HP Deskjet 4230e-unable to retrieve picture from device.

[MariaEvri]

brand new PC and brand new printer/scanner

I have connected the cables, plugged it in, and already done a test print and test scan succesfully. However, I trid to scan again in paint (like the previous scan), and I get this message

unable to retrieve picture from device. Verify that the device ir properly connected and try again

how can I fix this? Thank you

edit , the printed seems to work fine, its the scanner part that gives me this error

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @MariaEvri 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining that so clearly—it’s genuinely frustrating to have a brand-new setup and still run into a scanning error, especially when everything else seems to work fine. You deserve a smooth experience, and I want to help you get this resolved.

Here’s a structured set of steps to fix the “unable to retrieve picture from device” error when scanning with Paint:

 

Steps to Resolve Scanner Error in Paint

Verify Scanner Is Set as Default

• Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your HP DeskJet 4230e → Select Set as Default.
• Ensure it’s listed under Scanners and Cameras as well.

Use HP Smart for Scanning

• Download or open HP Smart for Windows.
• This app offers more reliable scanning than Paint and ensures full compatibility with HP’s drivers.

Check Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Scroll to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) → Right-click → Select Start or Restart.
• Set Startup Type to Automatic.

Update Printer Drivers

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
• Download and install the latest full driver package for your DeskJet 4230e.

Try Scanning from Windows Fax and Scan

• Press Win + S, type Windows Fax and Scan, and open it.
• Click New Scan → Select your HP printer → Try scanning.
• If this works, the issue is isolated to Paint’s TWAIN interface.

Reinstall Paint (Optional)

• If Paint is behaving inconsistently, consider reinstalling it via Optional Features in Windows Settings.

Let me know how the scanner responds after these steps. If it works through HP Smart or Windows Fax and Scan, you’ll be back to capturing documents smoothly. If not, I’ll help you dig deeper into driver or interface resets to restore full functionality.

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

[MariaEvri]

turns out all I had to do was add defult scanner

thank you

[Hawks_Eye]

That’s fantastic to hear, @MariaEvri! 

Sometimes the simplest fix—like setting the default scanner—makes all the difference. I’m really glad it worked out and that you’re back to scanning smoothly.

If you ever run into quirks with HP Smart, Paint, or any other scanning app, feel free to reach out. I’ll be here to help keep things running effortlessly.

If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' to help others find the answer and also I can do a virtual happy dance! 

If you need anything else, I'm all ears (or rather, all text). Just let me know! 

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 😊

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye