Almost every time I want to print or scan something, there seems to be a problem.

[RockSteadySA]

Hi HP community. It was so much easier in the old days when my printer was tethered to my PC with a parrallel or USB cable and all I had to do was press scan or print and it would do it!

Now, almost every time I want to print or scan something it is a big palawa! I am currently trying to scan something but the HP SMART software keeps displaying the following message: "Please select Home to check that your computer is connected and active", which it is, and: "Alternatively, you can use Import feature" which doesn't really do anything except take me to the My Pictures folder in File Explorer.

I also tried pressing "Scan" on the printer display but this just keeps bringing up a laptop that I do not recognise and "Computer not listed" that takes me to another screen that says I must download HP software and drivers which I have done a hundred times already.

Please can anyone help before I chuck this **bleep** printer out the window? Grrrr!

[Dragon-Fur]

@RockSteadySA 

Welcome to the HP Community.

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@RockSteadySA wrote:

Hi HP community.

1.  It was so much easier in the old days when my printer was tethered to my PC with a parrallel or USB cable and all I had to do was press scan or print and it would do it!

2.  Now, almost every time I want to print or scan something it is a big palawa! I am currently trying to scan something but the HP SMART software keeps displaying the following message: "Please select Home to check that your computer is connected and active", which it is, and: "Alternatively, you can use Import feature" which doesn't really do anything except take me to the My Pictures folder in File Explorer.

3.  I also tried pressing "Scan" on the printer display but this just keeps bringing up a laptop that I do not recognise and "Computer not listed" that takes me to another screen that says I must download HP software and drivers which I have done a hundred times already.

Please can anyone help before I chuck this **bleep** printer out the window? Grrrr!

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1.  The "standard" method to use the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software is available for your printer.

The full driver also works if you are connecting the printer to the computer using a USB cable.

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The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

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.

Printer Software Check

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the 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.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_4

Next...

Printer software not installed - OR - (still) installed but not working?

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected,

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  If using USB, disconnect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer before installing software.  (Re)Connect the USB cable when instructed to do so near the end of the installation procedure.

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

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What else?

2.  Although I had seen previous mention of using HP Smart using a USB connection,

The only information I can find (at this writing) does seem to indicate that you must have the printer on your network to use HP Smart.  The application requires that you sign in using your HP Account credentials AND the printer must be added to the application.

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Main Menu

HP_Smart_W10_Main_Menu_3

"Import"

Yes, assuming you have signed into the application using your HP Account credentials,

AND

HP Smart is connected to your printer

Scan > "Import" can be used to open a previously saved Image file for the purpose of accessing the various Editing features.

Partial Example - HP Smart - Windows > Scan Presets / Options

HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_7

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

• Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

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3.  Scan from the printer screen to the computer

Install the Full Feature Software

Use the Printer Assistant to Enable "Scan to Computer"

Printer Assistant (shortcut icon on Desktop named for printer) >

Tab Print, Scan, & Fax > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

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References / Resources

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

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), more

HP ENVY 5010 All-in-One Printer 

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