
Would this constitute an offence under the Computer Misuse Act?
Forcing HP printers into someone's life? Definitely should. In fact, I think the various acts which prohibit "cruel and inhumane" treatment should come into play too
In a way it simplifies things
Having had an hp printer that worked perfectly well with 3rd party cartridges and then didn't I swore I'd never buy another hp thing again. Which matches my policy of never giving microsoft money. In which case I can just sit here finding this funny. Sorry to the rest of you that aren't able to make that choice.
*companies what can't do simple things properly don't get upper case. Its the rules.
Not a renaming problem
The problem is not that the printers are renamed. Their name stays the same, as it always was. Instead what it happens is that their "type" and the device driver that's used to drive them is what changes. Most likely because there were false/too broad PnP identifier data submitted by HP to them, and because of that the devices are recognized by the system as a specific HP device, instead of what they actually are.