C4780 prints but won't scan in MacOS 10.4.11 [ Edited ]

[TCurtin]

With a C4780, when connected via either USB or Wifi. I'm able to print from my MacOS 10.4.11 computer, but can't scan.

The printer can always be found (via Bonjour over wifi or by its ip, or normally over usb), but the HP scan app just spins while searching for scanners and never finds it.  It doesn't show up at all under Image Capture.

When I push the scan button on the printer, I know it tries to connect to the mac, because the automator task to preview the image starts, but then gives the error message "The scan cannot be performed because another program has control of the hp imaging device".  That happens even after a fresh reboot.  There are no items in the user's startup items.  The HPIO Trap Monitor is in the Library/StartupItems folder, and is starting fine (I can see it running via Activity Monitor).

I've done a full reset on the printer.

I've tried downloading the latest software from HP, doing a full uninstall of all HP software using the installer, repairing permissions, and then reinstalling.

This is on a Mac Mini PowerPC running OS 10.4.11.  All of the solutions I've been able to find online deal with running 10.6, but 10.6 can't be installed on a PowerPC mac, so that's not an option here.

As a test afterward, I was able to get scans working without any problem on a Windows laptop (both wifi and usb), so I know the 4780 can work.  I'm also able to run scans (but obviously without the resolution/etc options and making for one super-kludgy workflow) via the printer's web interface.

I'm sure I can't be the only person running into this.  Can someone help?

(Edit: not sure why/how this got posted in the Notebook forum, but can't figure out how to move it to another one.  Hopefully someone here can help!)

[MacFrk]

Hello TCurtin, 

from my experience the following steps should solve the issue: 

- Run hp uninstaller (/Applications/Hewlett-P.../). after launching the hp uninstaller click in the first window of the uninstaller to "next" button. In the 2nd window your C4780 (or C4700) should be shown. Please press and hold following 3 keys on your keyboard while clicking the "uninstall" button: 3 keys are: Control, Option, Command (other manes for same keys are CTRL, ALT, Apple-key). After clicking "uninstall"while holding these 3 keys a confirmation window will ask you if "you really want to remove all hp software..." (or likely). Here click OK and input your password. Now a very complete uninstall will be performed. 

After completing click OK and restart your Mac. 

- Now open DiskUtility (in /Applications/Utilities/). In this application choose your startup disk (usually "Macintosh HD") and click on time to "Repair disk permissions". Completing this repair process could take some minutes. Please be patient to complete this step. After completing quit this tool. 

Now install hp software from cd, delivered with C4780 or from download 

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=mp-70896-3&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...

Of course you should run the complete installer and the following HP Setup assistant (configuration). 

If changing connection (usb vs. network) you should run HP Setup Assistant manually (/applications/Hewlett-P.../Device Utilities/) and also choose the scanner in HP Scan application (button right hand, top). 

Please be aware: Image Capture will NOT find the scanner in MacOS 10.4. HP started to work with Image capture just in MacOS 10.6, continuing in MacOS 10.7. 

And also: Before using the scan button on printers front panel the software HP Scan should be used successfully from the Mac at least on time. 

With Regards MacFrk

[ucsb]

I have had this same issue. I did everything indicated but it is still not working. I cannot align my printer because when it comes time to scan the page the printer says that it can't detect the page. I don't know what to do because when I print it is off center, since the printer isn't aligned. I am using HP cartidges and they are brand new. I don't know what is wrong with the printer, but basically it is useless since it can't even print straight. My parents have a similar issue with a different HP printer on their Mac. Is there something with Macs that the printers aren't working with. I got this HP with my Mac laptop purchase so it is crazy that they don't seem compatible. Please help so I can use my printer!

[MacFrk]

Hello ucsb, 

after replacing the ink cartridges the printer will become "ready" by completing the alignment process. 

Please see following HP document to successfully complete the alignment process: 

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01960897&lang=en&cc=us&taskI...

If I am not wrong the aligment page should look like this: 

If the alignment page is not printed correctly or it is not placed well in the scanner glass the alignment process will not be complet and the printer will not get ready for your use. 

Hoping this will help you. 

With Regards. MacFrk

[ucsb]

I have done all that. There is a problem with the scanner and it will not scan the page and say it does not detect the page. I am putting the page in correctly. There is something with the scanner trying to connecting to the laptop and not able to scan directly from the scanner. I have already tried to uninstall and reinstall the software and nothing is working. Because it will not scan, it cannot complete alignment. So my issue still remains. 

[MacFrk]

What is shown on display of your photosmart? 

Maybe pressing the CANCEL button (red X) will let you skip the alignment. 

[ucsb]

I can canel but now all my printing is off-centered. I need to align it as anything I print looks awful and cuts things off. I don't know what I can do. Please help. 

[-JohnB-]

ucsb,

If you are using the C4780 use this guide to align your printer:
http://goo.gl/DrNny

Let us know if it helps. Best of Luck!

[vbhughes2000]

I have the same problem.
OS X 10.4 - Myy Scanner WORKED with C4280 Photosmart All in One printer until the "MISSING CARTRIDGE" constant message rendered whole device useless

So switched to C3180 Photosmart All in One printer and NO SCANNING CAPABILITY despite uploading FULL FEATURE installation software directly from HP website.