Print and Scan Doctor

[swm3]

When I use Print and Scan Doctor to install my C4340 printer, it recognizes the printer, downloads software, but then tells me "another instance of this software is already running". In Task Manager, there is HP Smart Install Service running (win 10, 64), but when I try to end the task, it disappears and immediately reappears. I have an 1102 printer already installed which I also removed from the task manager. I tried uninstalling the HPsisvc.exe, rebooted, the "Smart Install Service" was now gone from the task manager, but I received the same message from Print and Scan Doctor that another instance was running.  Is there some other way I can install my C4340? I need it only as a scanner.  Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@swm3 

Short Version:

There is no HP printer software support for Windows 10.

This means there is no HP printer scanner software for this printer on Windows 10.

Longer Version

The Print and Scan Doctor is a diagnostic tool - though it can on occasion be used to install the printer software, that is not the doctor's primary function. 

In the case of your printer 

HP Photosmart C4340 All-in-One Printer series

nothing is working - Doctor program fails to find solution, software does not load, program spins around and around.

Why?

First, because of the nature of the Print and Scan doctor software; the Doctor is not a software installer though it can handle this task in many situations.  The software has to be available for installation, for example.

and

Second, and most importantly, the task is failing because there is no HP printer software support for the printer in Windows 10

and

Third, the Print and Scan Doctor does not understand the problem; it does not know how to "give up" and stop the hunt for the software.

The Doctor knows there is something wrong but the code (program) has not been told how to handle this type of error.

Disclaimer: No emails, please, I realize this explanation is not concise nor even entirely accurate - just making a point...

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

What to do?

Use Windows Add-a-Printer to search for and add basic printer function - know that the one thing you want, the "scanner" is not included in basic printer function.

Nonetheless, for those reading and wanting to add basic Windows print drivers:

HP Document:  HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more

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

HP Photosmart C4340 All-in-One Printer series

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[swm3]

Thanks for your reply.  I have two basic problems.  One is that the scanner worked fine for the last couple of years until last week.  Then the scanning action program disappeared but I was still able to scan using the Windows fax app.  But then that didn't recognize the scanner either.  Based on other responses on this forum, there was a suggestion to delete the printer and re-install it.  I deleted it, but cannot reinstall it as I mentioned in my original post.  Which brings me to problem 2.  When I go to the HP site to download the software to install the C4340, it recognizes that I am using Win 10.  Is it possible that HP has me downloading the software which can only be installed by Print and Scan Doctor knowing full well that it won't work?

I guess my main problem is that I can't find the CD that came with the printer which might enable me to install it.  And there appears to be no way to install the software that IS available on the HP site without the Doctor.  That leave me up the creek without a paddle.

[swm3]

Using Windows "Add printer" worked, INCLUDING the scanner!  Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur]

@swm3 

The original CD, even if you had it, won't install the drivers for Windows 10 - this version of Windows was not around when that printer was new and supported.

The Print and Scan doctor cannot install software that it cannot find.  The internal coding in the program is limited to supported software options.  It is perhaps a "weakness" in the program that it cannot anticipate the fact that there might not be software for the printer in the expected location.    Regardless of whether the limitation is deliberate (programs simply do not do everything else they grow exponentially) or the programmers simply did not anticipate the problem, the doctor cannot handle the exception (no printer software).  If the program were a bit smarter, perhaps it would at least be able to tell you, that "Sorry, No printer software found for this version of your Operating System".

Recognizing (Detecting) your system is running Windows 10 is part of the pre-work that the Software and Drivers website support provides as a means to lessen the amount of work you must do to find software and drivers for your device. 

Detecting your Operating System does not guarantee there is software  available for that version of the Operating System.

As a note to readers:

You can use the "Choose a different OS" button on the Software and Drivers website support page  to adjust your Operating System to search for software for a different version of the Operating System.

If you like, you can try installing the printer software for Windows 8.1 (No, the doctor cannot do this for you.)

Understand the printer software for Windows 8.1 is six years old and there is absolutely no guarantee that the current Windows 10 will accept it.

This might work.

Try / Consider

Download and save the Full Feature Software found for Windows 8.1

Software and Drivers Website Support page:

HP Photosmart C4340 All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Driver

Install the software -

PS_AIO_03_C4340_Nonnet_Full_Win_WW_140_404-4.exe 

Restart the computer after the installation is complete.

Trouble installing?

** Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **

If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility.  Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.

Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility 

Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"

Select Windows 8 (or the closest you can find)

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator

There are many articles on the Internet to explain and help - use your favorite browser and search (for example):

run old software in windows 10 compatibility mode

NOTE:  Adjust the search phrase to change or narrow your search parameters.

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

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Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[Dragon-Fur]

@swm3 

Well, there you go.

You are welcome.

I will leave my additional post in place (we crossed paths) for others who might be reading.

Happy Printing.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.