Officejet Pro 6978 document feeder does not scan

[Lindenstream]

My Officejet scans only when a document is placed directly on the glass.  While the document feeder works for copying, it fails to scan.  Instead, it whirs a bit and then announces a document is on the computer.  The document is one blank page.  This is the identicall question to one in the archives from 2016.  The answer i saw in the archives was to change the source for the scan.  I do not see anywhere on the printer where I can change the source.  It ought to be able to figure out to use the document feeder by itself anyway.  The copy function does fine.  I look forward to your assistance.  Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Lindenstream

In general, documents to be copied / scanned are loaded on to the glass "face down" and documents to be scanned / copied in the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) are stacked in order and loaded "face up".

In general, yes, the printer can sense whether there is a document / image loaded on the glass or in the ADF.

If the ADF needs attention, that is, the ADF is not working at all, the mechanism may need attention - the ADF glass bar and/ or the ADF rollers might be dirty.

Improving Scan Quality

Almost all the scan features, including changing the defaults (source and type of scan) are best (and only) done using the Printer Software installed on the computer.

Basic How-to document explains:

How to Scan (Windows)

General Example - Using scan software  (Exact visual reference differs by printer software version and printer model)

Note that the settings are similar for both JPEG and PDF, including those for the source (whether to use ADF or glass).

HPSE_Save-as-JPEG_1

If you have not done so, install the Full Feature Software for the printer.  Consider, too, installing / updating the printer firmware.

General help to install the software...

Hint:  For best results, do not ignore the Restart sequences.

Printer Software – Uninstall Existing Software

If the software is already installed and you want (need) to uninstall it:

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Scroll down, click, and Uninstall the 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

If, after the Restart, the printer is still lurking about in the Device Manager, remove it.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Expand category Printers

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

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

Printer Software - Installation

NOTE:  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).

Download, save, and install the Full Feature Software for your Operating System version

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

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 support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

Firmware

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all 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.

Side Bar:

IF your printer software lacks the "Auto Detect Size" feature shown in the Example, you can download and install a version of the Scan software what includes this great feature.

HP Scan Extended – Exceptional free HP scan program:  HP Scan Extended features include (and are not limited to): Single, Multiple scans, Image and PDF scans, Auto-Detect (extracts image / document boundary). Download, save, and install to use.

NOTES

• HPSE is an older subset of the printer software; features are very similar to scan software included in 2015 or newer Full Feature Software packages.
• If you have the newer version of the scan software inside your Full Feature Software, use that: Printer Assistant shortcut icon on Desktop (named for printer) > Scan a document or image (wording varies).
• Although the HPSE program works as a separate program, HPSE is dependent on the infrastructure provided by the printer software. The Full Feature Software for your printer should be installed before installing HPSE.

Another nice scan software worth a look:

NAPS2 -- Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).  Includes OCR.  Download, save, and install to use.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

[Lindenstream]

Dear Dragon Fur,

Thanks for the detailed resolution info for my scanning issue.  Have a great day!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Lindenstream

You are welcome.  I am glad we could help.

Happy Scanning!

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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