Never again an HP printer

[pastafarian4]

I used to just mildly annoyed that my HP8740 doesn't really show me the status of the ink. It always says "Estimated". You can't also simply look at the cartridge because they are opaque. Ok, whatever HP.

With the latest HP software, apparently I have to login first into my account to use the printer for tasks such as scanning.

That is INFURIATING.

I'd like to know what committee of managers decided that's a good feature. Although maybe there are use cases - such as if someone sneaks into my house, is able to log onto my computer and then want to scan some junk in my office.. and FOILED! They do not know my HP username and password.

And alas, neither do I.

[Dragon-Fur]

@pastafarian4 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

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@pastafarian4 wrote:

I used to just mildly annoyed that my HP8740 doesn't really show me the status of the ink. It always says "Estimated". You can't also simply look at the cartridge because they are opaque. Ok, whatever HP.

With the latest HP software, apparently I have to login first into my account to use the printer for tasks such as scanning.

That is INFURIATING.

I'd like to know what committee of managers decided that's a good feature. Although maybe there are use cases - such as if someone sneaks into my house, is able to log onto my computer and then want to scan some junk in my office.. and FOILED! They do not know my HP username and password.

And alas, neither do I.

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HP Ink and Supplies

True - "Estimated" is the best the ink cartridge software can do - it's apparently an imperfect science.  I don't have an explanation that you would care to hear.

Related / Optional

Enable Low Ink Warning / Adjust the Printer Supply Settings

Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Supplies > Supply Settings

Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Email Alerts > Alert Settings

Learn about Ink Supplies - HP - USA

And / Or

Page Yield – Ink Supplies - HP

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Printer Software - What to Use / Which to Choose

You need not use HP Smart - using the HP Smart application is not mandatory.

What to do?

If the printer software is not installed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

If you have not done so,

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

Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

The Easy Start software is a "wrapper" - it can help you choose and install the software for your printer.

When the option presents itself - as it should do for this printer software - choose to install the Full Driver.

Example

Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2

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HP Smart Application - Windows

True - there appears to be a giant gap between the explanation that use of the application is not mandatory and those who believe they are forced to sign-to-scan.  "Clear as Mud".

The HP Smart application does require that you use your HP Account credentials to sign into the app.  The change to mandatory sign-in was finalized at the end of 2020. 

True - of all the many sign-in requirements we face everyday in the digital world, this one seems to have sparked a backlash like few others.

Cannot Sign in to use HP Smart

True - There sometimes appears to be an inordinate amount of trouble associated with the sign-in to use HP Smart.

Those of us outside of HP do have the same tools as everyone else to resolve any problems. 

HP Account credentials - for example, perhaps the same account and password you use to sign in to this Community -

Not knowing your HP Account password is one of the problems for which we have no solution. 

If you decide you wish to use HP Smart

(and)

If you have tried using your HP Account credentials and cannot sign into the application,

Let us know and we can forward a request that someone (an HP "someone") take a look.

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References / Resources

Scan software / application options

NAPS2 – “Not Another PDF Scanner” (Free – Donations gladly accepted by the NAPS2 organization)

• Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
• Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
• Not always simple “Plug and Play”, nonetheless, this free software is powerful and configurable.

Notes

• Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
• Read the Support pages for information
• Read the Getting Started guide
• Combining files?  Read the Command Line Usage guide > Select Combining and Converting Files
• NAPS2 might support higher resolutions while still using the ADF

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.

Windows Scan – Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• “Get” the application from the Store >  Windows Scan
• Help File:  Install and use a scanner in Windows 10

Webscan – located in the Embedded Web Server (EWS) – No additional software

This option requires a network connection and EWS

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Webscan feature  is not available on Laser printers

If the printer is on the network,

If the EWS feature is available on your printer,

First Time Use Only:  Enable Webscan

• Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
• Tab Settings > Security > Administrator Settings > Enable >> Check box next to Webscan
• Click Apply to save any changes

Use Webscan

• Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
• Tab Scan > Webscan 
• Set up Webscan the way you want it - for example, set the Source to ADF
• Click Start Scan to scan your document / image using Webscan
• After the scan is complete, Save the scan to your computer.

• Optional >> Expand the “white background” area to a size to accommodate your data.  If unknown, try 1300x1300
• File > Select “From Scanner or Camera”
• Select your printer > Follow the prompts to scan and then save your item

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Printer Software

Printer Software – Blocked in Security 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.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and sign  in

Reminder: 

Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer

If you have to "remove" the printer, next:  Restart the computer and sign in

NOTE:  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

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>>> 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 software.

Printer Software Check - Is the 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 two 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.

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).
• 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”

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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

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HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 All-in-One Printer series 

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