Solution Center suddenly stopped opening

[theduck6]

a few days ago the solution center started showing a popup instead of opening. I have reinstalled the software multiple times with a different error every time. this morning I appeared to get a clean reinstall with HP scan doctor saying all was well. I still get the popup that appears to be an info button but never opens. Scan doctor was able to test scan and other apps will print but scanning will be a pain without the solution center. Any suggestions?

[Dragon-Fur]

@theduck6 

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What happened?

The Flash wrapper used on the old software for older printers no longer works.

Flash has not been used in printer software for years but was never removed from older unsupported software.

Flash has been permanently disabled by Adobe.

There are several remedies, none of which are more than band-aids, that is, "patches" intended to work around the loss of the Solution Center wrapper.

If you don't like the recommended options, there are others floating around the Community.

The only actual Solution is to replace the printer.

NOTE:  Unfortunately, some of the recommended patch options are not available in Windows 7.

Start

Leave the Solution Center software installed...

Solution Center GUI - Main Menu - is based on Flash.

Flash is gone and is never coming back.

>>> The GUI that opens the main Solution Center software menu depended on Flash.

Short Answer

HP Document:

HP Printers - HP Solution Center doesn't open 

and

TKB article contributed by HP JessikaV

HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan

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Flash Player is permanently disabled as of 12-Jan-2021

The HP Solution center software is based on Flash:

https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html

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Longer Explanation / Examples

Print software still works with applications. 

Tools and other status reports are explained in your printer's User Guide.

1.  Start Scan using HP Scan executable

You might be able to simply start HP Scan / Scan using the program executable.

For example:

The old Solution Center Scan software is located in "Digital Imaging"

C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\

OR

C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\

Find and Double-Click on File name / executable:  hpiscnapp.exe 

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Various Software / Applications for Scan

2.  Windows Scan – Microsoft Store - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• “Get” the application from the Store >  Windows Scan

3.  Paint- the Original - Paint (mspaint) can be used to scan.

4.  NAPS2– “Not Another PDF Scanner”

• Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
• Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
• Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
• Read the Support pages for information
• Download, save, and install the NAPS2 software to use.

5.  HP Scan and Capture - Microsoft Store - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

6.  HP Scan Extended

• Download-Save-Install >  HP Scan Extended 
• HPSE is a subset an older Full Feature Software suite.  Leave your printer software installed, then install HPSE.
• HPSE features are very similar to the HP Scan Software released after 2015.

OPTIONAL:  Add HP Scan Extended shortcut to Taskbar / Send to Desktop / Pin to Start

• Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Scan Extended\bin
• Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Taskbar
• Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Send to Desktop (Create a Shortcut)
• Right-Click HPScan.exe > Select Pin to Start

Example

NOTE:  Setup is similar for both Image JPEG and PDF scanning

Some options are model dependent.

>>>> Be sure to check / adjust the settings in More >

7.  Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing and Print Software

Irfanview requires installation of third party software

 Irfanview provides an exceptional software experience that can be used for a variety of scan and print tasks, including the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function plus several other options not found elsewhere.

• Create a Restore Point (optional, recommended)
• Download the appropriate version (32bit or 64bit) of the program from the Website and install the program
• Additional information at the website, including:  FAQ

NOTES

• Both 32bit and 64bit versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as an Windows 10 Application from the Microsoft Store

For example,

Irfanview 64bit version – Information and Download

Software and All Plugins for 64bit version:  https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

Includes Plugin for creating Multiple-page PDF files for images (Poster or large paper printing)

Includes access (where available) to Scan with HP Twain > Adjust settings > Save

How to find Help within the Irfanview software

Once installed, open the software > tab Help

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General Example - Irfanview - Scan Setup

Acquire / Batch Scanning

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

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), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

Product Home

Enter the type and name of your HP device

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Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[theduck6 · Accepted solution]

What a wealth of knowledge and knowing why solution center doesn't work was a big deal. I did load the Windows Fax/Scan and it worked. Accidentally pushed scanner front panel buttons and an HP package opened allowing me to scan to pdf which the generic HP and Windows didn't. Leave Solution Center installed as removing it will create fatal error. Thank everyone who responded. I have time to choose a new all-in-one when I am forced to go to Windows 10.