7440 Scan & Create Searchable PDF Files

[Omenxia]

Trying to install a new 7440 OfficeJet Pro and got everything working except when scanning and creating a SEARCHABLE PDF files.  The user interface does not provide this option or else I am totally missing something.  I've owned two previous HP all in one Inject printers and this part of the full web package.  It provided the option for a plain PDF output file, or a searchable PDF output file.   I installed twice this new 7440, once using HP East Start, and then tried all-in-one scan driver & accessories (see below) with same result.

- First tried using HPEasyStart_14_5_6 and got everyting working except Searchable PDF output form scans.

- Next wiped and did a clean install using the full feature Webpack (Full_Webpack-40.16.1234_1-OJ7740_Full_Webpack).

- Talked with HP Support twice and after having to explain OCR and searchable PDF's, I knew I was in deep trouble.

- This is my third HP all in one printer and this is advanced but common and absolutely necessary function.

- I am using Windows 10 with 64 bit and with a hard-wired internet connection (not USB or WiFi).

- Also tried the Firmware upgrade (OJP7740_2226A) but the dialog box comes up after getting through my firewall and doesn't show my 7440, actually no printers listed.

- Remember, I can Print, Copy, Fax and do basic scans.  Everything works but its not giving me the option to create a searchable PDF output file.

Appreciate a quick response since this thing is going back if I can't this resolved in a day or two, already spent too much time.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Omenxia 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

HP has repackaged the printer software for some printers without the previously included OCR function.

No, I don't know why - might be due to licensing restrictions, incompatibility, or other reasons.

HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Section Fixes

Repackaged without Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Functionality

This printer does include the single-license IRIS software that you can install on one computer running Windows 10.

I believe this software is perhaps still valid / usable as a separate installation.  Try and see.

Readiris Pro 

Reminder:  "Single license" means the software can only be installed on one computer at a time.

What else -- For those reading

If, for any reason, your printer does not support (or include) the OCR software, the following is relevant to your setup.

New for June 2022!

HP printers - Scan as Editable Text (OCR) with HP Scan (Windows) 

Excerpted

For HP print drivers downloaded after June 2022, the HP Universal Scan software is required to enable the Save as Editable Text (OCR) shortcut in HP Scan. HP print drivers downloaded before June 2022 do not need to install HP Universal Scan.

NOTE:  HP Universal Scan software is not included in category Software and Drivers for every printer.

No OCR?  What to do?

Purchase or obtain OCR software.

Possibly...

NAPS2 – “Not Another PDF Scanner” (Free – Donations gladly accepted by the NAPS2 organization)

• Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
• Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
• Not always simple “Plug and Play”, nonetheless, this free software is powerful and configurable.
• NAPS2 might require that the full driver printer software is installed.

Notes

• Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
• Read the Support pages for information
• Read the Getting Started guide
• Combining files?  Read the Command Line Usage guide > Select Combining and Converting Files
• NAPS2 might support higher resolutions while still using the ADF

============================================================================

OCR Scan Software - Examples

11 Best OCR Software of 2022 (Free and Paid Tools)

7 best OCR software for Windows 10/11 [2022 Guide] 

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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

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HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer series 

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Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Omenxia]

Thank you for the reply.  No clue as to why OCR capability not included.  I did see and even tried the third-party OCR software, and it is inferior in quality then to an imbedded solution probably due to you actually scanning the doc twice, first through the Printer then again on that result with the third-party software.  Also, the license is limited to user so not helpful even for home with multiple end user devices.

Can someone send this info to HP Support and educate them on this type of capability in general and then to alert them and marketing of its missing presence in this device.  Thanks again, its greatly appreciated.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Omenxia 

You are welcome.

I am sorry it's not what you wanted to hear.

HP is no doubt aware of the vagaries and consequences of having removed the software.

HP does not provide any official presence on our Community - that said, there are agents, programs, and checkpoints that help HP keep track of what we are doing and what customer are saying.  Consider the message received.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"