HP 2542 won't scan

[Efair72]

I have an HP desktop 2542.  The device will print and copy documents however it will no long scan documents or photos to be saved on the computer.  It was working last week.  I keep getting a message telling me the device is off line.  I have unplugged and reset everything but it still will not work.  Any suggestions?

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Efair72,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

I'd like to help!

I understand you are unable to scan.

Try the below suggestions -

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor on your Windows computer to help diagnose and fix printing and scanning issues.

Make sure paper is loaded in the main tray, and then turn on the printer.

Download HP Print and Scan Doctor, and then follow the prompts to install and open the tool.

On the welcome screen, click Start to select your printer and run the diagnostic.

If your printer is not found, click My product is not listed, and then follow the instructions troubleshoot the connection.

Uninstall HP print driver and use HP Smart (Windows)

Uninstall the HP print driver and install and use HP Smart on a Windows computer.

Disconnect any USB cables from the printer.

In Windows, search for and open Add or remove programs.

Look for your HP printer name in the list of programs.

If you find your printer, click the printer name, and then click Uninstall.

If you do not find your printer, search for and open Printers & scanners, click your printer, and then click Remove device.

If a User Account Control message displays, click Yes.

Follow the instructions to complete the software removal, and then restart the computer.

Go to 123.hp.com to download and install HP Smart.

Check Windows Image Acquisition settings

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) allows communication between the computer and scanner. If WIA is not on or running correctly, scan jobs can fail.

In Windows, search for and open View local services.

Next to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), check the Status and Startup Type.

If the status is 'Started' or 'Running' and the Startup Type is 'Automatic', WIA is working correctly. No further action is required.

If the status is 'Disabled' or blank, continue with these steps.

Right-click Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), and then select Properties.

On the General tab, select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down.

Under Service status, click Start.

If the Start button is grayed out, return to the Services list and make sure the following services are running and set as Automatic.

DCOM Server Process Launcher

Remote Procedure Call

RPC Endpoint Mapper

Shell Hardware Detection

Try to start WIA again.

You may also refer to -https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2041634-1713099-16

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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