Scanner not connecting

[Map-printer]

My HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 no longer scans to the computer. "Unable to communicate with scanner." I can print from the computer; I can scan to the usb drive (put in a flash drive), but can't get the scanner to connect.

[Andr-1611]

Try this steps:

1. shut down printer via on/off switch
2. switch off the router
3. shut down the computer
4. wait about 60 sec.
5. switch on the router, wait until the router has completely initialized itself again
6. Switch on the printer, wait until the printer has finished its initialization
7. switch on computer, log in (with admin rights) and wait about 10 sec.

... and now everything's working again?

Or try this Scanning is Currently Unavailable 

Hope this helps!
Andr-1611

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[Map-printer]

I have gone through these steps as best I understand them. I am totally confused: the HP Smart app indicates the printer is off-line, but I can print to a document. I don't see how to check the status -- all the options I see are for adding a printer, which I don't think I want to do. I ran the 123 set-up and it couldn't find the printer. This is really a pain.