Scan software

[dkampy]

I purchased a new Officejet Pro 6978 a couple month ago. Went to register and said that the protection had expired manufactured in 21. So, it seems that an old model was in stock and that is what I got. I am now trying to scan and it says that I need scanning software. Went to get the download for the software and says that I can't get it because the model is old.

So, what is the solution?

[Dragon-Fur]

@dkampy 

Welcome to the HP Community --

True -- this is an older printer model - the model series was released in 2016.

HP Document - How to Scan

 HP Printers - How to Scan (Windows, Mac, Mobile) | HP® Customer Support

The printer is old but "too old".

For example, the Full Feature Software installation includes support for Windows 7 through Windows 11.

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Printer - Software

 - Windows -

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop: Printer Assistant and HP Scan. If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver. No Sign-in required.

Basics - Printer Software

Note: Skip part(s) that are not relevant to your situation.

Uninstall the full driver printer software from Programs and Features

Restart computer and Sign in

Next,

If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, disconnect the cable before installing the printer software.

Install a new copy of the Full Feature Software

If using a printer USB cable between the printer and the computer, connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation).

Restart computer and Sign in

Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Details Page - Driver - For your Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / Install <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

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The installation of the full driver generally adds at least two shortcuts to the Desktop.

Notes

•   HP Scan is not installed (only) when the printer supports Scan.
•   Illustrations do not reflect all Operating Systems or all Printer software

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan

When needed / wanted, enable "Scan to Computer" using the Printer Assistant

Open the Printer Assistant shortcut > Tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed in Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_11

and

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HP Smart - Windows - Application

HP Smart is an application that supports print and scan for PDF and Photos / Images.

The app is available in the Microsoft Store

OR

Open the Homepage / Support Website for your printer

Category Software and Drivers > Check/ Get the App

>>> How to Use >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

NOTES: 

• Read the Terms of Use document to understand the conditions of using HP Smart products.  For example, in the HP Smart application, find the link in HP Smart > Settings (gear) > About > Click on the link for Terms of Use
• Read FAQ - including - What are the requirements to set up a printer using the HP Smart app?
• If using VPN >>Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.
• Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.  Source: How to scan with an HP printer > FAQ > Why can't I connect my wireless printer or scan over the network?
• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
• When working through a Browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different Browser – assign that Browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default Browser.)
• Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.
• “Share” to email – Before using Share, add your sender email address to the Windows Mail application

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

Example - HP Smart (Windows) - Menu

HP_Smart_Win_Main_Menu_5

Help Here:  Unable to download and install the HP Smart printer app

and

Check / Update  >> Every device (computer(s) and / or mobile) where HP Smart is installed should be running the latest version of the HP Smart application available for that device platform (Operating System / Version).

and

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Mobile Printing – Mobile Options for Printers

Start here

Print from your Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device with the HP Mobile printing app.

Open the section for your printer series > Find your printer and supported applications.

HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers

====  ====  ====  ====  ====  ====

HP Smart (Mobile) >>> Download / Install - How-to - and FAQ

HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

Read the FAQs

For example: 

What is the HP Smart app and its requirements?

And / or

What if my cloud printer is missing, offline, or unavailable in the HP Smart app?

And / or

Why can't I connect my wireless printer or print over the network?

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

Example - HP Smart - Mobile - iOS / iPadOS - Scan

HP_Smart_Mobile_Printer-Scan_Option_Sets_1

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

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HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer

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