Scan to Computer has disappeared

[Ligeia]

Two days ago I needed to scan a document, my Scan to Computer icon was inactive, and I couldn't change it back to active.

I disinstalled the drivers, went to the site, downloaded them back again and installed them, but there was no trace of Scan to Computer.

I repeated all the routine three times more, to no avail.

I used HP Print and Scan Doctor, but it couldn't detect the Device Status do to an imaginary paper jam first, and to an imaginary empty paper tray later.

The printer works, but I would like to know why I can't have Scan to Computer back again and what did happen to it.

Thanks.

Ligeia

[RichAnt]

Hello Legeia,

You may need to ENABLE Scan to Computer using the HP Printer Assistant, which is part of the printer's software. 

I don't have Win 7, so hopefully you find the HP Printer Assistant.   The following is for Win 10; you can work around some of this.

In the HP Printer Assistant (see below at **):  Click Scan > Enable Scan to Computer > Enable.  It should now work from the front display panel.

Also, note here that you can perform the scan in addition to using the front display panel.  Then for scanning a PDF or JPEG, click Scan a Document or Photo, which opens a Dialog with shortcuts.  Enter your preferred  details for one of the shortcuts; note if you change items a "Modify this Shortcut" pops up.  You can save your shortcut. 

(**)  Find the HP Printer Assistant at Start > Control Panel > Devices and Printers.  Left click twice, click on Printer Assistant. 

Reply if nothing seems to help; and give a Thumbs Up, please.  I am not an HP employee.

This link addresses Windows 7, but not scanning:  http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04769827  HP ENVY 5540 All-in-One series Manual

View this link, if you cannot find the HP Printer Assistant:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03659948  HP Printer Assistant Opens the 'Printer Setup & Software' Window.   If you find P.Assistant, do not do any of these steps.

Download software with this link:  https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-envy-5540-all-in-one-printer-series/5447939/model/5447940/dr...  HP ENVY 5540 All-in-One Printer   Be sure to save this link as it has lots of helpful info.

The User Guide for the 5540  is this link (comes from the last link):  http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04762607  

[Ligeia]

Thanks for your exhaustive answer.

My issue is that there isn't any "Enable Scan to Computer" option when I open the "Scan" label.

It's awkward. I have tried to reinstall the drivers again, but it still doesn't appear.

I will use the device front panel, but I find the disappearance of that option puzzling.

Thank you again,

Ligeia

[RichAnt · Accepted solution]

Hello again Legeia,

I just realized your description states " due to imaginary paper jam first, and to an imaginary empty paper tray."  There are other specific  HP solutions for that, if you continue unable to  solve the problem.

The software download that you have tried involves specific steps.  If you would like to try software download again, let's do a Printer Reset, uninstall, and then download software.

1) Do a Reset thus:

-Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.

-Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.

-With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.

-Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

-Wait at least 60 seconds.

-Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.  Turn on if needed.  Any results?

2) If no improvement lets do a complete uninstall by using this REVO uninstaller (free) program (next link).  In the window that opens, left click once to highlight any relating to the 5540 printer.  Then at the top of the page click uninstall.  https://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html

3) Install the full feature software.  I found this link for Windows 7 (if not 64 bit, change it).

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-envy-5540-all-in-one-printer-series/5447939/mode...

Let my know if any success (or not) and good luck.

[RichAnt]

Hey Ligeia, did anything work?

[Ligeia]

Hi RichAnt!

I followed your instructions again and again, and at the end, I could solve the conundrum.

After using the uninstaller you suggested me, I installed for the umpteenth time the whole package and realised that HP was telling me I had TWO printers installed: the Net one, and the USB one.

It's silly because I have only one printer on my desk, but HP software thinks that there are two.

I had a look at the Net one's options first, and lo and behold, THERE I could find the Scan On Computer option, and I could activate it.

When I went to look at the USB one's options, Scan on Computer was nowhere to be seen.

It looks that Scan on Computer is installed only on the supposed Network printer, but there isn't any network since mine is the only pc connected to the house wi-fi router.

On the other hand, if I select the Network printer as my main printer, it doesn't print at all.

Great mysteries of HP software, methinks. I must remember to switch "printers" when I want to scan a document or a photo.

Thanks again for finding the correct solution to my problem.

Kind regards,

Ligeia

[RichAnt]

Hey Ligeia!

I enjoyed your thorough recounting of the situation and good work!    KUDOS!!

You have solved it on your own, by finding that you have two.  The "Net one"is just the name HP tags on the wi-fi connected printer.  It doesn't infer any "network nor does it  think you have two actual printers, but two versions of software. 

It's strange, though, that you need to switch back and forth.  Something is still goofed up.  Why does the Net one not allow printing?  That's the one that should fully function.  Did you initially use a USB cable to download/install the printer's software when it was new  (at one time previously and it's still there)?

If you wish to always switch, then OK, and then we can end this.

You have been great to partner with.  Bye.

Rich