Scan back-to-back document

[Goldfinch]

Your normal software used to have an option to scan back-to-back documents, but this no longer exists. Your community site suggests downloading and using HPScanExt.msi. I have done this but it then says it cannot find my scanner (which is still available to the standard scan routine). How do I use this new software?

You offer an alternative of using the HP Print Assistant software.  Where do I find it and how do I use it?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Goldfinch 

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@Goldfinch wrote:

Your normal software used to have an option to scan back-to-back documents, but this no longer exists. Your community site suggests downloading and using HPScanExt.msi. I have done this but it then says it cannot find my scanner (which is still available to the standard scan routine). How do I use this new software?

You offer an alternative of using the HP Print Assistant software.  Where do I find it and how do I use it?

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I might not understand all of what you are saying.

I will answer what I think you are asking.

Short Answer:

Be sure the source is set to ADF and not the printer glass

OR

Knowing that "everything" is correctly set / adjusted / properly addressed:

then

• Reinstall / update Adobe Reader DC PDF software
• Uninstall Full Feature Software > Restart > (Re)install the Full Feature Software for the printer
• Restart the computer and log in
• Optionally install HP Scan Extended software
• Restart the computer and log in

Discussion / Long Answer

None of the software nor the printer are "new" - all of this must be considered when discussing "what the printer can do".

That said, the HP Officejet Pro 8600 series was one of the most popular models for its time - some of these are still around.

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With the exception of the unknown reaction of the printer software to Windows 2004 (released May 2020), it is thought that the Full Feature Software for this printer still (at least) works in Windows 10 version 1909.

"Normal software" is assumed to be the Full Feature Software

HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus/Premium e-All-in-One Printer series - N911a-n Full Feature Software and D...

Once (re)installed, the Full Feature Software adds the Printer Assistant shortcut icon to the Desktop.

The shortcut is named for the printer model.

The Printer Assistant provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the Full Feature Software.

Examples

Printer_Assistant_Shortcut_Icon_on_Desktop

Printer_Assistant_8740_1

The Printer Assistant (GUI for the Full Feature Software) typically includes the HP Scan subset (scan software).

HP Scan Extended

Some older printers (some even older than the 8600 series) do not include all the features in HP Scan that are sometimes available.  In these cases, we have recommended the addition of the HP Scan Extended software. 

Important

Although HP Scan Extended does install by itself (using the .msi file in the download), HPSE is not actually "stand alone" - that is, HPSE is dependent on the Full Feature Software having been installed (and functional).

HPSE is dated 2015 - it is older than many releases of the Full Feature Software (for several printers).  HPSE does continue to provide some measure of "feature" options in those cases where the Full Feature Software is either not working as expected - or, as mentioned, does not offer some of the nicer specialty features wanted by some users.

In so much that I am aware, the reasons for using HPSE are usually centered around gaining the additional features offered in the software.  For example, HPSE provides the nice "Auto-Detect" / "Detect Boundaries" option that, among other options, allows placing more than one photo on the printer glass and then scanning them all at once and still having separate files for each image.  Nice.

I am not aware that HP Scan lacks the ability to scan multiple page PDF files, though if this is indeed the case, the HPSE software could normally handle this job set.

What else?

The Full Feature Software (and therefore HPSE) is indirectly dependent on Adobe Reader DC software.

Adobe Reader DC – Needed Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

Adobe Reader DC software should be installed even if you do not open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

References

HP Scan Extended

• Download-Save-Install >  HP Scan Extended 
• HPSE is a subset an older Full Feature Software suite. 
• HPSE features are very similar to the HP Scan Software released after 2015.
• Although HPSE appears to be a separate software, HPSE is dependent on the infrastructure provided by the Full Feature Software.  The Full Feature Software for your printer should be installed before installing and using HPSE.
• OPTIONAL:  Add HP Scan Extended shortcut to Taskbar / Send to Desktop / Pin to Start
  • Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan Extended\bin
  • Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Taskbar / Send to Desktop / Pin to Start

• HP Scan Extended features include (and are not limited to): Single, Multiple scans, Image and PDF scans, Email as PDF / JPEG, Source selection, Page Size choices include Auto-Detect (extracts image / document boundary).  May include OCR (Save as Editable Text).

Reference and Resources – (More) Places to find help, solve problems, and learn how to use your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

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