What firmware are you updating, the NIC in the printer? If so you can open a webpage using the IP of the printer and flash it using the webpage. If it is the printer I had to use the USB cable to update my 966. I also had to use XP as Vista would not complete the update.

Yes, I am trying to install the upgrade to correct an network communication error.

 

I'm not sure how to open the IP address to flash it using a web broswer.

To get the IP address of your printer us the Dell-All-In-One center. After opening the center, click the "Maintain/Troubleshoot" link at the top, then click the "Maintain or fix quality problems" in the next window. When that window opens click the "Network Support" button then click the "Configure" button in the new window. A new window opens and the IP address should be in that window.

 

Once you have the IP address you type it into the address window of your browser and press enter. The printer web setup page should open. Under configuration there is a firmware update link. If you have the file on your computer you should be able to select that file and flash the network card.

 

 

That's what I thought.

 

I will try it when I get a chance.  Thanks!

To install the latest firmware for the 966 printer, you install them using the USB Cable. Since this is a wireless printer, you need to install the printer for the USB Cable.

  

With the printer still disconnected, 

Disconnect your printer. Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer.

Restart your computer.

Download the proper drivers.

XP Drivers

Vista 32-bit Drivers

All other drivers

Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on)

 

Now install the firmware for the printer. 

 

Installation instructions are...

 

Download

1. Click Download Now, to download the file.
2. When the File Download window appears, click Save (Windows XP users will click Save) this program to disk and click OK. The Save In: window appears.
3. From the Save In: field, click the down arrow then click to select Desktop and click Save. The file will download to your desktop.
4. If the Download Complete window appears, click Close. The file icon appears on your desktop.

Install

1. Double-click the new icon on the desktop. For example labeled R12345.EXE.
2. The Self-Extracting window appears and prompts you to extract or unzip to C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R12345.EXE. (Example path). Write down this path so the executable (Example - Setup.exe) file can be found later.
3. The Self-Extractor window appears.
4. Click OK.
5. After completing the file extraction, if the Self-Extractor window is still open, close it.
6. Click the Start button and then click Run.
7. Type C:\DELL\DRIVERS\R12345 in the Open textbox and then click OK.
8. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

 

 

Remember, after you install the firmware, since we needed to use the patch to remove the printer, disconnect the printer and start it as wireless. Now you need to install the proper drivers, again, choose network and follow the instructions. 

PudgyOne,

He is updating the firmware for the NIC not the printer. He can use the web page as I told him. He does not need to do all the stuff you are suggestimg.

Thanks. The firmware was updated. I haven't tested it to see if it resolves my problem.