Compression artefacts even when scanning in PNG

[OlleEriksson]

Hi

I just purchased a HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Printer and the scanner introduces compression artifacts in the scans, no matter what I do. I am scanning as PNG, photo, grayscale. I don't care if it takes an hour to create a scan because I mean to extract the finest details of the image in post processing afterwards so I need the scans to be clean. Please tell me there is a way to scan without compression, or set the compression to the lowest possible. I have already downloaded what I think are the latest drivers and updated the firmware. I've tried several different scanning softwares, including your HP Scan. Nothing helps. Please help.

[Betty0610]

@OlleEriksson

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Does this happen while copying too? 

Let's try to do a root uninstall and reinstall of the software:

Unplug any USB cable, if any, before doing this.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

6.) pen up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo.

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”)

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers

13.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo

14.) Type c:/programdata and click Ok. Go to Hewlett Packard folder, remove any printer related folders & files.

15.) Restart the computer.

Once done, please download and install the software from here:

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

Thanks!

[OlleEriksson]

Thanks a lot for the help, but I am afraid it didn't make any difference. It was called "Apps and Features" on my Windows 10 installation and "Printers and Scanners". And I removed anything starting with HP. The printer was removed. After restarting though, I plugged in the USB cable again, and very soon the printer appeared automatically again. Then I installed the software, LJM28-M31_UWL_Basicx64_46.2.2636.exe from the link you provided. Afterwards, going to Properties on the printer from the Control Panel and Devices and Printers and looking at the Hardware tab I've got three Device Functions for the printer, the one of type Imaging Device (I assume that's the scanner part) is called HP LaserJet MFP M28-M31 (USB) and going to Properties and Drivers I get 2018-06-11 and driver version 46.0.4643.1.

[Betty0610]

Does this happen while making a copy? 

Try using the HP Smart App: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04675142

Let me know if this helps.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

[OlleEriksson]

It didn't make a difference when copying, still seeing artefacts around text.

HP Smart app was slightly better though. It won't allow me to scan in PNG or TIFF but at least set the compression level to low, and scanning to JPEG with Low compression was noticably better than scanning to PNG with the HP Scan app, so I've reverted to using it instead. I am scanning at the hightest DPI as well and then downscaling to get rid of even more artefacts. Unfortunately HP Smart app lacks some of the other features that HP Scan has, so it's not perfect, and I really would prefer to scan to PNG directly, without any compression. It's unfortunate that you can't use off-the-shelf apps like Windows Fax and Scan and be able to scan to PNG without compression.

But thanks alot for the answer. It's at least better now.

[The_Fossette]

@OlleEriksson

Follow the steps in the below article and then update the printer firmware and check.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02919168

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[OlleEriksson]

I had already upgraded the firmware, but I tried it again and it makes no difference. Still compression artefacts.

I do appreciate both of your efforts! The tip to use HP Smart app made the results much better. But, I don't know, there are still compression artefacts. I do realize the specifications at https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05968109 doesn't say anything about output formats, but a lot of vendors do claim that it can scan to PNG and TIFF, and it can using your HP Scan application, and when you scan to one of those formats I would assume that there would be no lossy compression along the way. So for that reason I don't feel like I can mark it as a solution, but I still appreciate all the help you have given me.

Thank you!

[The_Fossette]

@OlleEriksson

You're welcome!

I recommend you contact support to further diagnose the issue.

Here is how you can get in touch with support.

1)Click on this link – www.hp.com/contacthp/

2)Select the product type.

3)Enter the serial number of your device or select let HP detect your product option.

4)Select the country from the drop-down.

5)You should see the HP phone support number or Chat option listed.

Cheers!