Can't install HP printer

[Kathyjb16]

Today I had to use scan on printer and when I hit the icon on my computer I got something strange. I didn't save it,

but it was a big box with a "F" inside.

I was able to scan item from the printer itself.

I uninstalled printer, but now I can't get it back installed because of an error. I've tried three times and

I tried downloading from site and that doesn't work either.

The download says Windows 8, but I have Windows 10. I know there were updates with the old install, but

now they are gone.

How can I get printer back connected to computer the way it was.

Please help.

Thank you

 Kathy

[Kathyjb16]

I got printer back installed, but I can't go to HP center. 

This is the picture I'm getting.

How do I fix this 

Thanks

[Dragon-Fur]

@Kathyjb16 

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

Welcome to the HP Community.

Be Aware:

Do not respond to individuals who include phone numbers or email addresses in public posts.

Do not respond to individuals who ask you to provide private information in a public Post.

These people might be scammers trying to steal your information / money.

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

There is no actual "fix" for this - the printer is just old.

The unsupported printer software was dependent on Flash to start the main menu.

Flash is gone and not coming back.

I can offer the following - if you don't like any of it, search the Community for some of the more unusual ways to force the setup.  Search for "Adobe Flash" and see what others are saying...(Warning, some of it is just noise and complaining - and some of it is actual attempts to help)

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

I'm not sure how to overcome the "can't reinstall" - Normally (hopefully / in-some-cases) the printer software installs but just won't start up and run like expected.

Printer software - Download and Save:

HP Deskjet F4400 All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Driver 

The Basics - Standard - Reinstall Full Feature Software

Printer Software

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in

Next

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

Next

• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• Reminder:  If using USB > Connect the USB cable when instructed (toward the end of the installation)
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If you can get the software back onto the computer,

the software main menu won't open - (but) the installed printer software will help you print from applications (for example, Word).

You can also probably print PDF files from Adobe Reader DC 

You can Scan, too...

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

What if?

If you cannot get the printer software installed, you could try installing the basic Print Drivers for Windows 10.

The link to the how-to document is near the end of this message.

Windows Print Drivers support basic print function.

For Scan:  You could still probably use Windows Scan, NAPS2, and the HP Scan and Capture software.

Solutions for Scan...

 Solution Center GUI - Main Menu - is based on Flash.

Flash is gone and is never coming back.

>>> The GUI that opens the main Solution Center software menu depended on Flash.

Short Answer

HP Document:

HP Printers - HP Solution Center doesn't open 

and

TKB article contributed by HP JessikaV

HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan

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

Flash Player is permanently disabled as of 12-Jan-2021

The HP Solution center software is based on Flash:

https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html

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

Longer Explanation / Examples

Print software still works with applications. 

Tools and other status reports are explained in your printer's User Guide.

1.  Start Scan using HP Scan executable

You might be able to simply start HP Scan / Scan using the program executable.

For example:

The old Solution Center Scan software is located in "Digital Imaging"

C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\

OR

C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\

Find and Double-Click on File name / executable:  hpiscnapp.exe 

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

Various Software / Applications for Scan

2.  Windows Scan – Microsoft Store - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• “Get” the application from the Store >  Windows Scan

3.  Paint- the Original - Paint (mspaint) can be used to scan.

4.  NAPS2– “Not Another PDF Scanner”

• Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
• Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
• Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
• Read the Support pages for information
• Download, save, and install the NAPS2 software to use.

5.  HP Scan and Capture - Microsoft Store - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

6.  HP Scan Extended

• Download-Save-Install >  HP Scan Extended 
• HPSE is a subset an older Full Feature Software suite.  Leave your printer software installed, then install HPSE.
• HPSE features are very similar to the HP Scan Software released after 2015.

OPTIONAL:  Add HP Scan Extended shortcut to Taskbar / Send to Desktop / Pin to Start

• Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan Extended\bin
• Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Taskbar
• Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Send to Desktop (Create a Shortcut)
• Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Start

Example

NOTE:  Setup is similar for both Image JPEG and PDF scanning

Some options are model dependent.

>>>> Be sure to check / adjust the settings in More >

References / Resources

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

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

"Add a Printer" - Windows Print Drivers for unsupported Printer

HP Document:  HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

Reminders: 

• Be sure to click the little "Update Windows" box in the procedure - it takes a long time (several minutes) to update, but you will at least get the full list of what is available.
• When looking for your printer look for the SERIES, for example HP Deskjet F4400

Note: If the printer is not found in the list, try Deskjet 990c or Deskjet 6980 to install the printer as these are the generic printer drivers.  Will that work?  Maybe.  Can't make it worse at this point...

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

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

 “Things that are your printer”

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), more

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

HP Deskjet F4440 All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

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

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[KathyJB]

Thanks for the help.

I got printer reinstalled. 

I'm not going to worry since your directions are too complicated. I can use the print and scan button

on the printer.

I don't understand why HP didn't fix this or tell us this would happen. They had over a year to do

something. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@KathyJB 

You are welcome.

I'll leave the installation how-to and the Scan software information for others who need help.

Good Luck.

Stay Safe.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

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

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"