Windows 11 HP PHOTOSMART 6520e setting listing reads SCAN ONLY . . . DO NOT DELETE

[Helicon]

I have a HP PHOTOSMART 6520e and am running Windows 11.  It works great for scans but will not print.  Today I checked the settings again and noticed it is now listed as SCAN ONLY HC2888 (HP PHOTOSMART 6520e) DO NOT DELETE.  I would like to print again in addition to being able to continue to scan.  Does anyone have any suggestions? I know it is out of warranty, and the troubleshooter just says it cannot identify the problem.  thanks!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Helicon 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

The "Do Not Delete" driver is likely one installed by the HP Print Doctor.

Silly naming convention aside, it is a standalone "scan only" driver that does not include the print software.

Ignore it for now.

Yes, it can be deleted / removed if not being used.

I would guess that the printing software -- which does include HP Scan -- needs to be uninstalled / reinstalled.

The good news, because not all old printers are still supported in Windows 11: 

The full driver printer software is still available for your printer.

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

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

HP Photosmart 6520 e-All-in-One Printer Full Feature Software and Drivers 

Download and Save the Installation Package on your computer.

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Printer Software -  Basic Uninstall / Reinstall

If you have not done so, consider

Uninstall the printer software from Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Check that all the pieces of the printer software have been removed - if anything is deleted, Restart computer and log in

Download, Save, Install new copy of the printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Done.

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More, more, more...

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Printer Software - Lots of Details - Uninstall / Install

Use or Ignore any / all / part of this section as suits your situation

Information offered FYI

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Install Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

If the printer software is still / already installed, 

Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

( Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers )

NOTE:  If the printer also installs Help files – Select and Uninstall the printer help file package from Programs and Features when you are uninstalling the main printer software.

What if?  If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and sign in

Next,

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking.

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer > Remove (upper right)

OR

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > (Scroll down) More devices and printer settings

If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer "Remove device" > Restart the computer and sign in.

If you have been having trouble with the installation,

If, for example, if you have seen "Driver Unavailable" during install,

Add the steps in the Check and Remove Section

Check_and_Remove_Section_3

Continuing

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software Web Pack installation package or the Easy Start Software
• 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 USB printer cable to connect the printer to the computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so, near the end of the installation procedure
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Important Reminders

• Installation packages marked “Offline Use Only” must be downloaded and saved before running.
• Model Dependent >> HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software adds OCR libraries to installed HP Scan software.  HPUS installs a new, full featured, (and separate) HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop. Note:  HPUS can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature printer software.
• If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Scroll down > Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer

Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default

Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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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:  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 Photosmart 6520 e-All-in-One Printer series 

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