Cannot Scan with New Printer HP Smart Tank 515

[STEVEM59]

Just purchased a Smart Tank 515. I cannot connect via WiFi because I am in a hotel and cannot get the printer and laptop on the same WiFi network. 

So it is connected to laptop via 1.8 m long USB.

Now it won't allow scanning. Can't get scanning software and the HP downloads are less than helpful.

Would like to understand why, if the printer works, the scanner does not function at all.

Please help.

Thanks.

[Valsimot]

You need to install full software from hp.com

[STEVEM59]

Not helpful.

Tried downloading software and also troubleshooting software from hp.com

Worthless.

Did not work or led me in circles.

Now I remember why my previous purchases were from Brother.

HP software too complex and does not readily resolve issues.

I believe that the problem is that the system is imagining that I want to connect via WiFi, when what I actually want to do is to hard wire the laptop to the printer.

A generation ago this was obvious, Now it's rocket science.

[Dragon-Fur]

@STEVEM59 

The suggestion provided by @Valsimot is solid -

True - Things did seem simpler many years ago when there were fewer connection options -- For example, printers did not support the vast number of features for mobile, remote, dual band networks.

Brother printer documentation -- from the little I've looked at it -- seems generally very good. 

What to do?

Some ideas -

Ignore if not wanted or if the suggestions do not relate to your current situation.

I've read that HP Smart can work using a USB cable connection -- I've not seen it.

Consider using Wi-Fi Direct.

What?  Wi-Fi Direct does not connect your printer to the internet - it does wirelessly connect the printer to your computer or supported mobile device.

AND

Consider trying to install the Full Feature Software using the Easy Start Software wrapper and then selecting the full driver.

Two options

USB print cable -

Remember to disconnect the print cable before installing software.

Connect the cable when directed to do so during the last part of the installation procedure.

When using Easy Start Software to install the printer software,

If you want to install the Full Feature Software, select to load the Full Driver

OR

Wi-Fi Direct - Wireless without the use of a router (or the hotel wireless).

Reference:  User Guide  > Section Connect wirelessly to the printer without a router (Wi-Fi Direct) - Page 73

and

HP - Wireless printing center  > Section Printer Setup > Topic Wi-Fi Direct

Next...

Method - Use the Easy Start Software to Install HP Smart and / or the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

Easy Start Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

• Open  Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Click to open Category Software and Drivers 
• Download and Save the current version of the Easy Start Software installation package  to install your print software

 Easy Start can be used to install your printer software or the HP Smart application.

If the HP Smart Application is (already) Uninstalled, Use Easy Start OR Get a new copy of the application from the Microsoft Store

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.

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Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

NOTE:  If the printer also installs Help files - Uninstall the printer help file package from Programs and Features when you are uninstalling the main printer software.

• >>> After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

Continuing

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software Web Pack installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a USB printer cable to connect the printer to the computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the installation procedure
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Scroll down > Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer

Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default

Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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References / Resources

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

Open

HP Smart Tank 515 Wireless All-in-One 

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