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HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 11

HP Smart has been searching for software to install on my 6978 printer with Wind 11 for two days. What is issue?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

Hello Hawks_ Eye,

 

How are you today?

I started the download and got to the point where it ask  for IP address or host name.

How do I find the IP address?

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Gar

View solution in original post

8 REPLIES 8
HP Recommended

Hi @gar722 

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

 

It sounds like HP Smart is stuck trying to install the software for your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 on Windows 11. Here are some steps to resolve the issue:

 

1. Restart Everything

  • Power cycle your printer – Turn it off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
  • Restart your computer – A fresh reboot can clear installation issues.
  • Restart your router – If the installation requires an internet connection, a network reset might help.

2. Manually Download the Drivers

  • Instead of relying on HP Smart, download the latest drivers directly from HP’s official support page.
  • Install the drivers manually and restart your computer.

3. Disable VPN or Firewall (If Applicable)

  • If you’re using a VPN, disconnect it before installing HP Smart.
  • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software, as they might block the installation.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

Let me know if any of these steps work!

 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution!  It helps others and spreads support.  Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 
HP Recommended

Thank you very much for this detailed explanation. Will work on it this weekend.

HP Recommended

@gar722 

 

You're very welcome! 

 

I hope the troubleshooting goes smoothly over the weekend. 

 

If you run into any issues or need more guidance, just let me know—I'll be happy to assist. 

 

Good luck with it!

 

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution!  It helps others and spreads support.  Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 
HP Recommended

Hello Hawks_ Eye,

 

How are you today?

I started the download and got to the point where it ask  for IP address or host name.

How do I find the IP address?

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Gar

HP Recommended

@gar722 

 

Thanks for asking! I’m here, ready to assist, chat, and troubleshoot with you. How’s your day going?

 

You can find the IP address of your HP 6978 printer using several methods:

 

Method 1: HP Smart App

  1. Open the HP Smart app on your computer.
  2. Click on your printer’s image.
  3. Navigate to Network Information—your printer’s IP address will be listed there.

 

Method 2: Printer Control Panel

  1. If your printer has a touchscreen, go to Wireless Summary or Network Settings.
  2. The IP address should be displayed on the screen.

 

Method 3: Print a Network Configuration Page

  1. Press the Information button on your printer.
  2. A report will print, showing the IP address.

 

Method 4: Windows Settings

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
  2. Right-click your printer and select Printer Properties.
  3. Click the Ports tab—your printer’s IP address should be listed.

 

For a step-by-step guide, check out HP’s official instructions here

 

Let me know if you need further assistance!

 

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution!  It helps others and spreads support.  Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 
HP Recommended

Thank you so much for your detailed replies.

In sixty years of dealing with tech support, I've never had any tech be as detailed as you.

This is really appreciated.

Best Regards,

Gar

 

HP Recommended

Good day,

 

When I turned on computer today to  follow your directions for the IP address, The printer was already online.

 

I was able to successfully complete my scan.

 

Thanks again for all your assistance.

 

Gar

HP Recommended

@gar722, A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 


On behalf of @Hawks_Eye 
 

Regards, 

Max3Aj

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.