Deskjet 2542 Scanner not working - Hp Deskjet 2540 Series not found

[4Brent]

I keep getting Hp Deskjet 2540 Series not found everytime I want to scan. Printer is working well. I've uninstalled, remove drivers, empty recyle bin, re-install a billion times. Would work, next day the error returns, the software troubleshooting is just pure garbage "Finding and fixing scanning problem" has been running for the past 2hrs!!! - Windows (WIA) scan not even 10% completed.  I'm using the usb connection, there's even no point trying wifi again, that was a disaster.  This problem happens everyday!!!

[Drakster]

Hi @4Brent,

Thanks for participating in the HP Support Forums!

I see that you're unable to scan with your HP Deskjet 2542 Printer. I would be happy to help you and please remember to return to this thread and mark 'Accept as Solution', if I have successfully helped you resolve the issue. If you wish to say 'thanks' for my effort to help, click the 'thumbs up' to give me a Kudos.

I understand the frustration that you're experiencing. There could be a hardware, software and driver issue or a problem with Windows.

Are you able to perform a copy? If not, follow the steps below.

1. Leave the printer on and unplug the power cable from the printer and wall outlet for 60 seconds.
2. Then reconnect the power cable to the printer and wall outlet rather than a surge protector. This ensures the printer is receiving full power and may help this situation.
3. Make sure the printer is connected directly to a wall outlet (don't use a power bar or a surge protector). This ensures the printer is receiving full power and may help this situation.
4. Try copying again. 
5. Try a different power outlet/room.
6. Try a different USB cable/port.

If the issue persists, continue on.

• Do you hear the scanner mechanism moving when you hit copy? 
• Do you see a light on the scanner bulb (do not look directly at the light)?
• Try a different power outlet/room.  
• Try a different power cable. 
• Click here to update the printer's firmware.
• Try copying again.

The scanner mechanism could have malfunctioned. Please contact HP For service options. 

If you're able to copy, continue on. 

Please download and run the Print and Scan Doctor, it will likely diagnose and resolve the issue you are experiencing.

What were the results when you ran the Print and Scan Doctor (did it print or scan, any error messages)?

Try the steps within this document: 

• USB Scanner Connection is Lost (Windows)

In addition, if there is a problem with Windows Image Acquisition service, please see this Post by colleague @DavidPK.

How does one get Windows Image Acquisition service (stisvc) to restart?

Open windows Control Panel, open Administrative Tools and open Services.  Check that the following services ( check them in the order shown below ) are all showing as Status= Started and Start-up Type= Automatic

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Shell Hardware Detection

Windows Image Acquisition

If you need to make a change to any of the above, just right click the service and select Properties, then in the drop-down box next to 'Start-up type',  select Automatic and click Apply to save the change.  Then click the Start button.

Please respond to this post with the result of your troubleshooting. I look forward to hearing from you. Good Luck! 🙂