Only works sometimes and has problems staying connected

[deskjet4100guy]

I just bought a deskjet 4100 print/scan/copy and it's been quite frustrating setting it up and using it. When I opened it, it appears from what came with it that I needed a smartphone to configure it, which isn't the case. Now I know I can do it with my desktop

When I was setting it up with the phone app it had me try to print a test page- when I hadn't even put in the ink yet! I closed out of it, downloaded hp smart for my desktop, and I have been TRYING to use it, but it's not very responsive. I have several things to scan and am trying to use the document feeder. But, it will only successfully scan SOMETIMES. Other times it won't even begin to take the pages in and scan them. I had a session today with an HP tech, where I shared my screen and he took control of my system and tried to scan a page. It worked, BUT I told him that would probably  be short lived. He told me there is nothing that can be troubleshooted with a working device. But, true enough, the next time I tried to scan something  with the document feeder it WON'T take the pages (I don't want to use the glass, I want this to work properly)

I thought this printer was wireless only, and that's the way I set it up, but it appears there is no way to secure it with a password on our home network, so only I can use it. I've tried switching it to USB, but I don't know how, the manual just says plug in the USB cord, which I have but under the printer settings in HP smart it says it's still connected via wireless, which is what I don't want. How do I specify/change it USB?

I tried removing the printers in windows and trying to set it up as it hadn't seen it before, it went through the setup wizard, asking me to install the ink (this time it worked properly- asked me for it) but the ink is already installed, and it wouldn't let me past the frequently asked questions page, there was no button to go further.

Right now, the printer shows as offline in HP smart and there are two instances of it. I tried using HP scan/print doctor (a second time, I had to use it before) and it hasn't worked

[Jay_G24]

Hi @deskjet4100guy,

I'd like to help!

 Let's try and uninstall the printer software from the root level on your PC and install the full feature printer software.

--->In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.

--->Select your HP printer.

--->Select Uninstall.

--->In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.

--->In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”

--->Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.

--->Type printui.exe /s and click OK.

--->Click on the Drivers tab.

--->Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click remove at the bottom.

--->Select OK.

--->Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.

--->Close Devices and Printers.

And then reinstall the printer full-featured drivers from software and drivers page 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

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

[deskjet4100guy]

After 2 chat sessions with the hp agent, and a phone support call, we managed to get HP scan to work with the USB cable.  I'd still like to be able to get HP smart to work, however. I'd like post the chats here if I could, not sure if it goes against the rules, but it would really be helpful to see how we arrived at the problem solution.  At first we couldn't get the USB cable to work with HP scan, then we found out it was a driver issue, but along the way, it appears I was given several false pieces of information.

The final tech I talked to who got it working said that it be as issue with an update for HP smart, I have, however, gotten it to work with the wireless connection before, but since there is no way to ensure only I use it on the network (it showed me the other printers in our house on the network when I installed it) can't set a password for it, etc, that made me want to try to USB cable method.

[Jay_G24]

I am glad the issue is resolved.

 If you need further assistance feel free to reach out to us.

Have a great day ahead!

[deskjet4100guy]

It isn't totally fixed. I still would like to know why HP smart can not see the printer when connected via usb cable, and STOP the interrmittent working and non-working of it.Originally it was working intermittently when connected via wireless to my computer and I tried to switch to USB cable. I don't want wireless as there doesn't appear to be a way to secure/make private the printer on our home network, I only want me to be able to use it, it automatically showed me the other printers connected when I connected to wireless, which I didn't like, someone just being able to see and use it without my permission. I have had two online chats with HP support, and one phone support call.

I can post the contents of those chats here, but not the phone call, since I don't have a text (or even a voice recording) of that.I think that would be very helpful to see the process I went through in trying to solve this It was very frustrating and I believe I was given some false information along the way which wasn't correct.

[deskjet4100guy]

I have until the 16th to return it, I bought it from best buy I'd like the features that work to actually work like HP smart, and I'd like to provide all the details of the help I have gotten and anything else you could add/correct. Can I post the chats please

[gasstove]

aloha, it just took me a dozen attempts to get a screen name. Why? That's why you see gas stove. It wouldn't take refrigerator. Anyways, I have an older smart phone which I have no clue how to use and I'm glad I don't. I don't want to download apps to get the printer to work. That's why went hardwire USB.

Somewhere there must be options to actually make it work hardwire. The database mentions it but without any directions to cure the problem. Could you please help me?

this is my very first HP product. My last three brother printers require jumping through multiple hoops to scan and I was hoping HP made this user proof. Thank you for your help.