HP Smart Scan does not provide Editable text

[Bob150140]

Lost copy of HP Scanning software on a reload and had to load (lousy)HP Smart software, which does not scan output  to "Editable Text"
Has anyone a link or media from which I can re-install the original software (or show to save  to "Editable Text:?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Bob150140 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

The latest Full Feature Software driver installation package has had the embedded OCR removed.

No, we don't know why -- might have been license or compatibility issues.  ?

If you can find an older copy of the driver dated prior to mid-2022 (about June), that older installation package will still have the embedded OCR included.

If you wish to do so,

and / or

If you cannot find a copy of the driver that includes the embedded OCR component,

• Install the HP Full Feature Software available in Software and Drivers

I've seen recommendations that after you install the full driver printer software, that the old HP Scan Extended software can be installed.  What?  HP Scan Extended is a subset of HP Scan from 2015 -- if it is compatible and runs, it might also provide what you seek (OCR).

HP Scan Extended

• Download-Save-Install

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/scanners/HPScanExt/HPScanExt.msi

• HPSE is a subset an older Full Feature Software suite. 
• HPSE features are very similar to the HP Scan Software released after 2015.
• Although HPSE appears to be a separate software, HPSE is dependent on the infrastructure provided by the Full Feature Software (full driver).  The Full Feature Software for your printer should be installed before installing and using HPSE.
  • OPTIONAL:  Add HP Scan Extended shortcut to Taskbar / Send to Desktop / Pin to Start
    • Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan Extended\bin
    • Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Taskbar
    • Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Send to Desktop (Create a Shortcut)
    • Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Start

• HP Scan Extended features include (and are not limited to): Single, Multiple scans, Image and PDF scans, Email as PDF / JPEG, Source selection, Page Size choices include Auto-Detect (extracts image / document boundary).  Might include OCR (Save as Editable Text).

=========================

Printer - Full Feature Software - Install

If you have not done so, consider

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  Printer Assistant and HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

If the full driver printer software is (already) installed but not working,

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• Check (for the Printer) in Devices and Printers  > If found, Right-Click Printer and Remove -- If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.

Next,

• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download  <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Installation

• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

====================================

The installation of the full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop:  

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_10

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HP Smart - Windows - Application

HP Smart cannot help -- the app won't provide unsupported features for the printer model.

Possible exception:  Scan to your Cloud Storage account.

Example - HP Smart - Shortcuts - Run / Add / Create / Edit Shortcuts > Save - "File Type"

HP_Smart_Shortcuts_Settings_4

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References / Resources

Find, download, purchase OCR software to use with your printer

OCR Scan Software – Examples

Best OCR software of 2023

Well written and easy to read / comprehend

Introduction to OCR and Searchable PDFs: An Introduction to OCR 

2022

11 Best OCR Software of 2022 (Free and Paid Tools)

7 best OCR software for Windows 10/11 [2022 Guide] 

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Bob150140]

Absolute success!

Less than 10 minutes after getting nowhere with HP because a Survey pops up before you can enter your name.

I certainly appreciate:

    (1) your speedy response

   (2) the succinct yet simple instructions and

   (3) the ease of installing the fix!

   (4) total elimination of the past two days stress

You a credit to the community!!

As we say in Australia, "mate, yer blood's worth bottlin'"!

Regards,

Aussie BobO'B

[Dragon-Fur]

@Bob150140 

Excellent!

You are most welcome.

😎

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"