• ×
    Information
    Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
    Click here to learn more
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
    Click here to learn more
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Note: From May 1, 2024, the HP Scan and Capture app will no longer be available (retired) in the Microsoft Store and HP will not release any further app updates. Alternatively, you can download HP Smart from the Microsoft Store. For more information on how to set up your printer using the HP Smart app, go to HP printer setup (HP Smart app).
Common problems HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan
We would like to share some of the most frequently asked questions about HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to Scan.
HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 11

Is the scanning program still available that hp used prior to HP Smart?

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Austin1943 

 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

 

Short Answer:

Yes, the full driver printer software is available for your printer.

 

Printer Software

 

  • Download and Save HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 
  • If printer Software is listed in Programs and Features > Uninstall existing printer software > Restart the computer and sign in
  • Right-Click on the downloaded installation package and “Run as Administrator
  • After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

  • Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
  • When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).

 

Details / How-to / Examples

===========================================================

>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

 

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.

 

Preparation

 

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing the HP Smart application or the printer software.

 

Printer Software Check - Is the printer software installed?

 

Notes

When the full driver printer software is installed,

Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

 

The installation of the full printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_6Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_6

 

 

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

 

Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

 

 

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

Restart the computer and sign  in

 

Reminder

Windows > Uninstall HP printer software > Restart.

Next,

Open Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Check > If the printer is found, Right-Click and Remove the printer

If you have to "remove" the printer, next:  Restart the computer and sign in

 

 

NOTE:  If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and sign in

 

========================================================

Printer Software

 

Installation package - Information and Download

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

 

 

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

 

Preparation

 

  • If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

 

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers

 If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

 

  • If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

 

  • Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

 

  • Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

 

 

Installation

  • Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
  • Open File Explorer
  • Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
  • Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator
  • After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

  • Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
  • When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
  • Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2
  • If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator

========================================================

 

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, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.