OCR scanning and updates

[PrettyMama]

I recently installed an older version of my printer software on my new laptop to enable tge OCR scan to text function. The new software wouldn't allow that so I removed it. I am now getting a message from windows update to install printer update 20.80.3.8529. Does anyone know what this update does? I was unable to find out much searching online. I do not want to remove my OCR function. Some new software does that. Any information is appreciated as new OCR software is costly.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @PrettyMama,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd like to help!

The latest version of the printer driver does not have OCR. However, you can look for the third-party OCR!

I recommend you delete the driver at the root level and retry, follow the steps below:

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 

2.) Select your HP Printer 

3.) Select Uninstall 

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose `Delete' or `Remove Device' 

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo. 

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between "printui.exe" and "/s") 

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab 

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 

12.) Close Devices and Printers

Then, Click On this link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers download and install the drivers

You may also try assigning manual IP to the printer following the below steps.

1) Print a Network configuration page from the printer's control panel. 

2) Look for the IP address from the Network configuration page. 

3) Open a web browser - Chrome or IE or any other browser that you are using. 

4) Type the IP address mentioned on the Network configuration page into the browser's address bar or URL bar and press enter button. 

5) Go to the Network tab. 

6) Click on Networking from the left pane. 

7) Then click on Network Address (IP). 

Click on Manual IP Address and go to suggest a Manual IP. 

9) Scroll down the screen and select Manual DNS server. 

10) Enter the Primary and secondary DNS server from the Network Configuration page into the Manual Preferred DNS server field. 

11) Click on Apply. 

Refer to the video link for step-by-step instructions: Click here

Note: The video is for win 8 but the steps are similar for other operating systems as well. You need to enter the IP address in the browser's URL or the address bar to access the printer page.

Update the firmware  by clicking this link

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accepted 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!

[PrettyMama]

I already solved the problem of scanning to editable text (OCR) function by installing the older driver and software. Deleting if and reinstalling from the hp support site would remove the OCR function so that is not a solution.  Purchasing OCR software is costly and freeware has all kinds of problems. My question is simply this: if I install the windows printer update  that came in windows update  does that update contain software that removes the OCR function? I have searched online but cannot find out what the windows printer update does.

[PrettyMama]

The windows printer update in question is 20.80.3.8529. I have not been able to find out what it does for my printer.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @PrettyMama ,

We are sorry that the issue is not resolved when the above troubleshooting steps were performed.

This might require one-on-one interaction to fix the issue via remote assistance. 

I've sent you a private message with further instructions. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

[PrettyMama]

If I wanted remote assistance or paid assistance or to purchase new software I would call hp directy. I will work with what i have. In any case as I said in my original post I already found a temporary solution to RETRIEVE OCR scanning by installing older software. I just have to be careful of the updates. It's well known that installing the new software and drivers you recommended will REMOVE OCR scanning. That is the opposite of what i want. So you either did not understand the problem or have no clue as to the solution. Either way I do not accept private messages. If you have a solution you should post it for the community.

[sandytechy20]

@Prettymama2033 

I have brought your issue to the attention of an appropriate team within HP. They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact. Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post personal information (serial numbers and case details).

If you are unfamiliar with how the Community's private message capability works, you can learn about that here.

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Community. 

[PrettyMama]

I already spoke to HP. They cannot help. Updates purposely remove OCR scanning for everyone. All they could suggest was paid support or the purchase of costly software.In addition i never give out my information in emails. So using the older software pre 2022 and avoiding updates is the only solution that doesn't cost a bundle. I was especially  unhappy with hp because I purchased a new hp laptop to use with my old printer and they refused warranty support because the printer was out of warranty.  I got creative and got ocr scanning working at least for now. I just have to be careful not to install the new software.