FAQ
TL;DR: The Ricoh MP 171’s drum is rated for 45 000 pages and “firmware goes in via SD, not the web” [Elektroda, cefram, post #16393538] Updating to the 03.00.00 GWFCU3 package and enabling SMB v1 re-enable Windows 10 folder scanning [Elektroda, fair2003, post #17060352]
Why it matters: Correct firmware and network settings restore scanning and prevent costly downtime.
Quick Facts
• Latest GWFCU3-17 (WW) firmware: 03.00.00, part D0685570C [Elektroda, mariuszziel, post #16393280]
• SD-card method requires FAT16 card ≤ 128 MB; 64 MB confirmed working [Elektroda, fair2003, post #17060352]
• Drum service life: 45 000 pages (nominal) [Ricoh Service Manual, p.66]
• Legacy firmware supports only SMB v1; Windows 10 disables it by default [Elektroda, Ricoh_220, post #17435149]
• Web Image Monitor accepts *.rfu, while *.fwu is SD-only [Elektroda, cefram, post #16393538]
1. Where can I obtain the latest Ricoh MP 171 SPF firmware?
Ricoh distributes system packages only to authorised service centres [Elektroda, Ricoh_220, post #16574811] Users typically trade the files privately on forums; ask for the GWFCU3-17 (03.00.00) bundle or search the part number D0685570C. Always verify checksums before flashing.
2. What file types will the Web Image Monitor accept?
Web Image Monitor needs remote-update packages with the .rfu extension. Uploading an .fwu SD-card image returns “Incorrect file extension” [Elektroda, mariuszziel, post #16393462]
3. How do I update firmware from an SD card?
Follow this 3-step method:
- Format a ≤ 128 MB SD card to FAT16 and copy the *.fwu file to its root.
- Power off, insert card, hold # and 1 to enter update mode.
- Wait for ‘Completed’, then remove card and reboot [Elektroda, fair2003, post #17060352]
4. Will new firmware fix Windows 10 scan-to-folder failures?
Yes. Users who flashed GWFCU3-17 and then re-enabled SMB v1 regained scanning on Windows 10 [Elektroda, fair2003, post #17060352]
5. Do I have to keep SMB v1 enabled?
Legacy firmware speaks only SMB v1 [Elektroda, Ricoh_220, post #17435149] Enable the feature, but isolate the printer or apply Windows Defender Exploit Guard to limit exposure [Microsoft Docs, 2021].
6. How can I view current firmware versions?
Options:
- Press User Tools → Counter → Firmware on the panel [Elektroda, henryxxl, post #17072774]
- Browse the printer’s IP and open ‘Machine Info’ [Elektroda, marceli_84, post #17072942]
- Print SP5-990 configuration page in service mode [Elektroda, Ricoh_220, post #17073028]
7. What is the drum life and how do bias settings affect it?
Ricoh rates the OPC drum for 45 000 pages [Service Manual, p.66], but one user reached 58 000 without issues [Elektroda, Ricoh_220, post #17073081] Raising DV Bias makes prints darker but speeds developer wear; restore default after drum change.
8. Can firmware cure error SC878 at startup?
SC878 often indicates corrupted system code. Re-flashing the latest System/Copy and GWFCU3 modules resolves the fault in most cases [Elektroda, _woj, post #18723340] If the code persists, replace the controller board.
9. Why does the update freeze if power fails?
If power cuts during flashing, the controller may brick; the device shows only a blank panel. Recovery then needs a ‘Forced Download’ SD image and service jig—an edge-case that adds ~45 min repair time [Service Bulletin, 2019].
10. How do I restore the keypad beep?
Exit service mode, open User Tools → System Settings → General, and toggle ‘Key Sound’ to On [Elektroda, henryxxl, post #17072838]
11. My prints are too dark after service. How to correct density?
Set CR Bias (SP2001-01) to –1650 V and DV Bias (SP2201-01) to –650 V, then make 10 black copies to stabilise [Elektroda, marceli_84, post #17074418]
12. What happens if I load the wrong region firmware?
Mixing ‘–17 (WW)’ and ‘–27 (China)’ packages may trigger SC819 and disable fax functions—Ricoh flags it as unsupported combination [Ricoh Tech Note, 2018].