“HPScanner.app” will damage your computer - after macOS Catalina update 10.15.7 (19H2)

[IrishAce]

After the recent HP Printer driver issue with Apple devices, I uninstalled my HP printer to prevent the incessant malware warning pop-ups. TODAY there was an update released for macOS Catalina to fix the HP printer issues. I installed the update, restarted the computer, and re-installed the printer via System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Everything seemed to return back to normal...

BUT when I tried to open the scanner application on my printer, the malware warnings returned!

Was this function NOT fixed with the update?

How do I get my scanner functioning again??

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Do you try launching the HP Scan app? if so, it would not be updated as the HP Scan software was replaced and no longer updated for years.

Please install and use the HP Easy Scan app from the store:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04788799

Shlomi

[Profman13]

Easy Scan doesn't work either. I need my scanner working for freelance work. This issue is really aggravating as it's been going on for awhile with no clear fix.

[IrishAce]

---

Do you try launching the HP Scan app? if so, it would not be updated as the HP Scan software was replaced and no longer updated for years.

I normally scan by opening the scanner in System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, I have never used another app. Everything worked just fine until the HP Printer certificate debacle the other day.

Please install and use the HP Easy Scan app from the store:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04788799

---

I downloaded and tried the HP Easy Scan app. There were several [“HPScanner.app” will damage your computer.] warning pop-ups. After 'clicking' the Scan button, I got another error: [Failed to open a connection to the device.]

What now? Do I need to switch to a Brother printer/scanner instead?

[IrishAce · Accepted solution]

FIXED IT!!

Follow EACH step in order:

1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
2. In the menu bar, click Go, click Applications, and then open the HP or Hewlett Packard folder.
3. If HP Uninstaller is in the folder, double click it, and then follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software.
4. If HP Uninstaller is not in the folder, in the menu bar, click Go, click Go to Folder, type /Library/Printers, then click Go. The Printers folder will open.
5. Click and drag the HP or Hewlett Packard folder to the Trash icon in the Dock.
6.  On your Mac, choose Apple  menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners
7. Select the printer in the list, then click the Remove button - at the bottom of the list window.
8. Close your System Preferences.
9. Right-click or Ctrl + click the Trash icon, and then select Empty Trash.
10. Restart the Mac.
11. Go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers and download the correct driver for your printer/scanner. It appears that most, if not all, printers will need the HP Printer Drivers5.1.dmg package. It was updated and released on 10/25/2020 to fix this issue.
12. Double-click to open the HPPrinterDrivers5.1.dmg file, or whatever driver file you needed for your printer.
13. Double-click on the HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.pkg file that will open in a new folder.
14. Follow the installation instructions on the screen.
15. On your Mac, choose Apple  menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners.
16. Click on the + button at the bottom of the list window.
17. If your printer is connected (or was previously connected wirelessly), select the printer from the list in the pop-up window and click Add.
18. Close your System Preferences 🔴.
19. Try the print and scan functions for your device to make sure everything is working ok. 🤓
20. If everything worked correctly, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea ☕and start thinking about your next printer 🖨. Should you maybe look at what Brother has to offer? 🤔

If these steps did not correct the "HPxxxx.app" will damage your computer errors, try yoga. 🧘🏻‍

[vplum]

I have a Photosmart d100a which worked until I updated my Mac to Big Sur.   To correct the malware messages I did as instructed but no fix.   Now the Mac downloads even older drivers than I was using before.    I understand this is all due to HP asking Apple to revoke some drivers and it has left us in a mess.

[ShlomiL]

Hi @vplum,

Please follow below version of HP Easy Start, as soon as it launches open the top HP Easy Scan menu and select Uninstall HP Software.

Follow the steps on screen and then click on Set Up New Device and follow the steps to reinstall the printer:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software12/HP_Quick_Start/osx/Installations/Essentials/ASU/HP_Easy_St...

Shlomi

[Clay_ATX]

This instruction does not seem to be compatible for the D110 printer.  Upon the software finding the printer via wifi, it tells me to continue only to say "Download and install the recommended software for your HP product...at www.hp.com/support.

Going to .../support there is no software for the D110 for BigSur.

Choosing Continue leads to a screen that says to "Continue Online" followed by a Setup Complete.  Unfortunately there is no printer or software installed.  

Going back to manually adding the printer hoping there would be new drivers to use yields the “HPScanner” will damage your computer." message all over again.

[neda43]

My HP Deskjet F4480 printer works fine but I get the "HPScanner will damage your computer" when trying to scan documents.  It is attached to an iMac running MacOS BigSur 11.1.  In following these instructions, when I got to steps 11 and 12, it appears that there is not a driver for my combination of printer and Apple operating system.  I tried the HPPrintersDriver5.1.dmg and that did  not work.  I tried a couple of other drivers and they did not work either.  Any idea when there will be a driver available for Big Sur 11.1 - and successfully useable  by my F4480?

[ShlomiL]

Hi @neda43,

Please try following the Resolution section below and let me know how it goes:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printers-Knowledge-Base/Having-problems-installing-older-HP-Printers-o...

Shlomi