HP 6978 dashboard icon on my PC desktop no longer works

[terri46]

I replaced my HP Office Jet printer in Sept 2022 with HP Office Jet  6978. When I set it up I had a shortcut icon on my HP desktop that when opened gave me an information center with such as ink levels/print diagnostic pages/scanning options/manage settings,etc.  I know all that is available on the printer’s control panel  but prefer to use the dashboard shortcut on the desktop. I had that same dashboard shortcut on my previous HP printer and it was so easy to access what I needed. Yesterday I needed to scan something and clicked on the shortcut and it took me to the printer set up. I don’t want or need to set up the printer again. I managed to scan from the control panel but want to know how to get the dashboard back on my computer. I have no clue as to where the dashboard on the computer went and no one uses the pc or the printer other than myself. Is there a direct way to download  the software for it  without having to go through the entire set up again? Help please and thanks.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@terri46 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

Product: HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

From your description, it sounds like the printer software is corrupted and needs to be reloaded.

True --  When the full driver software is installed, at least two functional shortcuts are added:

Printer Assistant

HP Scan

Example - Full Feature Software / Installed - Windows

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_9

Start here...

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

Steps

Restart All > Uninstall Printer Software > Restart Computer and log in

Check and Remove > Install Printer Software > Restart Computer and log in

NOTES >>

• Ignore sections where text is faded (displayed in light gray)
• Add (complete) the steps illustrated in the Check and Remove section

If you have not done so,

Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.

If the printer is accepted on the network...

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

• If there are installing issues, for example, if you see “Driver unavailable”, add the Steps in the Check and Remove section.  If any changes are made, Restart the computer and log in.
• Check_and_Remove_Section_2

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information and Download

HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Installation

• 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 printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Next -- After the full driver is installed

• If applicable, Install the Universal Scan Software: HP Universal Scan - Full Feature Software and Driver 
• Restart the computer and sign in

Notes:

If you have a current full Web Pack installation package in your Downloads folder, use that to install.

When using Easy Start to install software, select to install the Full Software and Drivers.

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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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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 OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

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