HP Photosmart 4480 All-in-One Printer stopped scanning

[Ictiobus]

My reliable old HP Photosmart 4480 All-in-One Printer attached to a Dell XPS workstation running Windows 10 stopped scanning. This is what appears when I try to run HP Solution Center to figure out what's happening:

Anyone know what might be happening?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Ictiobus 

Start

Leave the Solution Center software installed...

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 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

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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

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

Information and a Comments section

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Longer Explanation

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 

OR

hpqkygrp.exe

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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

Scan_and_Capture_Document-Photo_Settings_1

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.

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 >

HPSE_Scan_Examples_1

7.  Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing and Print Software

Irfanview requires installation of third party software

 Irfanview provides an exceptional software experience that can be used for a variety of scan and print tasks, including the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function plus several other options not found elsewhere.

• Create a Restore Point (optional, recommended)
• Download the appropriate version (32bit or 64bit) of the program from the Website and install the program
• Additional information at the website, including:  FAQ

NOTES

• Both 32bit and 64bit versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as an Windows 10 Application from the Microsoft Store

For example,

Irfanview 64bit version – Information and Download

Software and All Plugins for 64bit version:  https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

Includes Plugin for creating Multiple-page PDF files for images (Poster or large paper printing)

Includes access (where available) to Scan with HP Twain > Adjust settings > Save

How to find Help within the Irfanview software

Once installed, open the software > tab Help

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General Example - Irfanview - Scan / Print Example

Acquire / Batch Scanning

Irfanview_Scan_Print_Examples_1

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

Product Home

Enter the type and name of your HP device

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

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Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Ben49]

Thank you for your help. I didn't know Flash was used for Solution Center to work. I made a hotkey to the exe file and now I can scan again.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Ben49 

You are welcome.

Flash has not been used for years for the purpose of running the GUI.

Solution Center is left over from an old method.

Any new printer you purchase does not use Flash anywhere in the software.

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"