printer did not work, new setup "scan only.... DO NOT DELETE, no color printing

[cybermo]

Hope, I can explain: my printer did not work anymore (but printed out test pages, wasting ink!!). After a long vacation and a new attempt to reinstall it it finally restarted, BUT

now it says 

"Scan Only - HP Deskjet 2700 series (57BF6E) DO NOT DELETE

That means I cannot do color prints any more, nor can I choose the printing quality

Very, very upsetting and time consuming  

My drivers are said to be up-to-date 

I would be grateful for a solution

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @cybermo,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can imagine how frustrating it must be to see your HP DeskJet 2700 series printer stuck in “Scan Only” mode, especially after a long vacation and multiple reinstall attempts.
 

Let’s break down Why It Says “Scan Only – DO NOT DELETE”

This message usually appears when:

• The printer is installed as a scanner only, not as a full-function printer.
• Windows or HP Smart detects the printer but fails to install the print driver correctly.
• The printer is added via WSD (Web Services for Devices) or basic USB detection, which doesn’t include full print functionality.

How to Fix It and Restore Full Printing Features

1. Uninstall All HP Printer Entries

Let’s start fresh:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
2. Remove all entries related to HP DeskJet 2700 series
3. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program
4. Remove HP Smart, HP drivers, or anything HP-related

Restart your PC.

2. Download and Install the Full Feature Driver

HP Smart alone doesn’t always install the full driver set.

👉 HP DeskJet 2700 All-in-One Printer series Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

• Choose your Windows version (e.g., Windows 11)
• Download the Full Software Solution
• Run the installer and follow the prompts

This will install:

• Full print and scan drivers
• HP utilities
• Proper device recognition

3. Set the Correct Printer as Default

• Go to Settings > Printers & scanners
• Select the correct HP DeskJet 2700 series (not the “Scan Only” version)
• Click Set as default

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[cybermo]

Hi VikramTheGreat,

thank you for your extensive answer. The thing is, I did all this prior to posting my request when the printer would not work at all. But installing it several times newly resulted finally in the SCAN only version. I am a little bit afraid to try again, because I really need the printer and the SCAN only is better than no printing at all?

I guess the problem came either from the fact that I used an other printer during my vaction or from a microsoft windows 10 update. Regarding this, is there anything else I should watch out for?  

Very grateful for your assistance. It s a cheap printer, the only one I could get during covid and more than often it gives me headaches. HP ink not printing out as many pages as promised etc...

A while ago I changed the internet provider and it took me many hours to connect the printer to the new network...

I hope I can get rid of the present problem . 

I wish you a nice weekend!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @cybermo,

Thank you for getting back and Sorry about the issue. We will surely try to get all the help.

Please help us with your HP unit serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product Serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number because we value your privacy.

VikramTheGreat

HP Support