I want printer assistant not smart scan

[ron-e-g]

After update I no longer have printer assistant in my task tray. I see smart scan in my programs instead! I want PA back!

How?

[Dragon-Fur]

@ron-e-g 

Any bit Windows Update can result in problems with other software, including Printer Software.

In particular, the upgrade to Windows V1909 can trash the printer software just because there are so many changes in the Operating System version update that the printer software loses its "footing" in the File system. 

Remove Printer and Reload Printer Software

Try consider:

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Download - Save a new copy of the Full Feature Software (printer program that includes the Printer Assistant)
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Details / Hints: 

• Read through the following text, then proceed with the steps that you feel are relevant to your situation.
• For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart(s).
• Procedure includes optional “extra” clear and clean steps for the purpose training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.
• In general, most installations tend to work better if Windows Updates and your other computer Updates are already installed and current.

** Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software **

Having trouble installing software?

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Printer Software – Preparation

Find, Download, and Save your printer software on your computer.

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device (full model name)

Open category Software and Drivers (wording may vary slightly)

And / Or

Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features.

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.

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

** Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **

Check / Verify:  If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **

Check / Verify:  If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)

Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Restart the computer and log in

** Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **

Check / Verify:  Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy.  If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete files from the Temp folder.

Method One - Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp

OR Method Two – Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)

Restart the computer and log in

Installation - Printer Software

NOTES

• If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation.
• Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

• Some (newer) printer models provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, Easy Start will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software \

• Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available.  Full Feature Software might be described as the "Full Driver" software.

HP Documents

HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers

HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)

HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

Standard - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup (likely Downloads)
• Double-tap on the installation package to start the installation of the software

OR

• Better, Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

1. If you use the EasyStart method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option is presented.
2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

** Optional - Video help **

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

** Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

AND / OR

HP Collection of “how-to” videos

HP Video Gallery

• Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search. 

For example,

Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers

• Select your Video

** Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **

If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility.  Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.

Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility 

Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"

Select Windows 7

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator

Firmware

If you have not done so...

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

** Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

The assigned port may fail to connect the printer or certain printer activities (Scan).  Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle:

Create TCP IP port

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[ron-e-g]

Thanks Dragon-Fur, How do I know what software/driver to choose? When I go to HP printers, and put in my printer it automatically selects the drivers and software for my current OS..Win. 10 doesn't that have the Smart printer software instead of the older printer assistant?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@ron-e-g 

Download the Full Feature Software - 

link is in my first post.

The Full Feature Software includes the Printer Assistant.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[ron-e-g]

Thank You Dragon- Fur,

I have the problems resolved with your help.

[Dragon-Fur]

@ron-e-g 

You are welcome - Happy Printing.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum!