M428fdw full software install fails at network step, HP Scan cannot find scanner

[laurwls7]

Hi all, looking for help with an HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw on Windows 11 25H2.

HP Scan says the HP Imaging Device was not found. When I reinstall the full software (M428f M429f Full Software Solution, version 48.6.4638), it always fails at the network step with the message Unsuccessful Network Installation. The same thing is happening on two PCs at two different sites. Printing works fine.

What works:

• Printing with the HP PCL 6 V4 driver
• The printer web page opens from the PC
• Windows scanning works with the generic WSD scan driver
• One PC with HP software installed back in early August still scans fine with HP Scan

What I have tried:

• Removed all old printer and scanner entries and did several clean reinstalls
• Replaced a wrong software package (M428 M429 instead of M428f M429f) with the correct one
• Tried automatic and manual network setup using the printer IP
• Turned off the Windows firewall and the network firewall during install
• Confirmed the network is set to Private with discovery on
• Printer firewall is off, SNMP v1 v2 read only is on, IPv4 only
• Firmware is the same on all printers and all PCs are on 25H2
• HP Smart sees the printer as ready but says not installed, and Diagnose and Fix did not help

What I suspect:
Scanning worked in early August and stopped working by mid October. All PCs got the same August and September Windows cumulative updates. The working PC had HP installed before those updates and still works. Every new install since then fails at the network step. I suspect a recent Windows update is breaking the network setup part of the HP installer.

Has anyone else seen this, or found a fix? For now we are scanning with third party software, but we would like HP Scan working again.

Thanks!

[Pallipurath]

Hi @laurwls7 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

That’s frustrating, especially since you’ve had to go through this multiple times. Here are some steps that might help resolve the "HP Imaging Device Not Found" error on your HP OfficeJet 4650:

Restart the Printer and Computer

• Turn off your printer and unplug it for 60 seconds.
• Restart your computer and reconnect the printer.

Printer Web insterface.

• Find the printer's IP address.
• Open a browser and go to http://<printer IP>.
• Go to Settings → Security → Administrator Settings.
• Enable"Scanning to a computer or a mobile device".
• Click Save/Apply and restart the printer.
• Open HP Scan and test scanning again

Verify Windows Services

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) and ensure it’s set to Automatic.
• Restart the service if needed.

Reinstall HP Scan Extended

• Uninstall HP Scan Extended from your computer.
• Download and reinstall the latest version from HP’s support page.

Update Printer Drivers

• Open Device Manager and expand Imaging Devices.
• Right-click your printer and select Update Driver.
• Install any available updates.

Reset the Printer

• On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Restore Factory Defaults.
• Confirm the reset and allow the printer to restart

Take care and have an amazing day!

[laurwls7]

Thank you for the reply however the is a HP Laserjet pro M428-M429FDW printer,scanner, fax.  The installer won't complete the install.  I have done all the steps you recommended as well as others.  The scanner works with NAPS2 if I install through Windows.  I have tried all the installers that are on HP support for this device but they all are old 2022 era.  We suspect a Windows update broke the installer. 

[Pallipurath]

Hi @laurwls7 

Thank you for responding.

To resolve the "Unsuccessful Network Installation" error and restore HP Scan functionality on Windows 11, HP's official support documentation recommends the following step-by-step procedures:

Repair Windows System Files (sfc /scannow)

Because recent Windows cumulative updates can sometimes corrupt system files or installer dependencies:

1. Close all open applications.
2. Search Windows for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. If system files were repaired or verified successfully, attempt the installer again.

Perform a Clean Software & Device Removal

To ensure lingering registry keys or driver instances do not block network detection:

1. Disconnect the printer from the network.
2. Open Add or remove programs in Windows, select your HP printer software (or HP Smart), and click Uninstall.
3. Note: If the uninstaller fails, use Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter to clean up the installation state.
4. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click any remaining HP printer icons, and click Remove Device or Uninstall device.
5. Restart your computer.

Perform a Device & Network Power Cycle

1. Power off the printer and the computer.
2. Restart your network router.
3. Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet (rather than a surge protector) and turn it on.
4. Power on the computer and ensure both devices are on the exact same network (SSID/subnet).

Install via Manual TCP/IP Port & Windows Update Driver

If the full software installer continues to fail at the network discovery step:

1. Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a printer, then select The printer that I want isn't listed.
3. Select Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname and click Next.
4. Set the Device type to TCP/IP Device, enter your printer's IP address, and uncheck "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use".
5. On the driver installation window, click Windows Update to load the complete driver catalog.
6. Choose HP from the Manufacturer list, select your model, and finish the setup

FOLLOW THE LINK FOR DETAILED STEPS: HP Printers - 'Unsuccessful Network Installation' error (Windows)

If the issue persists, we recommend contacting your nearest HP Authorized Service Center for further assistance.

Have a good day.