Set up scanner with Windows Installed Driver. HP Officejet Pro 8720 (no longer support)

[SassyRed]

Hello,

I have a printer that is just now starting to be used.  I bought it new in 2018 HP Officejet Pro 8720  All in one.  I accidentally uninstalled the HP Driver because the HP print doctor gave me that message, and said to re-install.  When I set everything up to re-install, nothing was happening... it acted like it installed - several times!  Finally got HP Tech on the phone and they said they no longer support their driver and I can't get it.  They stated windows no longer supports it either - I needed to buy a new one and off they went... I finally hung up.

I was able to install the printer using the built in Windows basic drivers but that is for print and copy.  I need to be able to scan to my computer and save.  I have even tried two outside sources who offer this service online but then they want a lot of money and I have no assurance because I can't them to search for my printer to find out if what HP said is true.

I've heard there is a work-around but I am apparently not intelligent enough to figure this out.  Anyone have any ideas?

Thank you, Michellle

[Dragon-Fur]

@SassyRed 

Welcome to the HP Community --

You are smart enough -- you just were led down a "garden path" of misinformation.

The printer software is available for your printer and your version of Windows.

It is true the printer is well out of hardware warranty.

and

HP® Customer Support - USA does not post phone numbers and does not generally accept case submissions of out-of-Warranty support.

It is also true that everyone else -- so many sites -- might trick, promise, threaten, cajole, or tell you all sorts of things.

People who want money to support or provide free drivers are generally not a reliable source of help.

(Personal opinion)

Preparation

In general, using Ethernet is your best option to provide a solid network connection.

If you cannot use Ethernet, connect the printer to your Wireless network.

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Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

Some printers, particularly older models, only support 2.4GHz

Some printers support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or connect to your 5GHz frequency, try the 2.4GHz.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency (5GHz and 2.4GHz).

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

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Three Sections + References & Resources

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1) Remove / Install the full driver printer software

If not done by this point...

Restart everything, including the router that controls you network.

Can't stand it?  At least restart the printer and the computer and any device you can stand to be without for a short time.

Next,

Run Windows Updates  --  If any updates are installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Next,

If not done by now...

Uninstall the printer software from Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• 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 adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

What if?

If you are having trouble using or installing the software, for example, everything goes along swimmingly and suddenly you see "Driver Unavailable" or other odd installation problems, Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section when uninstalling the printer software.

Check_and_Remove_Section_4

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download  <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Installation

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

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The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

>>> Open the Printer Assistant > tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

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2) HP Scan and Capture

Installing the Full Feature Software supports scanning printing from other programs and applications.

One example,

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HP Scan and Capture

Available from the Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

 Description

HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera.  These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.

HP Scan and Capture features an adjustable screen size.

* NOTE:  The correct HP drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.

Example - HP Scan and Capture - Setup / First time use

Scan_and_Capture_Add_Select_Device_2

Example - HP Scan and Capture - Menus

Scan_and_Capture_Document-Photo_Settings_2

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3) Windows Built-in Driver

Provided FYI

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

Scan? See Section FAQ > How do I use the printer functions with the built-in driver?

Scan your documents and photos:

Complete your scan jobs with a Windows app that works with the built-in driver.

Examples

Windows Fax and Scan: In Windows, search for and open Windows Fax and Scan. Click New Scan, and then select your printer.

Windows Paint: In Windows, search for and open Paint. Click FileFrom scanner or camera.

Windows Scan app: In Windows, search for and open the Windows Scan app. If it is not listed, go to Windows  Scan (in English) to install it.

Troubleshooting for installing the Built-in Print Driver

 HP printers - Windows built-in driver fails to install

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References / Resources 

Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 8700 Printers 

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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:  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, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer series 

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