My office jet pro 8710 won't open the scan dialogue, it says there is another user or task but isn't

[Pahi]

My office jet pro 8710 won't open the scan dialogue says there is another user or task that needs to be completed but this isn't true:

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Pahi 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining the issue—I'm really sorry your OfficeJet Pro 8710 won’t open the scan dialog and shows a misleading message about another user or task. 

This usually points to a stuck background scan job, driver conflict, or HP software glitch, especially on Windows 7 systems.

Let’s walk through a focused recovery process to clear the blockage and restore scanning:

 

Step-by-Step Fix: Scan Dialog Won’t Open (HP OfficeJet Pro 8710)

1. Restart Print Spooler and HP Services

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Find and restart these services:
  • Print Spooler
  • HP Network Devices Support
  • HP Service

This clears any lingering scan or print jobs that may be blocking the dialog.

 

2. Clear Temporary Scan Jobs

• Navigate to:
  C:\ProgramData\HP\Scan\Temp
• Delete all files in this folder.

These are cached scan tasks that can confuse the HP software into thinking a job is still active.

 

3. Use HP Scan via Full Feature Software

• Download the full driver package from:
  HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 Drivers for Windows 7 (32-bit)
• Install the Full Feature Software and Driver.
• Open HP Scan from the Start menu—not Windows Fax and Scan.

This ensures the scan dialog is triggered by HP’s native software, which handles job queues more reliably.

 

4. Run HP Diagnose & Fix Tool

• Visit: https://support.hp.com/help/diagnose-fix-printer
• Download and run the tool to scan for scan-related faults.

It can detect stuck jobs, driver mismatches, and service failures.

 

5. Power Cycle the Printer

• Turn off the printer.
• Unplug the power cord from both the printer and wall.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug it back in and power on.

This resets the printer’s internal job queue and clears phantom tasks.

Let me know if the scan dialog still won’t open or if you see any error codes—I’ll guide you further. You’re doing everything right by catching this early—I’ll stay with you until it’s resolved.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye