I can't scan - and printing is dodgy too

[Russianimp]

I can't scan:
HP Smart says it "can't connect to scanner".  MS Paint is "unable to retrieve picture from device".  MS Scan "could not complete scan".  But HP Smart diagnostic tool says there are "no issues found".  The HP Print and Scan Doctor says "The TWAIN component is being used by another device even after a restart".  I have no idea what that means.  But it also tells me I should be able to scan through MS Paint, which I can't.  Connections are all good.  I am using a wire connection directly from my laptop and can print - but not through HP Smart.  Any ideas or do I just throw the thing away and get a proper printer/scanner?

[Jay_G24 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Russianimp,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd like to help!

I undertand you are unable to scan using HP Smart and paint 

Try the below suggestions-

1)Uninstall HP Smart 

2)Install all the available Windows updates

If it is been a while since you updated your Windows, that is the main reason why Windows says your HP printer driver is unavailable. Here are the steps how to do a Windows Update to install all accessible operating system update.

If you are accessing Windows 10, then these steps are for you.

1. Hit the Start menu and write an update. After that, click on the “Check for updates” option.
2. Tap on the “Check for updates” option.
3. After clicking on that option, Windows will install the updates automatically.
4. When Windows completes all its updates, start your computer again and attempt to print a file to check if your printer works.

3) try updating the printer's firmware - HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware 

4)Reinstall HP Smart from windows store 

If the error persists, install the HP Easy Start (under the Software and Utility tab )and use HP Scan to scan a document.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

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