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Note: From May 1, 2024, the HP Scan and Capture app will no longer be available (retired) in the Microsoft Store and HP will not release any further app updates. Alternatively, you can download HP Smart from the Microsoft Store. For more information on how to set up your printer using the HP Smart app, go to HP printer setup (HP Smart app).
Common problems HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan
We would like to share some of the most frequently asked questions about HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to Scan.
HP Recommended
HP 1536 MFP
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

HP Smart program no longer works correctly.  When I try to scan, it says it cannot find the scanner, but I see the printer display flashing saying scanning to PC.  I have no problem printing.  I checked all the cables. uninstalled and reinstalled all the software and hardware.

 

9 REPLIES 9
HP Recommended

@JSS51 

 

Updates / Edits

Clean up the list and add a couple of possible check-points

Add suggestion to look elsewhere in the Community

Add list of alternative scan software / apps (scroll down)

 

An Update (new version) to HP Smart is expected perhaps by mid-June 2021

 

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Places to check include - and may not be limited to...

 

  Reminder

    All devices running HP Smart (Windows / Mac / Mobile) must be running the latest version for that device

 

:Arrow_Right:  Restart Everything, including the router on your network

 

:Arrow_Right:  Try using a different account (Windows)

 

:Arrow_Right:  Windows Updates must be current / installed

 

:Arrow_Right:  HP Smart Updates, when available >> "Get Updates" at the  Microsoft Store

 

Windows key (Start) > Microsoft Store

If not done, sign into the Store

In the upper right corner, click on the three horizontal dots ... (Settings)

Select Downloads and Updates Get Updates

 

:Arrow_Right:  If you have not done so, sign into the application - signed in?  Sign out, close app, open app > Sign in

 

:Arrow_Right:  Reset / Restart the printer

HP Printers - Printer Turns Off Unexpectedly or Repeatedly

Complete Step 2: Restart the printer

Firmware outdated?

Complete Step 3: Update the Firmware OR  HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

 

:Arrow_Right:  Remove Printer from App (Forget) - Add printer to App

 

Start HP Smart (Windows) >

Select box Printer Settings

Left column, scroll down > Select Forget This Printer

Exit the app

Restart the computer and log in

Open HP Smart app

If not done, sign into the app using HP Account credentials

Add the printer

 

:Arrow_Right:  Treat the printer as if it is "Offline". 

   For example, change the connection to TCP/IP and set a static / manual IP address

    HP printer is offline or not responding

 

:Arrow_Right:  For now, use an alternative scan software / application (list provided later in this message)

 

:Arrow_Right:  Check elsewhere on the Community for solutions. 

Why? 

The underlying causes for this condition are not always the same.  What's missed here might be included elsewhere.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Examples / Reference

 

Make sure your Windows Updates in current and installed

 

  •  Update Windows 10
  • Repeat until no further updates are found / installed.
  • If any updates are installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

 

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features 

Search or scroll down and find HP Smart

Advanced Options

Check "Version"

 

 

HP_Smart_W10_Main_Menu_1HP_Smart_W10_Main_Menu_1

 

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTES: 

  • HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
  • Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
    •  FAQ examples: 
      • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
      • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
      • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
    • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Many HP Printers of recent vintage support installing your printer's Full Feature Software (full driver) using the Easy Start wrapper.

 

 

After the software is installed, the full driver (printer software) includes HP Scan

 

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

 

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

 

  • Home Page - HP Easy Start 
  • Open Category Software and Drivers 
  • Topic: Software-Utility 
  • Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
  • If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.
  • Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
  • Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
  • If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
  • After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

 

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

 

  1. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
  2. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
  3. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
  4. Full driver provides print and scan functions supported by your printer.

Printer_Assistant_Shortcut_Icon_on_Desktop_2Printer_Assistant_Shortcut_Icon_on_Desktop_2

 

HP Scan provides several of the scan features found in other scan software without the need to sign into the software.

The level of sophistication available is related to your printer - not all printers provide the same features.

 

Example

9025_HP_Scan_menu_JPEG_More_Image_All_29025_HP_Scan_menu_JPEG_More_Image_All_2

 

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

 

Some of the scan alternatives

 

HP Scan and Capture

Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

 Description

HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera.  These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.

* NOTE:  The correct HP drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.

 

NAPS2 – “Not Another PDF Scanner”

  • Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
  • Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
  • Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
  • Read the Support pages for information
  • Download, save, and install the NAPS2 software to use.

 

Windows Scan  Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

 

Paint (mspaint)

  • Open  Paint
  • Expand the “white background” area to a size to accommodate your data.  If unknown, try 1300x1300
  • File > Select “From Scanner or Camera
  • Select your printer > Follow the prompts to scan and then save your item

 

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

Dragon-Fur

HP Recommended

The problem started after the HP Smart and Windows updates.  Everything was working fine before that.

HP Recommended

HP Smart is 127.1.115.0

FYI... I have a laptop connected to the network with wifi, and a desktop connected with ethernet cable, and both computers are are having the same issue.   When i scan, even though HP Smart says it cannot find the scanner, the printer display says "scanning to pc" but nothing happens.  I know that the computer and scanner are communicating, the computer has the printer status displayed.

HP Recommended

Same problem here across multiple computers. Also version 127.1.115.0.

 

Used to work fine but now not able to scan at all using our MFP  M175.

 

Do you guys even test this software at all before release? The HP Smart tool is total rubbish. Also, why on earth do we now have to register for an account in this tool just to be able to use the hardware that we own?

HP Recommended

Also having the same problem with HP Smart version 127.1.115.0 on Windows 10 -- is there an update to address?

HP Recommended

I have not found a solution.  Their automated help program is useless.  HP does not seem to know or care.  I downloaded the HP Scan and Capture app from the Microsoft store, and that seems to be working reasonably well.

 

HP Recommended

Having trouble with my HP Envy 5640 scanner.  Every time I go to use to use it the two machines fail to communicate although if I use the Scan Doctor I am able to scan.

Secondly I used to be able to scan multiple pages into a single document, but this appears to be switched off, can any one advise how to turn t back on again

HP Recommended

I have searched in the forums and was a bit relieved, that I am not the only one. I tried to reset the printer, delete the hp smart app, delete the printer from the windows settings, nothing worked. The error message is the same as yours: Hp smart tells me, that there is no scanner connected, while the Printer ( HP Color Laserjet MFP M476dw) shows a loading screen on the small display, without doing anything. I always have to restart the printer physically, otherwise, all other apps block it, saying the scanner is in use. Printing works. 

Scanning via USB stick works, so the scanner is fine (from a hardware perspective). I am going to try out the other app you mentioned. 

HP Smart version: 127.1.115.0
Win 10 -64bit

HP Recommended

HP Scan and Capture app worked for me. Clearly the latest HP Smart update is broken across multiple HP printer product lines. Maybe HP can pretend to care about quality again and address this?

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.