HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan

[Chopp7557]

I have an HP MFP M281FDW PRINTER/SCANNER. Hasn't happened in the past but recently when I scan a document as a PDF it will save as an oversized document (size 2544 x 3296). As a result, it is enormous and I have to reduce the size percentage to 32% in order to view the document. This is a serious problem when I have to send scans to clients (which I do a lot!). I have no idea how to reduce the size so that it is scanning normally again. I am using the HP Smart app to scan but I have also used the standard app installed with the printer (same results with both apps). The settings for the documents are as follows:  (Scan as Document, Letter size (8.5x11), color, DPI 300.) If I reduce the DPI to 75, it will scan at the normal size as it is supposed to, but it serious degrades the quality and that is not acceptable in a professional setting.

I am assuming there is a setting that is engaged that is causing this issue, as I have had this printer for several years and never had this problem. . Can anyone help with this?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Chopp7557 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

I admit to being confused by your subject title -- this printer is not dependent on -- or related to -- the Adobe Flash error that plagued old printers and even older Solution Center printer software. Flash is just "not a thing" in this case.

Moving on...

Were it mine to do,

If not already done,

Consider:

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next...

Normally part of the solution...

If you have not already done so -- 

Uninstall the full driver printer software > restart the computer > Install a fresh copy of the software.  After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Full Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

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

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281cdw Printer Full Software Solution 

Short version instructions - (Re)Install printer software

If the Full Feature software is installed,

Uninstall the printer software from Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

Check for lurking bits of printer / printer software in Devices and Printers - Remove if found and Restart the computer

Next,

Install a fresh copy of the printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Next,

Important

-- This feature is applicable to your printer --

After the full driver is installed

If you need / want the OCR feature,

Install the HP Universal Scan Software to add the OCR libraries to your full driver printer software.

Need OCR?  HP printers - Scan as Editable Text (OCR) with HP Scan (Windows)

• If applicable, Install the Universal Scan Software: HP Universal Scan - Full Feature Software and Driver 
• Restart the computer and sign in

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

Because the issue is happening using both the HP Smart application and the full driver printer software, the issue might be at the printer level.

 Resolve scan quality problems on HP printers

Be sure to include Step 3

and

Related to the "Reset the Printer" - Step 3

If you normally use a surge protector between the printer and the wall socket, as opposed to plugging the printer directly into a wall socket, do avoid (for the moment, at least) using that surge protector.  No, scan size is not directly related to the power source in respect to output size -- Yes, using a surge protector can impact the printer's operation, including the fussy scan.

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

What else?

Not sure -- What I know about any laser printer is subject to scrutiny by others who know the product line.

In other words, I might have missed something.

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

References / Resources

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 Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw 

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 "Accept as Solution"