can't open HP Smart app

[Shade2019]

This morning I got a msg that the Scan to Computer no longer working. Used Scan and Print Doctor, It told me to restart which I did. That did not correct the problem. Then it told me I had to update the software and I tried to open HP Smart in order to do that. HP Smart won't open. I went to devices and under printers my HP 4650 doesn't appear, although I can see it when I do a visual of devices. So without HP Smart I can't fix the Scan problem. The print function works ok.  What can I do to fix the problem?  

Thanks

Shade2019

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Shade2019 

Update > Add example (at end of message) > Parts to the Printer Software

If the message is what I suspect to be the case, Scan-to-Computer is part of the full driver software.

Normally, that error MIGHT be fixed, though, the subsequent error messages to seem to indicate the printer software is not cooperating (might be corrupted).

Side Bar

I am not aware Scan-to-Computer can be corrected using the HP Smart application (even assuming the app would open).

? 

True - I might be missing one of the many, many moving parts in the software-application tangle.

What to do?

First, Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.

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Next,

For the moment, leave HP Smart alone.

Yeah, but...

If you can't stand it and want to "do something about the app right now", scroll down to the "Reset the App" notes.

What? 

HP Smart and the full driver software are "sort of" related but are not the same thing.

Leaving HP Smart alone for now won't usually impact the final results.

That said, if you can't stand it, you can try to fix HP Smart before you fix the printer software.

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Start...

If you have not done so,

Uninstall the full driver 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

Restart the computer and log in

Printer Software

(Short Version "How-to")

Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

• Open  Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Click to open Category Software and Drivers 
• Download and Save the current version of the Easy Start Software installation package  to install your print software

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.

Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

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Reset the App

Reset the HP Smart application - This action removes the app data.

Open Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Search and Find HP Smart in the apps list

Open Advanced options > Reset the app

HP_Smart_Win_Apps-and-Features_ Reset_2

If the Reset does not help,

If you have not already done so (and maybe if you have)...

Uninstall the HP Smart app from your Windows 

Restart the computer 

Next,

Remove the unwanted Printer(s) from your HP Account > Dashboard

Next,

"Get" a new copy of the app from the Microsoft Store

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Details / How-to / Examples

Use or ignore as needed.

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

>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing the HP Smart application or the printer software.

Printer Software Check - Is the full driver printer software installed?

Notes

When the full driver printer software is installed,

Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the full printer software adds shortcut icons to the Desktop.

• The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools
• HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.
• Where supported, when installed as part of the HP Smart application, HP Smart Printing is a modern style print driver that supports printing for Images and Documents.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_9

Next...

If… Installed  Software is out of date or is not working

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected, remove and reload the software.

NOTE:  Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for Control Panel and open

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

Restart the computer and log in

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 log in

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

Next,

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

Restart the computer and log in

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

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Printer Software

Method - Use the Easy Start Software to Install HP Smart and / or the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

Installation Package - Information and Download / Save

• Open  Home Page - HP Easy Start >> Click to open Category Software and Drivers 
• Download and Save the current version of the Easy Start Software installation package  to install your print software

Easy Start can be used to install your printer software and / or the HP Smart application.

If the HP Smart Application is (already) Uninstalled, Use Easy Start OR Get a new copy of the application from the Microsoft Store

If you want to install the full driver printer software, choose the "Full Software and Drivers" option during the Easy Start installation procedure.

Basic 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

>>> After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers. 

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

• 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 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”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

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

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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Example - Parts to the Printer Software

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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 4650 All-in-One Printer series 

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[Shade2019]

Thanks for your assistance. Got the HP Smart app reinstalled and working, Restarted the 4650 and it has seemed to fix the scan problem. I'm going back and redo Scan Doctor and see what I get as a result. Right now it seems to be ok.

Shade2019