🔧 How to Update Firmware on Your Datacard SD260 Printer

How to Update Firmware on the Datacard SD260 Printer (Regionalised Ribbon Fix)

If your Datacard SD260 is showing errors like “Invalid Ribbon” or “Ribbon Not Recognised”, especially after installing a new ribbon, a firmware update is likely required.

This guide will walk you through checking your serial number, downloading the correct firmware, and safely updating your printer using the WebAdmin method.

✅ Why You Might Need This Update

Entrust now uses regionalised ribbons containing RFID chips. These ribbons will not be recognised unless your printer has the correct firmware version installed.

You may see these errors without an update:

• “Unknown Ribbon Installed”
• “Invalid Ribbon”
• “Ribbon Not Supported”
• Error Code 224 or 119

🔎 Step 1: Check Your Printer’s Serial Number

Look for a label on the back or underside of your printer. The serial number begins with the letter “L” (e.g., L13982 or L15001).

Use this guide to determine if you need a firmware update:

Serial Number	Firmware Status	Action Required
Below L14289	Not regionalised	Firmware update required
L14289 or higher	Already regionalised	No update needed

Tip: If your printer screen displays “R010” during startup, it already has the regional firmware installed.

📦 What You’ll Need

• A Windows PC (Windows 10 or later)
• USB cable (do not use network for firmware updates)
• The latest XPS Card Printer Driver
• Firmware file based on your printer’s board type
• Your printer turned on and connected via USB

📥 Step 2: Download the Correct Firmware

Please download and save the correct firmware for your printer below:

• D2.15.3.1 Firmware (For standard SD260 printers):
  Download D2.15.3.1 Firmware


• D3.20.1-5 Firmware (For SD260L and D3 board models):
  Download D3.20.1-5 Firmware

Important: Do not run the firmware file from your browser. Save it to your desktop or downloads folder first.

🖨️ Step 3: Install the Printer Driver

1. Download and run the XPS Card Printer Driver installer.
2. Once installed, open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
3. Ensure your printer is listed as “Datacard SD260 Card Printer.”
4. If it doesn’t appear, try another USB port or reinstall the driver.

⚙️ Step 4: Upload the Firmware via WebAdmin

1. In Devices and Printers, right-click your SD260 printer.
2. Select Printer Properties, then go to the Printer Status tab.
3. Click the Configure Printer button. This opens your browser.
4. In the login screen, choose WebAdmin from the Username dropdown (no password needed).
5. Go to the Maintenance tab, then click Updates.
6. Click Browse, locate the firmware file you downloaded, and then click Upload File.
7. The update will begin. Do not disconnect or power off the printer during this process.

✅ Step 5: Final Checks

• Turn off the printer and then turn it back on.
• Insert your ribbon – it should now be detected correctly.
• Print a test card using your ID software or printer driver tools.
• Run a cleaning cycle using a Datacard cleaning card for best results.

🧠 Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure the correct firmware version (D2 or D3) was installed.
• Reconnect USB or try another USB port if the printer isn’t detected.
• If errors continue, remove and reinsert the ribbon, then reboot.
• Still stuck? Contact our support team with your serial number.

🤝 Need Help?

If you purchased your printer or supplies from Zovertang, we offer full support.

Email: support@zovertang.co.uk
Phone: 01482 961 261
Support Page: Click here

🛠️ Quick Recap

• Check your printer’s serial number
• Download the matching firmware (D2.15.3.1 or D3.20.1-5)
• Install the XPS Card Printer Driver
• Access WebAdmin and upload the firmware
• Restart the printer and verify ribbon detection

Need help identifying the correct firmware for your printer? Send us your serial number and we’ll guide you through it.