yaSo unfortunately, I've read of lots of problems with this printer freezing and they seemed to be linked to the formatter board. If your device is still under warranty, it seemed like most people were getting their device replaced by HP. I'm going to wager though that your device is not under warranty.
However, if that isn't the problem, you can try to do a reset on the device. Please follow the direction in the post about 5 posts down in this thread and with the time stamp 09-16-200810:29 AM
If the printer doesn't work after the reset, have it plugged into the computer with a USB cable and try to send the firmware update file to the printer. It might have more luck after the reset above.
If the printer doesn't show up as a device connected when plugged into the computer, you can try this
1) TURN PRINTER'S POWER OFF
(USB should stay connected)
2) Delete installed driver (if exists)
3) Manually install driver for your printer
(When choosing port, use one of "Virtual Printer Ports for USB" which is your printer connected to)
4) Run firmware update program from HP Support web page
(PRINTER IS OFF)
5) In firmware update program's window choose your printer (manually installed) and press "Send Firmware" button
6) Wait for firmware to be completely sent to your printer's task window
7) TURN YOUR PRINTER ON
8) The printer might take the download and show "Downloading...", "Erasing..." and "Programming..."
(Steps borrowed from http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/forums/laser/63535)
If the above doesn't work, reset the printer and try to send the file again.( Since the printer may be aware the previous update attempt failed, it may be in a state to try to update again.)
Lastily, some people seem to recommend baking the formatter board, so if you have nothing to lose you might try this, although I'm not sure if your symptoms match the symptoms of the people with the baked board since you printer got stuck on "programming" when trying to install an update.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRBTrYutFbc
I've never tried this, but if you have nothing to lose, it might be worth a shot. And yes, I know it's extra work for you when HP released this unreliable product. But I'd only use the baking method above as a last resort and when you know you no longer care about the printer or trying to get it fixed by a service place (although it's probably cheaper to buy a new printer than to have it serviced).