Scanner reported an error Software for “%@” failed to run.

[Rose103]

When I try to scan I get the message 

Scanner reported an error

Software for “%@” failed to run

How do I fix this?

[dewege]

I have the same problem:

Macos Mojave, the printer is a laserprinter M281fdn

I just found that HP Easy Scan is not working any more, but only crashing. The same with HP Utility-App.

When I remove and add the printer again in system control panel, then try to scan I get as well "Software for “%@” failed to run."

What is annoying me the most is that visiting HPs website you can not download the full driver and software package anymore. Only the stupid "HP smart" (pun intended) is available.

This program has far less features than HP Easy Scan had. For example:

- double sided scanning : gone

- saving scan setting-profiles under a specific name, so they are quickly accessible (e.g. "scan-expenses-receipts"): gone

Also tried to download HP Easy Scan from Mac App store, but that shows the same message "Software for “%@” failed to run."

Then trying to find a contact form on HP website to at least being able to give some feedback:  The only thing you find for that printer after being sent through links in circles: go to a customer forum and ask other customers.

Dear HP, this is like telling your customers: "we only want to sell you our stuff and take your money. In case our stuff is causing problems, please go away and f yourself"

I am really p*ssed. These tools worked on my system, which otherwise was not changed by any updates - but somehow HP chooses to kill and replace them with inferior "smart" tools which reduce the functionality of my scanner.

And I can not even download the original ones again to reinstall. Digusting!

[Rick20201]

This goes beyond your printer as it started for me today with a Photosmart 2600 and I have the Mac only driver installed.

[GigiGizem]

I have the same problem too. Using HP 7440 . It worked fine yesterday when I was scanning. Today Easy Scan doesn't work, Printer utility also doesn't work.

[ebrud]

I have the same problem with the scanner app running an HP Envy Photo 6255. It's been working fine for years, now keeps giving me that error, even after reinstalling from the Mac App store.

[ebrud]

And when I try to run the HP utility it crashes too.

[GigiGizem]

I found a solution: If you are using MAC: Go to "Printers & Scanners" .On the printers section (the box on the left) find your printer click on it and delete. If your printer shows on the faxes section too, delete that one as well. Then

Find " HP Easy Start" on your computer. If it's not there you will need to open it from the HP Software CD .  Go through the steps, it guides you through and at some point it asks you if you would like to add the printer to your devices. Say "yes!" and it's good to go! Do the print and scan tests as well. 

[AKM33]

Unfortunately, that didn't work for me. I've been using HP products for decades. From reading user reviews and based on my own experiences, the software development hasn't kept up with the times. In some cases, it's dismal. The "easy" start app failed to find any software and didn't add the printer as anticipated. I added manually but the same "%@" error occurred. Als when clicking on "Scan" in Printers&Scanners in System Preferences. This was on a USB-connected Mac running High Sierra.

However, when using Airprint on a Mac 50 feet away running Catalina, it worked via "Scan" in Printers&Scanners in System Preferences--but it didn't work consistently. I didn't try "easy" app since scanning from a distance doesn't fit my needs.

[AriMorilla]

This does not work for older printers. I guess my printer (Deskjet F4400) is too old since HP Easy Start does not even recognize it as one of their printers!