HP 6958 Flatbed scanning works but will not scan when using the feeder.

[pjypape]

I use the printer wirelessly. When we bought it the printer worked great. Now we keep on getting an error message "Scanner is unavailable". I can scan using the flatbed one at a time, but not the document feeder.

[Kumar0307]

@pjypape, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Try making a standalone copy of more than 2 pages from the feeder and check if that works.

Check if the feeder recognizes the paper when loaded. It gives a notification tone.

If the feeder does not pick the paper, refer to the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this document.

For now, let us try these steps:

Reset the printer

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
4. Turn ON the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
5. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Note: HP recommends connecting the printer directly to a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or a power strip.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest firmware from your computer.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor to diagnose and fix any driver issue

Click here to download the file. Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and click on 'Fix printing'.

Let me know how this goes.

If you feel my post solved your issue, please click “Accept as Solution”, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[pjypape]

Thanks Kumar,

   I went through everything you had mentioned. I attempted to 4 sheets in the document feeder. The printer indicated the paper was received. But when I hit scan in HP Smart the printer made some sounds then scan the empty scanner flatbed.

   I have updated all the firmware possible, unplugged the printer for a few minutes,  ran Scan Doctor. Nothing seems to work. I tried to copy something from the feeder tray that worked. But when scanning the feeder doesn't work.

Thanks you for helping,

pjypape

[KrazyToad]

@pjypape

I suggest you uninstall the printer driver from root level and download the full feature software

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.) Open 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.) Restart the computer and download the Full Feature Software from Here and follow the onscreen Instructions

Try scanning and let me know how it goes 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.