My HP Envy 5661 Won't Scan

[Paul_Nelson]

Hello,

I can't get my printer to scan to my computer, I have tried everything. I even found a post about the same problem with the following solution provided:

Re: Envy 4500 - Won't Scan To PC, says it can not see it

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‎12-16-2014 08:01 PM

Hey @McLosi,

I understand that you're receiving scan communication errors when scanning from the computer and from the front panel of your HP ENVY 4500 e-All-in-One Printer. However, network communication and printing seems to be fine. I would like to work with you today with resolving the scan communication issues.

Just so you are aware, when you're printing from your computer to the printer than only one-way communication is needed. That communication is the computer sending the print command to the printer and the printer printing what it was requested to print. When you are scanning there is two-way communication needed. The computer and printer communicate back and forth until the image is transferred successfully to the computer. If you're using a network printer than the router may deem the printer as a threat to the network and may block the bi-directional or two-way communication. There is nothing wrong with your router, it may just be doing its job too well. At this time I'm going to run you through some steps to resolve this issue with you.

Step 1: Reset Network:

1. First, unplug the power cable to your Router
2. Once your Router is unplugged, turn off your printer
3. Next, shut down your computer
4. After 30 seconds to 1 minutes, plug your Router back in
5. Next, turn on your printer
6. Turn on the computer

After a few minutes the network connection will return. Check on your computer and ensure that you can browse to websites before continuing. On your printer the wireless light should stop blinking and should return to its solid connected state. Once the network communication has returned can you please try another scan from either the HP Scan software on your computer or the front panel scan option.

Should the issue be resolved, than you may have had an update on your network that temporarily  blocked communication. By powercycling the network it allowed the printer full access once again.

Should the communication error persist, please proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check the WIA Service:

When it comes to scanning, HP Printers rely on two services to scan. Twain is the HP Scan service that allows you to scan an image directly into the application where you wish to work with that image. The Twain feature relies on WIA. WIA is Windows Image Acquisition and it is a service built into your Windows Operating System. It is the service that enables graphic software to communicate with imaging devices (like scanners). All in all, WIA can work even if Twain isn't working. But, if WIA is corrupted or not running properly, Twain will not work. If Twain fails to work HP Scan will not work. To ensure that your WIA service is running as it should be please follow the steps below.

1. Click on your Start menu

2. In the 'search programs and files' box located right above Start type services.msc

3. Hit enter and a Services window will open

4. Scroll down until you see Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) and click on it once to highlight it

5. Select 'Start' or 'Restart' in the top left hand corner.

Note: You should only see 'Stop' and 'Restart' in the top left hand corner. If you see the 'Start' option it indicates that Windows stopped that service from running which could mean that there is a corruption within that scan service.

6. Next, scroll up until you see 'Shell Hardware Detection' and click on it once just to highlight it.

7. Select 'Start' or 'Restart' whatever your option might be.

Once the services have been restarted please try your scan again.

Now before I overwhelm you with multiple steps and possibilities, can you please respond to this post with the result of the network powercycle and what occured when you checked out your WIA and Shell Hardware Detection services. Once I get more information regarding what occured when you ran those steps I will be able to offer additional steps should the issue still be occuring. I look forward to hearing from you. Good luck!

BUT I TRIED ALL OF THIS AND IT STILL WONT WORK!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

[sandytechy20]

@Paul_Nelson

Welcome to the HP Forums. I would be happy to help you with your HP Envy 5661 printer. I understand that you are unable to scan from your computer and you have already done some preliminary troubleshooting. 

Don't worry though as I have a few steps to determine the issue and find a solution as well,

• Restart devices and check driver scan settings.
• Check the network and printer connection status.
• Run the Print and Scan Doctor.
• Uninstall and reinstall the printer software.
• Check Windows Image Acquisition settings.
• Temporarily disable firewall software on the computer.

Click here and refer the document to perform the above troubleshooting steps.

Let me know how it goes.

I hope it helps and if you feel I have answered your question and concerns,

Please mark this post as a solution accepted and Kudos would also be appreciated.

Cheers.