HP7640 printer won't scan to computer from printer or scan using HP Smart

[AlberichDDwarf]

Way back when I was able to scan to computer from the printer and scan from laptop via HP Smart, but now using eithrt I am able to preview, but then choosing "Scan"  just triggers perpetual "Scanning..." message on printer.    I downloadeer modality the printer just says "Scanning..." and stays that way.  From HP Smart HP Print and Scan Doctor (5.0.18) which at one time fixed the scanning problem, now when requested to "Fix Scan" says "This operation requires your printer's user ID and password".  The user manual for the 7640 has nothing about settinP Smart a way to put ig an admin password and I've never set one.  I couldn't get past this leaving the password blank.  I did find buried in Hn a password. When I did, Scan Doctor installed some (what?) software on my laptop and rebooted me.  Running Scan Doctor I now see my a picture of my 7640 printer as I did before, but it's been relabled as a Scan only printer with "do not delete" added at the end of the name.  And now there's a new 7640 printer picture added which doesn't match my installed printer.  When I continue Scan Doctor with the "Scan Only" printer and see details, it passes all the tests until I try  "Test Scan" which results in "which results in: "The HP ENVY 7640 series was not found".   Quite frustrating.

I am able to scan from the computer using WIA Windows Fax and Scan.  

[Rachel571]

Hi @AlberichDDwarf 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're experiencing a series of issues with your HP Envy 7640 printer related to scanning. The issue includes the perpetual "Scanning..." message, and problems with the HP Smart app and HP Print and Scan Doctor not being able to fix the scan problem.

Here's a detailed troubleshooting guide to resolve your scanning issue:

1. Verify Printer and Software Setup

Check Connections: Ensure that your printer is properly connected to your computer via Wi-Fi or USB (depending on your setup).

• Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• USB Connection: Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged into both the printer and your computer.

Printer Status: Check if the printer shows any errors on its screen (like ink or paper issues), which might prevent it from scanning.

2. Reset Printer Settings (Factory Reset)

• If the issue persists, try performing a factory reset on your printer to clear any errors that may have been caused by misconfigured settings.
• To reset:
  1. On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Restore Defaults.
  2. After resetting, reconnect the printer to the network and your computer and try scanning again.

3. Update or Reinstall HP Drivers

• Sometimes, outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause issues with scanning.
• Reinstall Printer Drivers:
  1. Uninstall the printer driver from your computer:
     • For Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Right-click your HP 7640 printer > Remove Device.
     • For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Select your printer > - (minus) to remove it.
  2. Download the latest HP Printer Drivers from the HP Support website and reinstall the drivers.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[AlberichDDwarf]

I have done the factory reset and reconnected the printer to my wi-fi network with a verified connection.

Then I used device manager to remove the existing HP7640 device followed by a reinstall of the "recommended" "HP ENVY 7640 e-All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Drivers".

Now, if I use HP Smart, request a scan and choose preview I see the preview;  but as before, if I request "Scan", the scanner light bar moves somewhat and the scanner hangs up showing "Scanning" on the screen.

Also Windows Fax and Scan now says "No scanners were detected" so I've lost even that method of scanning.

Very, very frustrating.

[AlberichDDwarf]

I ran Scan Doctor 5.4.7 which requested I reboot the computer. After reboot Scan Doctor ok's Recommended Updates and stops at "Device Manager" with the message "This tool is unable to solve the problem even after a restart. Go to HP Customer Care to get help resolving this issue."

Device manager no longer has a Printer category with an HP7640 in it but does show the printer in Print Queues and I am able to print

[Alden4]

Hi @AlberichDDwarf,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support