HP Scan Extended

[Apan]

I wrote earlier about Hp Scan Extended. I was having an issue with the software and early October with the help from Chat GPT problem was resolved and Extended was running. I tried yesterday and found out Extended is not listed under the start menu. I have HP Smart. However HP scan Extended is Listed in Control Panel. It is also not showing in Program in C drive,

I have spent about 4 hours today with ChatGPT without luck. Between early October and today there were several windows updates. I don't know any of the update has screwed up the software, 

I have repaired the software. Removed and reinstall the software - and without luck. HP smart is working. But, I need Extended for several of it's features like, making a .tif file that has no background or adjust contrast and or brightness of a PDF.

I wish HP folks revisit the thinking and come up with an update including extended feature for OS 11 that can be marge in HP Smart. These features were  avaliable in 32 bit version..

Any suggestion in this matter will be highly appreciated.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Apan 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand the concern. It is encouraging that HP Scan Extended is still listed in Control Panel, which suggests Windows can still detect the application, but it appears the program shortcut or executable accessibility may have been affected after software changes or Windows updates. 

Since HP App is working normally and reinstalling HP Scan Extended has not restored access, the focus should be on verifying whether the application files are still present and whether the installation completed correctly.

Based on the information provided, please try the following:

Open Control Panel > Programs and Features and confirm that HP Scan Extended is listed with a valid installation size and version number.

On the Windows search bar, search for:

• HPScanExt.exe
• HP Scan Extended If found, right-click the application and select Open file location. If the executable opens, create a new desktop shortcut and test scanning again.

Browse to these common HP Scan Extended installation locations:

• C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan Extended\
• C:\Program Files\HP\HP Scan Extended\ Look for HPScanExt.exe. If the folder exists but the executable is missing, the installation may be incomplete.

Run the HP Scan Extended installer again using Run as administrator, then restart Windows and verify whether the application appears in the Start menu and Windows search.

Since your HP ENVY 5660 e-All-in-One Printer is functioning with the HP App, verify that the full-feature HP software components for the printer are still installed. HP Scan Extended relies on HP scanning components and drivers to operate correctly.

If HP Scan Extended launches after locating the executable but does not appear in the Start menu, manually create a shortcut from the executable and pin it to Start.

Your feedback about TIFF scanning options, background removal capabilities, contrast adjustment, and PDF image-processing controls is valuable. These were useful features for many scanning workflows, and it is understandable why you would want to continue using HP Scan Extended alongside the newer HP App experience.

One additional observation: if HP Scan Extended worked in early October and disappeared after subsequent Windows updates, it may be worth checking whether the executable is being blocked, quarantined, or removed by Windows Security during installation. Reviewing the Windows Security protection history can help determine whether any HP Scan Extended components were isolated after installation.

Please let us know whether HPScanExt.exe can be located on the system and whether HP Scan Extended shows a version number in Programs and Features. That information will help narrow down the next troubleshooting steps.

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Apan]

I have searched for HPScanExt.exe the result opened the webpage for help. Should I Download the software again?

[Apan]

I  also cannot install latest driver version 40.15.1230; 77.9 MB; Released Nov 24, 2021 for HP 5660-e-Series All-in-one. May be that is the reason it is not recognizing the Printer/Scanner.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Apan 

Thank you for the update. I understand the concern. Based on what you've shared, the fact that HPScanExt.exe cannot be found, HP Scan Extended does not appear in the Start Menu, and the latest full-feature driver is also not installing points more toward an issue with the underlying HP software components rather than only a missing shortcut.

Since HP Scan Extended depends on the HP scanning drivers and software framework to communicate with the HP ENVY 5660 e-All-in-One, it is possible that an incomplete driver installation is preventing both the printer recognition and HP Scan Extended from functioning correctly.

At this stage, I would recommend the following:

1. Uninstall HP Scan Extended and any existing HP ENVY 5660 full-feature software from Windows.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Download and install the latest available full-feature software package for the HP ENVY 5660 from HP Support using Run as administrator.
4. Confirm that the printer is recognized and scanning correctly through the HP App after installation.
5. Once scanning is working, download and install HP Scan Extended again and restart Windows.
6. After installation, check these locations for the executable:
   • C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan Extended\
   • C:\Program Files\HP\HP Scan Extended\

Because the driver package itself is currently not installing, resolving that installation issue is likely the key step before HP Scan Extended can operate normally.

Also, if Windows Updates were installed between the time HP Scan Extended was working and when it disappeared, please check Windows Security > Protection History to ensure no HP scanning components were blocked or removed.

Your feedback regarding TIFF creation, image cleanup, brightness/contrast controls, and advanced PDF scanning features is appreciated. Those capabilities remain valuable for many scanning workflows, and it is understandable why you would like to continue using HP Scan Extended alongside the HP App.

Please let us know what error, if any, appears when attempting to install the 40.15.1230 full-feature driver package. That detail will help us determine the next steps and get the scanning software working smoothly again.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye