HP scan software now reqiuires cloud connection on device that never has

[Nodata]

Years ago I purchased a 6978 from HP and everything was great for scanning and printing.

The best feature was a local network scan that put files right on my computer using the HP software, or allowed my to print straight fro software and have it in a few seconds. HP Software and drivers can be a nightmare in enterprise and small networks, but after install everything worked wonderfully for a long time.

The problem starts when I reinstall Windows, as I do periodically, for speed and security.

HP requires the use of the Windows Store app now, which means that I cannot use an old version of the app, drivers or realy anything else useful. My printer, purchased before the HP cloud "revolution," now cannot scan to computer or print from computer on my local network without my files going over the internet to the HP servers and back to my home network because the new software requires cloud usage and an active internet connection. I have worked for years in large enterprise environments and have started my own IT and engineering support company. I have heard from HP support that cloud printing and scanning is a requirement because printers just can't do local processes any more. That excuse is played out and insults both my intelligence and the intelligence of all of HP's customers. The hardware I am using is, was, and continues to be capable of local network scanning. The app on the Windows store has changed and now claims to send my files to HP's cloud and back to me. In reality it might just be sending it to my computer and to the cloud and back or not at all, but the wording and requirement for an active internet connection is concerning when paired with a device that had never heard of the cloud when it was manufactured.

This harms me, and potentially other customers, in a few ways:

One: I can't scan to my computer if the internet is out in my area, even if my home network is active. I used to be able to do this, and it has come in handy when catching up on a backlog while the internet at large is unavailable.

Two: I now have to trust HP servers with tax forms, company documents and more.

Three: I have to trust the connection to HP servers from my printer and within the app. Does the App use SSL or something better to transfer scans and PDF back to me or files to the printer? I doubt it considering the User Manual downloads on the website aren't through SSL.

Four: Some office environments, including the one in the test bench at my office CANNOT have an active connection to the internet, but still may need to have files scanned, files printed, or literally any other usage over local network but without connection to an ISP in any way shape or form. This is also true of locations that cannot have internet, such as remote locations, work vehicles, and more.

It appears to be a plague affecting all network capable HP printers.

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My question and the point of this post:

How do I return local scanning functionality without requiring internet connectivity?

Alternatively, does anyone know another brand that allows network activity without connection to the internet as a whole?

****

Also: I have tried the Flashdrive process, it is cumbersome and defeats the purpose of buying a network printer. Additionally, the "FAT32" Requirement does not always hold true as I have now formatted my drive today for FAT32, NTFS (an explicit no in the manual), exFAT, and now FAT. Nothing will be accepted by the machine, and the manual has no guides for solution or for formatting on the printer itself.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Nodata 

Welcome to the HP Community.

HP Smart is a nice application.

Use of HP Smart is not mandatory.

Not.

Instead,

Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Other Examples...

Optional > Next, install HP Scan and Capture

Optional > If supported, Use Webscan (via the Embedded Web Server (EWS))

Optional > Use Paint to scan photos / images

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Printer Software and Printer Application

Install either the HP Smart Application first OR install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software first.

No wrong way - be sure to install both to have "full coverage" and access to your printer features.

The full driver printer software supports printing and scanning for Office documents, PDF, Photos (Images), and other print or scan software.  (Print Assistant and HP Scan)

HP Smart - Windows - provides scanning and printing for PDF and Photos / images with options in More Settings for Shortcuts and other settings.

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>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

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

Preparation - Install Full Driver Printer Software

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

Next...

Printer software not installed - OR - (still) installed but not working?

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

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

Restart the computer and log in

What if?

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  If using USB, disconnect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer before installing software.  (Re)Connect the USB cable when instructed to do so near the end of the installation procedure.

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. If the installation completes and then wants to loop around again, X out of the repeat menu / message to install again.
6. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

Example - HP Scan - Windows - Main Menu

9025_HP_Scan_Menu_PDF_6

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HP Scan and Capture

Available from the Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

 Description

HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera.  These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.

* NOTE:  The correct HP drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.

Click Start (windows key) > Open the All Apps List > scroll the list 

Open Category HP

Find and open the HP Scan and Capture application

Optional

Right-Click on the application and PIN to Start

What else?

Application controls / options

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Scroll / Search for HP Scan and Capture

Left-click on the App for options associated with this app.

If available, Click Advanced for additional controls.

Example - HP Scan and Capture - Menus

Scan_and_Capture_Document-Photo_Settings_1

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Webscan – located in the Embedded Web Server (EWS) – No additional software

NOTE:  Webscan feature  is not available on Laser printers

If the printer is on the network,

If the EWS feature is available on your printer,

First Time Use Only:  Enable Webscan

• Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
• Tab Settings > Security > Administrator Settings > Enable >> Check box next to Webscan
• Click Apply to save any changes

Use Webscan

• Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
• Tab Scan > Webscan 
• Set up Webscan the way you want it - for example, set the Source to ADF
• Click Start Scan to scan your document / image using Webscan
• After the scan is complete, Save the scan to your computer.

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Paint (mspaint)

Older software – not brilliant – does work for scanning images.

• Open  Paint
• Optional >> Expand the “white background” area to a size to accommodate your data.  If unknown, try 1300x1300
• File > Select “From Scanner or Camera”
• Select your printer > Follow the prompts to scan and then save your item

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References / Resources

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

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HP Printer Support 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 6978 All-in-One Printer 

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