Printer won't allow me to scan

[JackGunn]

Brand new printer.  I want to enable scan to printer, so I can use the scan option from the printer's touch panel.  Apparently, this needs to be enabled in the HP Smart app on my PC.  So in the app I go to "Printer Settings" > "Advanced Settings".  Then I select SCAN from the top bar.  I then have to enter in my PIN (for some reason).  And then the page says "You cannot use this function because it has been disabled. For more information, contact the person who set up the printer."

I am the person who set up the printer.  I did not ever disable this option, and I have no clue how to enable it.  First of all, I want to just vent a little bit.  This is the most retarded thing I've ever seen.  For a brand new setup, this should not be disabled by default, and even if it is, I should be able to enable this option easily.  It's my printer!! 

Now, can anybody help me to enable this option?

[Dragon-Fur]

@JackGunn 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

It's true that not everyone uses a printer in the same way --

For example,

If the printer is set up in a controlled (possibly work) environment,

Some of the printer's settings security defaults might be more effective set one way as opposed to another to prevent unauthorized use.

True, too, not everyone agrees how the security defaults should be set.

The PIN you mention is part of the in-built security on the printer that prevents unauthorized access to the Embedded Web Server (EWS).   EWS can generally be opened two ways:  Via the HP Smart app (in Advanced) and using your Browser. There is no way to bypass the built in PIN security.

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Help / How-to / Examples

This printer supports just one "Digital Send" feature:

Digital Sending Standard Features

Scan to PC

Two Supported Scan "Printer to PC"

• WebScan - This method requires no additional software on the computer.  Webscan does require that you adjust the security settings to allow WebScan to be used .  The "Save" part of WebScan requires that WebScan (the printer) is on the same network and that you (the printer / computer operator) have read / write access to the destination folder on the computer.      EWS_9025_Webscan_7

• Scan to Computer / PC  - Requires that you install the full driver printer software AND (in that driver software) enable "Manage Scan to Computer"   .  Ask if you need  help to install the Full Driver printer software.Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_20

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

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HP ENVY Inspire 7955e All-in-One Printer

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[JackGunn]

I spent over two hours trying to get this to work.  Eventually I learned that I had to install the full driver software, and eventually I found where to download it from. 

The fact that this is not included in the default software (HP Smart) that I'm instructed to install, makes no sense to me.  The other fact that the requirement for this software is not mentioned anywhere, nor where to find the software just boggles the mind.  I'm assuming that most people who buy an all-in-one printer want to be able to use all the features (including the scan, which I assume is a very popular feature) without too much trouble.  This is far too much trouble.  It makes no sense.

At the very least, HP Smart, where it tells me that this feature is disabled, should also tell me how to enable it.  It doesn't.  And since when is scanning an "Advanced Feature"?  Everybody scans.  There's just so much wrong with this entire process, I can only shake my head.

[Dragon-Fur]

@JackGunn 

Well, I'm glad you persevered.

- For those reading - 

Scroll down for information on how to find and load the full driver printer software.

I agree that with the advent of the HP Smart and similar Applications, the full driver software -- on those printers and Operating System / versions where the full driver is still supported --  is not generally presented as the main option.   

The switch to "recommending" HP Smart as the main software choice was made years ago.  

That said, I stopped making assumptions about how people want to use printers -

I'm from a different time and place -- My opinions tend to reflect that difference.

If you are asking about "WebScan" and the need to enable the security to use it,

and 

Why HP smart is not telling you what you need to know --

• HP Smart > Printer Settings > Advanced Settings opens the Embedded Web Server (EWS). 
• HP Smart is not aware of Webscan itself nor is HP Smart directly aware of EWS.
• HP Smart can (and does) make use of some of the information from the printer, for example, Tray and Paper Settings.
• No, I don't know the reason for the name of the setting: HP Smart > Printer Settings > Advanced Settings.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Menu

HP_Smart_Win_Main_Menu_8

True - The full driver is necessary to access the full range of the scan features supported by the printer.

I did mention using "Scan to Computer" in my first message.

This is one of the rare instances that I did not include the all the "how to" install details in the message.

That's fixed below.

Should you need anything else, do ask a new question.

We have a number of Community Experts and Agents that work here in the community.

- For others reading - 

Should you want to use "Scan to Computer", use Word or other Office Software to print, use third party photo editing software, and even should you use Adobe products or other scan products, do install the Full Driver Printer Software.

Details / How-to / Examples

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Printer Software 

If you have not yet done so, (re)install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver generally adds at one, possibly least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop: Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and/or HP Scan.

NOTES:  

HP Scan is not installed if the printer does not support Scan.

The Printer Assistant is not installed if the type of full driver software does not support it.

 If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, Fax software is installed to support the setup and use of the Fax driver.

No Sign-in required to use full driver printer software.

Reinstalling?

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features. 

  Reference:  Uninstall HP printer software and drivers / HP Smart

• If your printer software includes a separate "Help" segment in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.
• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Webpage - Information - Download / Save / (then) Install <<<

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software – Offline Use Only 

In general, the web pack should load -

Download package > Save > Right-Click on the installation Package > Run as Administrator

If / When asked, opt for the Full Driver / Full Software to be installed.

Using USB?  (Re)Connect when instructed to do so.

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

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Shortcuts on the Desktop

The installation of the full driver generally adds at least one or more shortcuts to the Desktop.

 Note:  Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan are dependent on printer model and supported software options.

• Printer Assistant – Where still supported as part of the full driver printer software
• HP Scan – Shortcut on Desktop named for the printer model

OR

• HP Scan Assistant – For those printers that no longer provide the Printer Assistant
• HP Scan - Shortcut named for itself

AND / OR

• When installed, HP Universal Scan software adds a separate self-named “HP Scan” shortcut
• NOTE >> If you install the full driver printer software, installing HP Universal Scan as a standalone software from category Software & Drivers is not necessary.  The system will allow you to install both.

Printer Assistant shortcut > Tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Or

HP Scan Assistant shortcut > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Desktop Shortcuts

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_9

Example - Programs and Features - Installed Printer Software

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_20

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Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"