How to change default scan location.

[GuyOnTheAir]

Hello,

I have an iMac with SL 10.6.1 and Photosmart C4480.  First off, I'd like to note that HPs dealing with SL and their products is HORRIBLE.  I got very lucky to find a software download that worked, but many documents claim it should just work in SL with Preview, Image Capture, etc, which it doesn't, for me, at all.

In any case, loaded the latest HP software I stumbled upon, and everything seems to work.  Can even scan from the C4480 itself.  However, when I do that,  a program called "Open In Preview" starts up.  The document scans, and is saved to User>Documents>Pictures, and then opened in the Preview application.  But, I'd just like it to open in the Preview app, or have it ask me where to save it, or if nothing else, allow me to set a default location where scans would be saved.  Is this possible at all?

[PrintDoc]

Yes, this is possible.  I like scanning with Image Capture.  On the right side there is a pull-down with scan-to destination.  Pull it down, choose 'Other' and pick your folder, sub-folder, etc.

You said Preview and Image Capture do not work for you.  Have you pulled down the "Shared" list on the left side? 

[GuyOnTheAir]

I don't know about the Shared thing, but Image Capture and Preview think that no scanner is connected.  I've deleted the printer from Fax and Print a dozen times and whatnot.  Still doesn't work through the built-in OS apps.

[PrintDoc]

The printer is connected with USB?   The shared thing does not work in that case (it is for network-attached printers).  Sorry.

Try either replacing the USB cable and/or NOT going through a USB hub. 

[GuyOnTheAir]

Well, good news.  I forced an Apple Software Update, and it found some new drivers (HP 2.2).  After a reboot, and power cycle of the C4480 (as it thought it was scanning even when computer was off, and  you couldn't turn scanner off any other way), I can now scan from the Preview and Image Capture apps.  And, like you said, I can choose "other", and save where I want.

However, back to the original question.  I want to be able to choose the destination of a scan originated on the C4480 by choosing Scan/Reprint>Scan to PC.  When I press those buttons, the HP "Open In Preview" application starts up, and saves a scan into User>Documents>Pictures.  But, I'd just like it to open in the Preview app, or have it ask me where to save it, or if nothing else, allow me to set a default location where scans would be saved.  Is this possible at all?

[PrintDoc]

The 'scan from printer' functionality for Snow Leopard clearly needs some work.  For the time being, just initiate your scans from your Mac.

Can you open the "Open in Preview" application and adjust the Preferences?  It is likely in Applications, Hewlett-Packard folder. 

[GuyOnTheAir]

No, there are no options in the application.  And it is buried way deep somewhere else, not in that location.

[PrintDoc]

OK, I recommend that for the time being, that you just scan from Image Capture or Preview.

[jbj]

Hey, I just got off the phone with HP support. I was told it's impossible to change the default action/location for the Scan button on the F4480. But guess what? I did it. Here's how:

Open folder " /Users/(username)/Library/Application Support/Hewlett-Packard/Workflows/Shortcuts"

Delete, archive, or otherwise make unavailable the options you don't want.

The remaining one becomes the default.

Actually, I only tried this leaving the "Add to iPhoto Library" shortcut, but it worked a treat.

NB I tried this in the "/Library/Application Support/Hewlett-Packard/Workflows/Shortcuts" folder at first, and it didn't work, but I left it as I'd changed it, so it's possible both folders need attention, and not just the user folder.