HP 4400 scanning error.

[mrnno1]

My Photosmart c4400 has worked flawlessly since I purchased it.  Yesterday, after successfully scanning a pdf document into Word, a second scan attempt resulted in an error message.  The message said that an error had occurred, and to 1. Close the program; 2. Reboot the computer; 3. Reinstall the software.  Numbers 1 & 2 failed to correct the error.  When trying to reinstall the software that came with the computer, I was notified that a newer version was installed. 

I followed the step by step help provided in the HP Solution Center, disconnected the power cable, checked cables, etc. and still get the same error message. Printing works properly, as does scanning from the printer, itself.

Can anyone suggest anything to do to correct the problem that I haven't listed above?

Thank you.

[VisionAiry]

I could suggest some more steps to get your scanner working again with Solution Center but it would be very useful to know a few more things first.

1.  What is the operating system of the computer you are using (ex. Windows 7 64-bit, Windows XP, Mac OS 10.8, etc)?

2.  You hint that this is connected with a USB cord, but please confirm, is this printer connected USB, wireless, or Ethernet?

3.  You were able to install the software but you just cannot scan, is that correct?

4.  Also, I am unable to pull up any exact documentation to assist you further as the Photosmart C4400 is the name of the series.  Can you provide the model number located on the back of the printer or specify one of the many versions available (ex. C4435, C4440, C4450, etc)?

Here is a document regarding the Photosmart C4440 Scanner errors. 

--An Error Has Occurred While Scanning--

It suggests checking for a firmware update.  This will depend on which operating system you have but if you answer those questions for me please I will gladly help you find that information as well.

[mrnno1]

Thanks for your reply.  Here are the answers to your questions.

1.  Windows 7 64 bit.

2.  Connection is with a USB cord.

3.  When I tried to install the software that came with the printer I got the message that an updated version was already installed.  I didn't try to find the updated software online, and didn't uninstall the software already installed.  I may have erred by not following the instruction and trying to find the software online.  I'm not sure which program to uninstall, nor where to find the updated software, but I will try to find it online.

4.  The model is 4480.

Thanks again for your reply.

[mrnno1]

I found the software, reinstalled it and got the same error message.

Don't know if this helps, but the error message seems to be 4,[(3,42,0)]

Thanks again.

[VisionAiry]

Very interesting.  Thank you for answering my questions. Yes there appears to be a firmware update for this printer but it does not directly address the problem with Solution Center and your error code.  However, try running the Print and Scan Dr and let me know what it says.

1.  If this doesn't help you, what brand of computer do you have?  If this entails a lot of troubleshooting steps, sometimes it requires removing HP files and if you have an HP computer, I will not include that step.

2.  Also, was this computer ever Windows Vista that you upgraded to Windows 7? I know a software patch is required for that if so.

3.  Did you use the software disc or the website to install the printer this last time?

Let me know what my link to Print and Scan Dr says. I hope it fixes it for you.

[mrnno1]

Thank you for continuing to help me resolve this issue.

I ran the Print and Scan Dr twice.  I was leery about using it, because I've been fooled by other "fix it" programs that appeared to be from a reputable source.

One, or more, fixes were made during the first run.  None were found during the second run.  The problem continues to exist.  After running the program I was notified of and installed an available update. Still no change.  When I tried to scan, I got the same error message previously referenced.  Repeated all the required suggestions, restart, reboot, remove power cord, etc.  Still no joy.

When the scan program is functioning the HP Scanning screen appears in the upper left corner of the monitor.  It is extremely compressed, cannot be expanded, and none of the controls work.  The item being scanned screen is in the extreme left corner of the scanning screen and cannot be expanded.

Hope some of the above helps toward finding a resolution.

My computer is an HP Pavilion p6280t, which was W7 when purchased.

I installed the software from the HP website.

[VisionAiry]

I understand a lot more now. Thank you for that thorough explanation. It sounds like something has damaged your scanning software. I understand being leery when using 3rd party software that claims to fix things in the registry, so here is what I recommend:

1.  Do a system back up for this next step.  Since you have an HP computer, it is risky when trying to deep-clean HP printer software, so I am offering this step as the safest means to do so.

2.  Follow the instructions in this link to uninstall the printer and clean up files in your PC using Advanced System Care.  This is a highly recommended software for cleaning up your PC and getting rid of this corrupt scanning software.  

3.  Unplug the USB cord.

4.  Reboot the PC by shutting it down first and then powering it back on (not resetting it). 

5.  Click here to download and install the Full Feature Software and Drivers for the Photosmart C4480 (Windows 7 64-bit US Version).

6.  Wait for the installation to prompt you to plug in the USB cord.

7.   After it installs, try to scan and tell me what happens.  

I really hope this works!!

[mrnno1]

I'm not sure the link to which you refer to uninstall the printer.  Can it be accomplished by "remove device" thru the control panel?

I've tried several times to download the Advanced SystemCare Free.  I get the message thanking me for downloading and asking that I also download their new malware program.  I can't find that the file has been downloaded anywhere on my computer. 

When checking my download folder, there is a file, that, when opened, lists all their programs.  When clicking on the file, above, the message is that it can't be found. 

I'm more confused than ever. 

I did a system backup to an external hard drive.  At least that worked... .

Again, I thank you for continuing to suggest solutions for my problem.

[VisionAiry]

Sorry for the confusion.  I experienced the exact same problem yesterday with Advanced System Care as well.  Other experts on the forums swear by it but I have never been able to get it to work.  I assumed it was because of my protected network I am on.  I always used CCleaner but I have heard so many times that ASC was better, and perhaps it is if it would ever download.  Don't worry about that because I suppose their download is broken. 

So, since you cannot use the tool to uninstall, the purpose was to clean out the registry in one step.  Having an HP computer I cannot give you the full scrub steps so I want to make this as easy as possible for you. Hopefully this works because it can get redundant if not.

1. Uninstall the printer and all associated programs from Add/Remove Programs.

2. Download and run CCleaner instead (remember to click the green "Download Now" button under the word CCLEANER). Again, with 3rd party software it is at your own discretion and I nor HP are responsible for problems caused using it, but I like this cleaner personally and have not had any problems. Use it to the fullest of its abilities. Save a back up, clean everything it suggests, and please let me know if you have any questions.

3.  Turn off the computer completely and then turn it back on - instead of just resetting the PC.

4.  Install the Full Feature Software and Drivers  and customizing the software that installs to make this time go by faster (I will post a picture of what I mean).

5.  Try to scan.

This is a very easy step.  If this does not work, let me know.  Sometimes a simple uninstall/reinstall with a computer cleanup can fix it but other times it requires an even deeper clean than I have suggested in this step.  I just want to set that expectation now but that I am more than happy to help you!

[VisionAiry]

OCR Software is okay to use.  If you have this option it allows you to edit scanned objects but is not required to scan.  These are the added features that may cause your installation to take a really long time.  You may see a window like this:

You would select the blue button to Customize Software Selections.  This is an installation from a different printer obviously but this is to guide you so that no more time is wasted like what happened with Advanced System Care. I hope this helps!!!