LaserJet 100 color MFP M175nw "Scanner in use" problem

[Chwl]

Today I can't do any scanning with the printer, and the message keep showing "Scanner in use". The screen on the printer showing "Scan to PC". When tried to scan, the message in the app shows "Scanner Not Found".

Tried restart my mac, and printer both doesn't help. Uninstalled and reinstalled the HP Smart apps doesn't help too.

When I tried reinstalled the HP Smart apps, I noticed the HP Smart apps sneakily automatically update to the latest version, I didn't do any update at all for the entire year.

Anywhere to turn off the auto update function?

Anybody having the same issue? How to solve it?

[bjchiang]

MacOS Big Sur 11.3.1

I ran into the same issue. I have a LaserJet 100 Color MFP m175nw as well.

When I start the HP Smart app to access the printer from my desktop, I click 'Scan" and the app gives me the message:

 

I also see a "Scanning to PC" on the LCD display on the printer. I tried cancelling the scan on the printer by pressing the red X button, and I cancel the scan on the HP Smart app. If I try to scan again, I get a slightly different message 

and then it's stuck. Nothing I do will allow me to scan. I've also tried re-installing the HP Smart software, I restored to default the software on the printer, uninstalled the printer software on my mac as well. It's become an issue as I use the scanner daily. 

I can "reset" the printer so the LCD display no longer is "scanning", but for whatever reason, the HP Smart app still thinks the scanner is busy and I cannot reset it. 

I've attempted to use other software downloaded from the Apple App store to interface with the printer, but they all have the same issue: the software thinks the scanner is busy, when the printer is idle.

[Kumar0307]

@Chwl, @bjchiang Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I understand you are not able to scan from your Mac. To assist you better, are you able to print from your Mac?

Let us try these steps:

Reset the printer

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait at least 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
4. Turn ON the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.
5. Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Note: HP recommends connecting the printer directly to a wall outlet rather than a surge protector or a power strip.

Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest printer firmware from your Mac.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Also, check for any software updates on Mac

Click the Apple icon > About This Mac > Software Update and install any available update.

To turn off Auto-updates,

1. Go to the  Apple menu
2. Click on App Store 
3. Now click on Preferences 
4. In this, is a box for Automatic Updates (if checked by default, uncheck the box to disable automatic updates)
5. Note: It is recommended to use the updated version of the app for better results.

For more info on scanning, refer to - How to scan with an HP printer

Install the HP Easy Scan app from the App Store or use the Apple Image Capture and try scanning.

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.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[bjchiang]

Thank you @Kumar0307 for replying.

Yes, strangely my mac recognizes the printer as a printer and I can print without issues. I find it strange it can do that and not recognize it as a scanner - they don't have separate IP addresses or IDs of any sort.

As for your suggestion of unpluging the power cord - I already tried that with no result. 

I had already upgraded to MacOS Big Sur 11.3.1 which I believe is the most recent OS. In fact, I was beginning to suspect that may have something to do with the issue I'm seeing since I was able to scan without issue before the upgrade. At this point, I've read a few articles to make me think that's not the issue though.

I also had tried the Apple "Image Capture" feature - it had the same issue. When I ran it, it thinks the scanner is "busy".

The only thing I haven't tried yet is updating the firmware. However, between the HP Easy Scan and HP Smart applications, it keeps me running around in circles referring to one another so I cannot upgrade the firmware. In the past I was able to download the firmware directly from the HP website and apply it without issues.

I'll try thefirmware link you suggested @Kurmar0307. Thanks.

[bjchiang]

@Kumar0307 ... I tried updating the firmware, trying both links you provided. The 1st one was better but it only stated. that there is no existing firmware for MacOS 11.2. In addition, I checked on my LCD display of the printer. the date of the current firmware on it is dated June 2014. Is this really the latest?

 

[Pumba1974]

Hi

I have the same problem. I can not scan and has the same scanner in use and screen says scan to PC.

I have already updated the firmware (2014)

Also reinstalled HP Smart and this problem still exists

Please help...seems like a new problem for other users as well

[Chwl]

Hi @Kumar0307,

Thanks for your reply. Printing is no issue, just can't scan with it.

I've tried the way you recommended to reset the printer, doesn't work.

I tried to uninstalled deleted all hp files. in Library/Containers and /Application Scripts. So I can proceed and fresh install again.

After installed the HP Smart app, and try to scan with it.  It asked me to sign in, I mean, why do I need to sign in to scan with my offline printer? 

If I click on close, it goes back to the home page.... it doesn't let me scan...

Since I have no choice, so I sign in and try scan.

Again same thing happen "Scanner In Use" popup.

Is there any other way we can try? 

Are we able to downgrade or revert to the previous firmware or HP Smart apps? So we can know whether is it the apps issue.

thanks.

[Kumar0307]

@Chwl, @bjchiang 

There is no option to downgrade the printer firmware. 

Try making a standalone copy and check if that works. By this, we can conclude if this is a hardware or a driver issue.

Check the scanner bar functionality

Perform a visual test of the scanner mechanism to see if it is jammed.

1. Remove any original documents or photos from the scanner glass.
2. Lift the scanner lid slightly, and then press the Copy button or icon.

If the scanner light does not move or moves halfway or is not lit, the scanner mechanism is likely jammed/broken.

Keep me posted.

[Pumba1974]

Hi Kumar 0307, 

I have tried this. Copy from the glass works without problem and the light goes up without any problem.

Given that this is the same problem for multiple persons I would assume this is something of a software problem.

Please let me know of other solutions.

Following I already have tried and did not solved the problem:

1) reinstall driver

2) reinstall HP Smart

3) update firmware

4) switch off both printer and computer and reboot

5) Use a USB cable to link to computer

6) check if standalone copy works

[Kumar0307]

@Pumba1974

As you have tried all the possible steps and yet the issue persists, I think this issue needs some additional technical assistance that can be better provided through one-on-one interaction or a remote session with our HP Support team.

Please reach out to the HP Technical Support team in your region for further assistance. 

You may create a case on the website to obtain a case number if required. Kindly watch this video to know how.

Keep me posted for any other assistance.