My HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 will print but not scan since I downloaded OS Sonoma on my iMac

[Erik7311]

Since I downloaded MacOS Sonoma my OfficeJet Pro 6978 won't scan (it will print).  When I open the scanner I get an error message that there was an error in trying to connect to the scanner or tries to do the preview scan but nothing happens and it times out.  I have tried resetting the printer and removing the printer from my iMac and reinstalling it.

[Erik7311]

I see replies to a similar problem a few days ago -- will try those suggestions and come back.

[Erik7311]

I tried the recommended fixes -- deleted all the drivers and files associated with the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 all-in-one printer and removed the printer from my iMac -- then reinstalled everything.  Still have the same problem -- it will print but it will not scan.  When I open the scanner, it attempts to do a preview scan but nothing happens and it just times out.  Any suggestions?

[tfkroberts]

Same issue on Sonoma 14.1.1 (23B81)  Deleting and reinstalling and power cycling everything did not fix this issue. 

[ZiggyBee24]

Same here.   HP OfficeJet 6978 attempt to scan fails from both Apple scan UI and HP Easy Scan app.  Cycling power/restart on both printer and Mac did not solve the problem.  Checking for latest printer driver shows it as latest.   MacOS 14.1.1 is up to date as well.   Both are using hardwired network connections and print works fine.  Please provide a solution.

[ZiggyBee24]

Uninstall/re-intall of printer driver did not help either.

[tfkroberts]

Kicking myself as I can’t find the directions I followed that fixed it. It had to do with a system file for the “scanning software”. I recall having to delete a file in the library, uninstall the printer, restart and reinstall and the OS fixed it them moving forward.

[tfkroberts]

I recall opening system information and selecting the printer to see if for the scanner it says AirScan or I think HP easy scan…… and whatever file it was I had to remove from libraries. 

[tfkroberts]

Here is what I followed that fixed it: 

1. Hold Option then select (Apple menu) > System Information.
2. In the System Information window that opens locate and click on Printers in the sidebar.
3. Select the affected multifunction printer in the right pane to show information about it.
4. If /Library/Image Capture/Devices/HP Scanner 3.app is noted as the Scanning app this 3rd party HP app doesn't appear to be compatible with macOS Sonoma at this time. Refer the customer to the manufacturer. If the printer/scanner also supports AirPrint you can still try the section below.Look at the Scanning support, Scanning app, and Scanning app version items in the listed information.

1. Follow HP guidance to fully uninstall any HP printer drivers currently on the system. They appear to detail the steps https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_1980013-1980057-16 though the webpage could change. The HP Uninstaller tool or HP Smart appear to be the most complete methods of uninstalling but refer the customer to the manufacturer if they need assistance properly and fully uninstalling the software.
2. Open a Finder window and select Go > Go to Folder... then enter /Library/Image Capture/Devices and hit return.
3. If a HP Scanner 3.app is located here, move it to the Trash and empty the Trash. (It may not be found which is fine.)
4. Close the Finder window.
5. Remove the affected HP printer/scanner from macOS.
6. Restart the Mac.
7. Add the printer again.
8. Should work fine after these steps.