How do I get the passcode so my system can find the Scanner?

[STP1969]

Howdy all. 

I was given (passed down) the C7180 from my Mother, but she doesn't have the CD's anymore as they've been lost over the years. I've downloaded the Drivers, etc, however when I "find" my unit under devices and try to add it on Printers & Scanners, a window pops up asking for a passcode. I'm guessing this information would be on the CD's that are misplaced/lost. Is there anything else I can do to get around this? Any advice is appreciated!!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@STP1969 

What a neat printer.  Charming.  Smiling.

Following is a smattering of all that is available for your printer - do open the Homepage (link later in the message) and take a good look around.

If you are connecting wireless (or through Ethernet), the "passcode" is the password you use to connect to your home network.

Category Troubleshooting (or How-to ) >
Select Topic: Wireless, Networking & Internet
Select Subtopic: Wireless Connections & Networking
Select your document

For example:

 Find Your Wireless WEP, WPA, WPA2 Password

Your most important read:

Basics Guide

The good news...

Although years old by now, there is still Full Feature Software available for your printer:

HP Photosmart Full Feature Software and Drivers

Your best connection option is going to be Ethernet - the wireless radio on this printer is the old "g" type - not so fast though certainly it is likely supported by your network.

Wired Network Printer Setup (Windows)

Essentially, plug in the Ethernet - one end in the printer the other at the router.

Regardless whether Wireless or Wired (Ethernet):

Make sure the router sees the printer.

Download-save-install the Full Feature Software

Printer  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, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

HP Photosmart C7180 All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Answered? Click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[STP1969]

I'm only wanting to use it for the scanner really for old photos being transferred to my laptop, and I'm not tech savvy with anything you just told me, so I'll just have to figure out something else. Thanks though! 

[Dragon-Fur]

@STP1969 

No worries - more help is available.  It can be done...

You will need to install the Full Feature Software to use the scanner.

Windows drivers ("Add a Printer") only provide basic print function.

@STP1969 

HP and Community Expert @greenturtle has produced several how-to videos to help with software installation.

The following might be close enough to your printer to be helpful

Solution Thread:  https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-and-Copying/scanner-not-found/m-p/7724289#M231942

Content

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for using the HP Support Community.

Can you download and install the FULL featured printer software from HP for your operating system:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snRmToGtgZo

Once you have downloaded and installed the FULL feature software, you will be able to print and scan.

Here's how to Enable Scan to Computer:

1. Click on the printer Icon (on your desktop) and it will bring up the HP Printer Assistant.
2. Under the Scan menu, there is a “Manage Scan to Computer”, click on that.
3. Make sure that you “Enable” Scan to Computer. Also make sure the tab “Automatically start Scan to Computer when I log on to Windows” is checked if you want to make this feature permanent. (the following video will show you how)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRnUcDybWbQ

How to use "Scan to Computer" properly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70GlNM9ytbc

Hope that helps.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 @greenturtle -

Can you assist if what I have lifted from your solution is not enough for this older printer setup?

Thanks!  Sneaky Dragon.

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Answered? Click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[STP1969]

I've already gotten the driver installed, etc. My problem is having the "passcode" that would usually be on the CD's that would come with the printer. I've gotten this far with the links you are sending. I can't get anyone on the phone and can't figure out how to get the passcode that would've came with the CD's. 

When I'm under Printer & Scanners, I click on "Find devices" it finds the device, but when I click "Add" a box pops up asking for a passcode, which is what I don't have. 

My question is how do I get around it as I can't get any tech service on the phone because it sends me to the "virtual assistant" (which is really stupid and why I hate HP products cause I can never get anyone on the phone) I actually own a competitors Laptop.