Stand alone scan program for HP Color LaserJet MFP M281fdw

[John_PGTelco]

I need to be able to scan a document from the desktop as a searchable PDF on my LaserJet MFP M281fdw. The HP Smart program offers little to no options for scanning. 

[Andr-1611]

Hello @John_PGTelco,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

You must download HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281cdw Printer Full Software Solution 

Install all parts of this Software Solution, this means also the OCR-Software.

The printer may not connected! The installation will ask you.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Andreas

If my post resolved your problem please mark this post as an "Accepted Solution".
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks”!

[John_PGTelco]

Thank you for the response. I tried that already. I get the error message: Install Failed. The software required for your device could not be installed. For more information click the Details button below. When I select the Details button, a dialog box pops up and says Installation Error, and that's it...

[Andr-1611]

Then we have to do this!

The HP software must be completely uninstalled and removed of the system.

First download only this complete package: "HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw/M281cdw Printer Full Software Solution ", File name: LJM278-M281_UWWL_4_1_Full_WebPack_44.7.2712.exe (238.3 MB)

Then proceed as follows:

Check the system for

• TuneUp`s
• Optimization Tools
• Cleanup Tools

disable them, better uninstall them. Next...

1. Disconnect printer/scanner from computer- Disable WLAN and/or remove the USB or LAN cable.- Do not switch off the printer >> unplug the power cord from the socket!
2. right-click Start, search for "control panel" and open "Programs and Features"
   uninstall all HP printer software > via "Programs and Features"
3. right-click Start, search for "control panel" and open "Devices and Printers"
   In the "Devices and Printers" window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
4. Restart the PC
5. Close all programs
6. Change File-Explorer-Settings:View > Options > "Change folder and search options" > Tab "View"
   • enable > Show hidden files, folders and drives
   • uncheck > Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
   OK
7. search for "HP [HP ColorLaserJet MFP M278-M281]" and delete all this folders
8. Empty the TEMP folders
   A) C:\Users\[Your user account]\AppData\Local\Temp\
   B) C:\Windows\Temp\
system files cannot be deleted!
9. Reconnect the printer to the power supply and switch it on (if this does not happen automatically)
10. Please note: WLAN has to be deactivated!
11. Restart the PC
12. Close all programs
13. Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo > in folder Downloads click on the EXE, see above.

Via USB, means wait until the installation asks to connect the printer/scanner.

Document error messages, even better is a screenshot and upload here.

The network configuration or the type of connection can be changed later.

Note:

Change the File Explorer settings again -

• enable > Don`t show hidden files, folders or drives
• click button > Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)

OK

Regards
Andreas

[John_PGTelco]

Ok! I'll definitely give that a try! Thank you for the detailed instructions. I'll keep you posted. Thank you, Andreas!!!

~John