Reinstalling software

[Taoseno1]

I have a Color Laser Jet Pro MFP 3301fdw, close to 2 years old, that has provided excellent service. My uses are very basic: print and scan. Several months ago something went wrong and I was advised to delete the HP software. Since then I have had no luck. Previously, Smart Start never seemed to work well, but the "regular" HP icon always brought up a screen that allowed me to scan. Now, I get stuck in a loop where Smart Start "can't find" my printer — says it is offline, even though I am sitting right next to the printer and keep pressing the Start button.

I have no trouble PRINTING wirelessly from anywhere in the house, I just want to be able to use the SCAN function again. Would appreciate some help.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Taoseno1 

Welcome to the HP Community --

---

@Taoseno1 wrote:

I have a Color Laser Jet Pro MFP 3301fdw, close to 2 years old, that has provided excellent service.

My uses are very basic: print and scan.

Several months ago something went wrong and I was advised to delete the HP software.

Since then I have had no luck.

Previously, Smart Start never seemed to work well, but the "regular" HP icon always brought up a screen that allowed me to scan.

Now, I get stuck in a loop where Smart Start "can't find" my printer — says it is offline, even though I am sitting right next to the printer and keep pressing the Start button.

I have no trouble PRINTING wirelessly from anywhere in the house, I just want to be able to use the SCAN function again. Would appreciate some help.

---

Product / Printer Model:  ?

Operating System:  ?

Software / Application:  ?

Connection Type:  ?

Content / File Type:  ?

Paper Size / Type: ?

Job type: Scan with regular HP icon

Your post did not capture your Printer Model and Operating System/version.

-- Based on what we know --

Guesses --

• You are running a supported version of Windows.
• At some point you had the full driver printer software installed.
• "Regular" HP icon refers to HP Scan (part of the full driver) or HP Universal Scan (nearly identical to HP Scan and available as a separate download / installation).
• HP Smart / HP App (Windows) is installed but not fully functional -- possibly because the full driver is missing, not functional, not selected in Printer Properties.
• The printer is perhaps connected to your network -- Repeatedly switching the printer on / off / on / off is not improving the situation.  

Connectivity (facet)	Apple AirPrint™; Ethernet networking; Mopria™; USB; Wireless (Wi-Fi®); Wireless direct printing; Fax
Connectivity, Std	1 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (device); 1 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (host); 1 Wi-Fi 802.11ac (dual band); 2 RJ-11 Fax/Modem port/phone line; Auto-crossover Ethernet; 1 Gigabit Ethernet 10/100TX network

- Ideas --

• Assign the printer its own manual / static IP address.
• Make sure the IPv4 settings are adjusted on both the printer and the router.

-- Dragon Comments --

According to the documentation, the printer supports Ethernet -- if Ethernet is an option for your network, use it to increase stability.

Next,

After you update the network / IPv4 settings on printer and router --

• Restart the printer, the computer, and -- if you can stand it -- perhaps restart the router.

Next,

• (Re)Install the Full Driver printer software.
• Optionally install the Universal Scan Software.
• After the printer software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

• Check / Adjust Printer Properties → Tab Advanced  →  Driver as the installed HP driver and not the IPP / Microsoft Driver.

Next,

If available in your area -- and if you are interested -- consider upgrading your HP Smart (Windows) application to the HP App.  The HP App for Windows is the replacement for HP Smart.  The rollout is in progress, possibly by region.

-- Details / Examples --

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

Printer - Network - IPv4

Example – Alternate EWS format (Select newer printers and select Laser Printers)

Open your Browser >

Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Section Network > Primary Ethernet

Check / Adjust Status > IPv4

OR 

Check / Adjust IP Config > IPv4

EWS_9135_Network_Primary_Ethernet_Status_IPv4_2

OR

Open your Browser >

Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Section Network > Wi-Fi > Section IP Config > IPv4

EWS_9135_Network_Wi-Fi_IP_Config_IPv4_5

Notes

• It is not mandatory that you use a manual / static IP address.  Doing so can improve stability.
• If needful and if supported, set the Band Frequency to the frequency you want the printer to use.
• If you assign a manual / static address on the printer, update your router to reflect the assigned IP address.
• EWS sections might be locked and require the printer’s PIN number to access.  Find the printer’s default PIN inside the ink cartridge ink cartridge / area, or perhaps on the bottom or back of the printer.  Check your printer’s User Guide first chapter for details – search the document for “ PIN “.

