scanner could not be initialized

[basilflynn]

I work on a macbook. I own an HP Photosmart C6180 all-in-one. I run Mac OS X 10.5.8. My printer is mounted wirelessly via an Airport Extreme wireless network. My software and drivers are current for all of the above.

When I attempt to scan anything I get:

Error 

Sorry, scanner could not be initialized.

(An error has occurred communicating with the scanner.) 

This includes initiating via the HP software on my laptop and via the scan menu on the C6180.

Suggestions? I have tried removing the HP software entirely, removing the network printer and reinstalling all. 

[PrintDoc]

Just to be sure, your printer is connected wirelessly, not to the Airport's USB? 

[basilflynn]

Yes, that is correct. The printer connects to airport extreme wirelessly. I also have a PC connected to the airport extreme wirelessly. Using the HP software with the PC, I CAN scan, etc.

Using the Macbook, I CAN print wirelessy, I just can't get the scanner to run.

[PrintDoc]

You can try to delete and re-add the printer in the print queue:

- Sys Prefs, Print & Fax
- Select the printer in question and click the minus sign at the bottom of the list
- Select the plus sign to re-add it. Look for the printer with Bonjour next to it, select it and wait until the "Add" button becomes available. Click it.

If this does not work, do the same thing, only instead of the second step, right (control) click the print queue area and select Reset Printing System. 

[fgilley]

changed to snow leapard and receive error message when i try to scan

[PrintDoc · Accepted solution]

If you still have HP software for pre-10.6 Snow Leopard, on your Mac you must uninstall the software using the 'scrubber' option:

Go to Applications/Hewlett Packard/ click on HP Uninstaller
Click on Continue
Highlight your device on the left pane
Hold the Ctrl, Opt and Cmd keys and click on Uninstall
There will be a pop up that asks if you are sure you want to uninstall ALL hp software. (At this point, if you continue, any HP printers you have installed will need to be reinstalled)
Click Continue and let it finish

Restart your Mac

Now, run a Software Update.

Next, remove and re-install the printer in System Preferences, Print & Fax.

You do not need the software now since Snow Leopard has both print & scan drivers built-in. Scan from Preview or Image Capture apps. Scanning from the front panel of the printer does not yet work.

[LorenFykes]

Thank you! Your solution worked. I see that you are employed by HP. 

I'll try posting this as a separate issue, but I was shocked to find out that I cannot print unless ALL of the ink cartridges have ink in them DESPITE the fact that I only want to print in black and white. Why is this the case. I went out and bought a huge $50 black ink cartridge only to return home to find out that my printer won't even let me print in black and white only. Someone "mocked" that HP consdiers this a feature. Is this true? How can I turn this "feature" off and print only in B/W, please?

[PrintDoc]

Color inkjet printers are designed as that - color printers.  As such, the printer must keep the color nozzles clear and clean in case the next print job comes to it with color content (its just a printer, it does not know any better).

Keeping the nozzles clear and clean uses ink.  Its really the only way to do it.  This uses ink.  If you were allowed  to turn off the color nozzles, they would quickly crust over and not be recoverable.  So, you cannot turn off the color feature of the printer.

If you really want a black only printer, I recommend buying a black only LaserJet.

There is nothing underhaded here, it is not a conspiracy to extract money from you.  Its just physics.