Cannot perform JetDirect firmware upgrades

Question

I was recently tasked with making sure the firmware was up to date for all the printers in the building.  I still have 8 more that I have been unable to update.  I used HP Download Manager first, and it was very good at telling me which printers needed firmware updates, but it failed every time I tried to actually perform an update.  So, I downloaded the firmware files manually, then used the web interface of the printers to do the firmware updates.  Except that a number of them did not include an "upgrade firmware" option.  So, then I tried to FTP the firmware file to those printers, following the instructions here.  Every time I tried that, the printer would just start printing garbage, interpreting the binary file I was sending it as if it was a print job.  Of note: the instructions say to do a "cd DOWNLOAD" command, but not to worry if that directory does not exist.  On every one that failed, and just printed garbage, the "cd DOWNLOAD" command failed.  I even connected directly to the printer with a crossover cable, but then you still have to follow the FTP instructions, and it does the same thing.
So where do I go from here?  How do I perform a firmware upgrade without the printer interpreting it as a print job?
Here are the models of the JetDirect cards I am trying to update:
J4169A
J6057A
J3113A
J3111A
J2552B

Answer 1

First thing you can try is just to save the firmware file to the root (c:/) and run the ftp command from the root which negates any need to change directories.
Second thing to consider - what printers are the JD cards installed in?  Some of the printers will automatically update the firmware for the JD card when you do the printer firmware.  More common in those with internal JD cards but I have seen a few printers do the double update with the accessory card.
(oh, and you are ftping to the IP address of the printer, not connecting via parallel, correct?)
One of the simplest ways to ftp is to use an IE browser (preferably IE 6), enable view folder option for ftp in the advanced internet options and then use the browser to ftp to the printer (ftp://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx).  You should see a small folder icon.  Some printers need to have the firmware file dropped beside the folder for it to work, some need it dropped right on the folder for it to work.
If that still doesn't work - drop the cards in one of the printers that did allow the update and see if that makes a difference.  You could also try cold resetting the printers with the cards installed in case they were managed by Webjet Admin at one point and updates were blocked. You could also download and use Webjet Admin to do the firmware upgrades (this is a great tool for fleet management and being able to configure multiple families of similar printers at the same time from the comfort of your desk!)
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