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

Printer Software - Full Driver

Reinstall the full driver printer software

-- Note --

If you do not want / need the added information, Scroll down to Web Pack Installation

Check / Apply Windows Updates 

• Check / Install any pending Windows Updates 
• If any updates are applied in Windows Updates, Restart your computer and log in

Next,

Uninstall existing printer software

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features.
• If your printer software includes a separate "help" in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.

Install full driver printer software

• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

Web Pack Installation - Open Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software (Internet connection required for driver installation) 

• Open the Web Page
• Download, Save, and Install the software.
• NOTE → If forced to use the "Internet connection required" web pack → If you have issues installing the software, consider using the Microsoft Edge browser to download and initiate / start the installation.
• If using a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the software installation process.
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Short Version Done 

HP Universal Scan Software - Optional

Separately -- Supported on this printer and Windows 11

Installation of the HP Universal Scan Software adds an "HP Scan" self-named shortcut icon to the Desktop.

NOTE

If you have installed the full driver printer software,

And

If the HP Scan that is installed is the "new format" (larger GUI and new layout),

Then

In general, you perhaps do not need to install HP Universal Scan -- the version of HP Scan that installs with the software for this printer is a functional match to the HP Universal Software.

That said, if you can't stand it for any reason, the system will tolerate installing both the full driver and the HP Universal Scan software.

HP Universal Scan Software

Printer Model and Operating System version Dependent >>

When the software is installed, HP Universal Scan Software adds a self-named HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Note

Where supported, HPUSS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature / full solution printer software.

Open website  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software 

If needful, choose a different OS > Open all

Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack 

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

Example - HP Scan (new format) / HP Universal Scan Software

HP_Universal_Scan_PDF_More_Menus_3

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

Windows - Printer Properties

 Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

Right-Click on your Printer > Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer >

Printer Properties > Tab Advanced

Verify / Correct the Driver = the installed HP driver and not the IPP / Microsoft drivers

Example - Printer Properties 

① → ② Optional → Printing Defaults

Printer_Properties_Reprint_17

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

HP Smart → HP App (Windows)

I've not uncovered a specific timeline for the release of the HP App.  It might be regional.  

For the moment, should you install the HP App, the HP Smart application (reportedly) will not suddenly stop working.  True, at some point -- at HP's discretion -- the HP Smart application will be fully replaced and possibly even stop working.  ??

-- What is? --

HP App, from the view point of your printer, is the HP Smart application in a new wrapper.

Instead of the application opening directly to your printer, HP App opens to a "Devices" menu.

Here you will find any detected and added Printer(s) on your network.

Print and Scan Tiles are, once opened, behave essentially the same as the Tiles found in the main menu of the HP Smart application.

-- Caveat --

HP app might -- or might not -- stay signed in (to your HP Account) with the same tenacity we find in the HP Smart application.  Said another way -- each time you open the HP App, check that you are still signed in.  If not, click the Sign in to reestablish your connection to the application.

-- What is next? --

If you cannot wait another minute (new tech is fun),

If you understand that the support for the HP App is in place but not everyone has or understands it,

Try / Consider the following ...

Read about the HP App here:

HP App - For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories

HP Smart and myHP are now the HP app, available for download on Windows 10 (64 bit) or 11 PCs; macOS computers; and for Apple and Android mobile phones and tablets.

And

HP - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

microsoft.com/store/productId/9N9PHDT62W94?ocid...

The go-to app for your HP device. Get set with custom settings in no time, receive tips, and contact support-all in one place. Manage Your Devices with Ease Whether you're tackling a busy day or using your computer for entertainment, stay on top of your devices with simple tools that help you ...

If the link does not allow you to install the application, you will perhaps have to wait for the release of the application in your region.

HP_App_Win_Menu_Options_2

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

Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw  

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