HP Smart only shows PDF files

[KateMark]

HP SMART 5105 only shows .pdf files to print. Will not print from Word or Excel. Searching for solutions, it is an ongoing problem since 2017. 

8 years!!

 The diagnostic tool in the SMART app says nothing is wrong, the AI assistant on the help page did not understand the problem.

I have deleted the software from my Windows 11 desktop, which has allowed me to print a .doc but when I try to download the drivers suggested in previous answers on the Support pages, I am just directed  to download the Smart app, which obviously doesn't work as intended.

I having been going round in circles for hours, I cannot believe that the SMART app doesn't recognise any other type of file other than. Pdf. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @KateMark 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially since this issue has been around for years! HP Smart should allow printing from various file types, but many users have reported that it only recognizes PDFs. 

Here are some steps that might help:

 

Possible Fixes

Use the Full Feature Driver Instead of HP Smart

• HP Smart is designed for basic printing and scanning, but it may not support all file types.
• Try installing the Full Feature Driver for your printer from HP’s support page.
• Once installed, print directly from Word or Excel instead of HP Smart.

Print Using Windows Print Dialog

• Instead of using HP Smart, open your document in Word or Excel.
• Press Ctrl + P and select your HP printer from the list.
• Adjust settings and print directly.

Since you've already tried reinstalling HP Smart, switching to the Full Feature Driver might be the best solution.

Let me know if you need further guidance—you're handling this with great patience! 🚀

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

[KateMark]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your help.

I can already print from Word & Excel since I deleted the app entirely.  I found and downloaded the full software as you described.

I now have 3 new 'apps' - "HP Twain Administration", "HP Scan" and "HP Scan - Scanner tools Utility"  I have tried each of them in turn and get the same error message for each saying the  "Imaging device is not found"

The printer itself does everything it's supposed to, i can print from directly from word, excel etc on my desktop,  I can print a copy, but not scan and save to my computer.

I can still only print .pdf files from my Smartphone.

[Hawks_Eye]

@KateMark 

It’s frustrating when a printer works fine for printing but refuses to scan properly. 

Since your HP Smart Tank 5105 is giving you an "Imaging device not found" error when trying to scan, here are some steps to troubleshoot:

 

Fixes to Try

Check Scanner Connection in Device Manager

• Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
• Expand Imaging Devices and look for your HP scanner.
• If missing, try Scan for hardware changes or Update driver.

Reinstall HP Scan Software

• Uninstall HP Twain Administration, HP Scan, and HP Scanner Tools Utility.
• Restart your PC and reinstall the Full Feature Driver from HP’s support page.

Since you can print but not scan, the issue is likely software-related rather than a hardware failure. Try these steps and let me know if you need further assistance! 🚀

Regards,

Hawks_Eye