Scanner not connecting

[Nagscreen]

Getting a message that HP Smart could not connect to the scanner.  Would appreciate a solution

[TheHelper0007]

Hi @Nagscreen,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand how frustrating it is when the scanner doesn’t connect, especially when you need to get work done. Let’s work through this together to get it resolved.

A few questions to help narrow down the cause:

• Is the printer connected via USB or Wi-Fi?
• Are you able to print from HP Smart, or is scanning the only issue?
• Do you see any error messages on the printer screen itself?
• Have you tried scanning from another app, like Windows Fax and Scan, or is the issue only with HP Smart?

In the meantime, here are a few troubleshooting steps to try:

1. Restart Devices – Power off the printer, computer, and router (if using Wi-Fi). Wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
2. Check Connection – If using Wi-Fi, ensure the printer and PC are on the same network. If using USB, try a different port.
3. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor – Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor to detect and fix connection issues.
4. Re-add Printer in HP Smart – Open HP Smart, remove the printer, then add it back again.
5. Update Drivers & HP Smart – Check for any updates in Windows Update and ensure you’re using the latest version of HP Smart.

Let me know what happens after trying these steps, and I’ll be happy to assist further!

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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!

darkmaniac0007

HP Support

[Nagscreen]

Thank you for your reply.  I have tried all your methodologies and met with failure.  I could run  the scanner under Vuescan software.  This particular model gets connected to the printer and it works fine.  I had a HP 2300 printer where the HP Smart worked fine.  I reinstalled it by uninstalling first.  It gets installed but comes up with a message 'Could not connect to the Scanner'.   Vuescan gets connected as an old model.  I do not know what it means.  Would appreciate getting more details on driver setting.  Thanks.

Nagscreen

[Nagscreen]

My apologies for not conveying about the connectivity.  It is the USB connection I am using.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Nagscreen,

 It sounds like you're experiencing scanner connectivity issues with your HP LaserJet Tank MFP 2606sdw over USB, where VueScan works, but HP Smart does not. Let’s go through a structured troubleshooting approach to resolve this:

1. Verify USB Connection & Basics

Ensure the USB cable is securely connected (preferably use a direct USB 2.0 port, not a hub).
Try switching USB ports on your PC.
Check if Windows Device Manager recognizes the printer under Imaging devices or Printers.

2. Confirm Drivers & HP Smart Installation

🔹 Uninstall Old Drivers Completely:

1. Uninstall HP Smart and HP Printer Drivers from Control Panel > Programs.
2. Remove the printer from Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
3. Restart your PC.

🔹 Reinstall HP Drivers & HP Smart:

1. Download the Full Feature Software for your printer:
   👉 HP LaserJet Tank MFP 2606sdw – Full Drivers
2. Install the drivers first, then connect the printer via USB when prompted.
3. Open HP Smart and check if it now detects the scanner.

3. Check Windows Scanner Settings

1. Press Win + R > Type control printers > Enter.
2. Right-click your printer > Select Scanner Properties.
3. Go to Hardware tab → Check if scanner is listed.
4. Click Test Scanner → If it fails, reinstall drivers.
    

4. Check Windows Scan Services

1. Press Win + R > Type services.msc > Enter.
2. Scroll to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
3. If the status is Stopped, right-click and Start it.
4. Set Startup Type to Automatic.
5. You can also try running HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s support website.
    

 I hope this helps.
 

Take care and have a good day.

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!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support 

[Nagscreen · Accepted solution]

Thank you VikramTheGreat.  I downloaded the full drivers, reinstalled the drivers and it created a new desktop icon HP Scan.  That helps.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Nagscreen,

Thank you for your response,

You're welcome! I'm glad reinstalling the full drivers and getting the HP Scan icon helped. Let me know if you need any further assistance. Happy printing! 😊

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!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support