HP8120 printer works but scanner not

[ZVH]

New printer HP8120, connected by USB cable. Printing works fine. making a photo-copy from scanner to printer also works fine. 

But when I try to scan  from the scanning tool I get the message "imaging device not found". Solution suggested by HP: install HP-smart tool. So I did that. When starting HP-smart There is only a waiting symbol, blue turning circle, nothing happening. 

What am I doing wrong?

[Dragon-Fur]

@ZVH 

Welcome to the HP Community --

HP Smart -- at least at this writing -- might work "somewhat" using a USB cable connection between the printer and the computer.  That said, I've never tried it and the HP Smart app is not designed for this type of limited connection interface.  Many / most of the features would be missing.

At the least, should you lack a standard router controlled network at your location (home / office), consider using Wi-Fi Direct.  This type of connection uses the printer's own wireless radio to connect to your device (computer, tablet, phone).

While Wi-Fi Direct does  not provide access to the full range of HP Smart features, the app should at least work for simpler tasks.  This is also true for the HP App (replacement for HP Smart on mobile devices) -- the app should likely work even as some features will not be available.

Want or have only a USB connection...

You might get away with installing the full driver printer software and using HP Scan (included with the full driver printer software).

Although the instructions for installing the printer software generally recommend at least having Wi-Fi Direct, the software might install with just the USB.

HP Scan is a self-contained program --

HP Scan generally tolerates a USB only connection type.

Note that some features will be missing.

What else?

Should nothing else be available, either because you cannot use Wi-Fi Direct or cannot install a workable HP driver or application, Windows does provide a fairly good basic scanner app:  Windows Scan  

Look for the Windows Scan application in the Microsoft Store.

Details / Examples / References

===============

Wi-Fi Direct 

 User Guide - HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 series

OR

 User Guide - HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e - HP OfficeJet Pro 8130e Series

Search the document for mention of "Wi-Fi Direct"

AND / OR

HP printer setup (Wi-Fi Direct)

Next,

=======================

Printer Software...

If you do not want / need the additional how-to information, scroll down to Web Pack Installation

Next,

Download, Save, and then Install the Software -

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

=======================

Printer Software - Full Driver

Reinstall the full driver printer software

• Check / Install any pending Windows Updates 
• If not done as part of Windows Updates, Restart your computer 

Next,

Uninstall existing printer software

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features.
• If your printer software includes a separate "help" in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.

Install full driver printer software

• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

Web Pack Installation - Open Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

HP OfficeJet Pro 8120 series EasyStart Printer Setup Software - Offline Use Only 

Download, Save, and Install

• If using a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the software installation process.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

=======================================

HP Universal Scan Software - Optional

Separately -- Supported on this printer and Windows 11

Installation of the HP Universal Scan Software adds an "HP Scan" self-named shortcut icon to the Desktop.

NOTE

If you have installed the full driver printer software, you do not need to install HP Universal Scan -- the version of HP Scan that installs with the software for this printer is a functional match to the HP Universal Software.

That said, if you can't stand it, the system will tolerate installing both the full driver and the HP Universal Scan software.

HP Universal Scan Software

Printer Model and Operating System version Dependent >>

When the software is installed, HP Universal Scan Software adds a self-named HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note

Where supported, HPUSS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature / full solution printer software.

Open website  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software 

If needful, choose a different OS > Open all

Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack 

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

=========================

               Installed Software

Containers, Shortcuts on the Desktop

            What about HP Scan?

After the installation of the printer software is complete -

The full driver will be listed in Programs and Features AND in Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (Windows 11)  

Settings_Apps_Installed_Apps_Printer_Software_1

Next,

=======================================

HP Containers / Desktop Shortcuts

Next,

• The full driver printer software will have added one or more "container" shortcuts on the Desktop:

• Printer Assistant - named for the printer model

OR

On newer printers and when the new full driver printer software no longer supports the Printer Assistant:

• Scan Assistant - named for itself

AND

• The full driver printer software, once installed, will have added a shortcut icon for HP Scan. 

NOTE > Model Dependent

The shortcut for HP Scan that is part of the full driver might be named for the printer model.

Example - Various Printer related Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_11

Next,

============================================

Sample - Printer Assistant / Scan Assistant and other shortcuts / icons

Example - Installed Apps / Software - Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer Assistant OR Scan Assistant shortcuts (printer model dependent)

HP Scan shortcuts

Location of Apps / full driver (when installed)

Manage Scan to Computer

HP_Printer_Assistant_HP_Scan_Assistant_5

============================

hpsw

HP App / HP Smart - Windows - Application - Details / How-to / FAQ / NOTES

HP Smart is an application that supports print and scan for PDF and Photos / Images.   In an HP+ enabled printer or one of a select non-HP+ printers, premium scan features are added to the application.

The app is available in the Microsoft Store

Search the site for "HP Smart"

Not your store?

Scroll to the bottom of the page and Select the Language / Location

AND / OR

Go to

123.hp.com - Printer setup from the HP® Official site

OR

   Open the Product Homepage for your printer >  Product Home - Printers

Next,

Open Category Software & Drivers

Section Install HP Smart app to complete setup and support

-- Be Aware –

Any HP application you install should be sourced from “HP”.

What?  Fakes have been discovered on at least one Mobile App Store –

Check who is providing the application >> “HP Inc.”

If you can’t tell, ask or use the Homepage method to download and install the HP Smart application.

Instructions...

>>> How to Use >>>    HP printer setup (HP App) 

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

NOTES

• If you are running High Contrast or “Dark Mode” and the app will not open at all, try switching to None (for contrast) or “Light” for mode. 
• After the application opens, set up the printer –
• Later, if you wish to do so, try setting the mode back to your preferred setting.

References - Windows 11

Settings > Accessibility > Contrast Themes >> Switch to None

Settings > Personalization > Colors > Choose your mode = Light

Next, Small Print

NOTE >> Some settings are the same for HP Smart and the eventual replacement application HP App.  Settings might serve the same purpose and might be located in different places within the HP App.

• Read the Terms of Use document to understand the conditions of using HP Smart products.  For example, in the HP Smart application, find the link in HP Smart > Settings (gear) > About > Click on the link for Terms of Use
• Read HP printer setup (HP App) >> Read FAQ - including - What are the requirements to set up a printer using the HP Smart app?
• If using VPN >>Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.
• Enable Bluetooth (on your computer) at least for the initial HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.  Source: How to scan with an HP printer > FAQ > Why can't I connect my wireless printer or scan over the network?
• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
• When working through a Browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different Browser – assign that Browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default Browser.)
• Ensure that Network and Sharing are enabled. 
  • Example Settings > Network & internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced sharing settings
  • Private Network > Network discovery = ON
  • Checked “Set up network connected devices automatically”
  • File and printer sharing = ON
• Where possible, HP Smart / HP App might benefit having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.
• “Share” to email – Before using Share, add your sender email address to the standard Windows Mail application (not New Outlook).

• Document includes the HP Smart / HP App application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.

Help Here:  Unable to download and install the HP app

and

Check / Update >> Every device (computer(s) and / or mobile) where HP Smart / HP App is installed should be running the latest version of the application available for that device platform (Operating System / Version).

===================================

Message Content References

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

• HP OfficeJet Pro 8120 All-in-One Printer series
• HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e All-in-One Printer Series

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