scanner won't work on HP Photosmart C4280 connected to my Mac

[wheelerfamily]

I followed the instructions (twice) that were posted...I went to System Preferences, chose the Printer/Scan Icon, clicked on "reset printing system, then hit the + symbol, clicked on my printer, and clicked the "Add" button.  The dropdown box said it was initializing  it.  But then, when I tried to scan (by going to Finder, clicking on applications, clicking on Hewlett Packard, choosing ScanPro, the screen opens up (that used to show my scanned document), but an error box comes down and says "Error.  Sorry, scanner could not be initialized.  (Scanner not found.))

What should I do?  Should I uninstall the printer and re-install it?  If so, how do I do that?

Thanks for your help.

[JustinNS]

Hi

I believe you update the Mac OS version from 10.6 to 10.7 that why you are facing the scanning issue with HP Photosmart C4280 

So I request you clicik on the below web link and then click on Download -- once the download is complete install it and then try to scan

Make sure that printer is connected to Mac via USB cable and power ON

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL907

Thank;s for Apple

[wheelerfamily]

JustinNS,

I downloaded the update, but am still getting the same message when I try to scan.

The way I am trying to scan is to click on Finder, choose Hewlett Packard, choose HP Scan Pro.  When the screen comes up, a drop-down error message tells me that it couldn't initialize the scanner...that the scanner wasn't found.

Even though I've been able to scan this way for a long time, and am having no problems with my ability to print, the "button" on my scanner that says "scan" hasn't worked for years.  I tried pushing that button and it gives me the message "USB not connected".  I unplugged the USB cord from the computer and printer, blew on it lightly to remove any dust, and plugged it back in.  It still gives me the error message.  I tried printing and that works fine.

One other thing I thought of was that my harddrive died last summer and I had to have it replaced at the Apple store.  I'm not sure if my scanner quit scanning around that time or it if was when I upgraded to Lion.

Any other thoughts on things I can try?

Thanks for your help.

[SeanS]

---

wheelerfamily wrote:

I followed the instructions (twice) that were posted...I went to System Preferences, chose the Printer/Scan Icon, clicked on "reset printing system, then hit the + symbol, clicked on my printer, and clicked the "Add" button.  The dropdown box said it was initializing  it.  But then, when I tried to scan (by going to Finder, clicking on applications, clicking on Hewlett Packard, choosing ScanPro, the screen opens up (that used to show my scanned document), but an error box comes down and says "Error.  Sorry, scanner could not be initialized.  (Scanner not found.))

What should I do?  Should I uninstall the printer and re-install it?  If so, how do I do that?

Thanks for your help.

---

What version of OS X are you using (10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7)? I would go ahead and do a scrubber uninstall:

1. Go to Applications/Hewlett Packard/ click on HP Uninstaller and click Continue
2. Highlight your device on the left pane
3. Hold the Ctrl, Opt and Cmd keys and click on Uninstall
4. 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)
5. Click Continue and let it finish

Now, run a Software Update. This can be done by clicking the Apple in the top left of the screen then clicking Software Updates.

Let me know how this works!

-Sean

[predshockey]

Hey Sean,

     I have done it all, I have used the scrubber feature and removed all of my printer drivers from my imac, I have installed the newest updates for my hp photosmart C4280, I have tried replacing my usb cable, and I have even reinstalled my printer software from the disc that came with the printer. For some reason I get usb cable not installed if I press scan at the printer or printer wont initialize if I try to scan from within the hp printing program. I am running the OS X 10.5.8. I do not have any issues printing or copying but cannot scan to save my life. I am almost ready to donate the printer and look for another all in one printer. Please Help!

[SeanS]

have you tried using a different application to scan with like Preview or Image Capture?

[paisley50]

Hi...I've been trying to scan some important photos on my Mac now for the past 2 years...

My HP printer/scanner HP4600 series has the installed software....

But when I go to scan the same error comes up as Honor Student mentioned....

I reinstalled and its the same thing....

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks