HP Smart not as useful as previous software

[ChetP1]

I had to reset my computer and reinstall the HP printer software. All that i can find available is HP Smart which isn't the same as original software. Much less useful and flexible. Doesn't seem to support two sided scanning. Can anyone suggest source of older software?

[Dragon-Fur]

@ChetP1 

Welcome to the HP Community.

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@ChetP1 wrote:

I had to reset my computer and reinstall the HP printer software.

All that i can find available is HP Smart which isn't the same as original software. Much less useful and flexible.

1.  Doesn't seem to support two sided scanning.

2.  Can anyone suggest source of older software?

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1.  That is correct.  This model does not support automatic 2-sided scanning.

Video help included later in this message...

Reference - What the printer can do:

Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 Printers

Scanning specifications

Review the following for the scanning specifications.

• Image editor included
• Integrated OCR software automatically converts scanned text to editable text
• Scan speeds vary according to the complexity of the document
• Automatic duplexing (two-sided scanning) from ADF, 6970 series only
• Twain-compliant interface (Windows only)
• Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) dpi optical
• Color: 24-bit color, 8-bit grayscale (256 levels of gray)
• Maximum scan size from glass: 216 x 297 mm (8.5 x 11.7 inches)
• Maximum scan size from ADF:
  • 1-sided: 216 x 356 mm (8.5 x 14.0 inches)
  • 2-sided: U.S. Letter 216 x 279 mm (8.5 x 11.0 inches) or A4 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches)
  • Two sided scanning is not supported for the concerned models: HP OfficeJet 6962, OfficeJet Pro 6960, 6968.

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2.  Yes, the full driver printer software is available for your printer / Windows 10. 

If you have not done so, Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software.

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The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_4

Printer software not installed?

NOTE:  If the printer software is installed but not working,

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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How to Scan - Video

HP Officejet Pro 6960|6961 |6963 | 6964 |6966 |6968: Scan Multiple (6) pages 2 sided document to PDF

HP 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 OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer 

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