Sudden HP Solutions scanner problem

[dcbt]

I've been using the HP Photosmart C4680 without any issue until today, I went to scan a document and when I open the HP Solutions Center, I get a weird image with a grayed out "f" behind a white "i" in a blue circle.  That's it.  It looks like I can click it, but when I do, nothing happens. 

The scanner DOES work if I try to scan a single page or image from the printer / scanner itself, but this is not helpful when scanning a multi-page document as there is now no way to add pages.

I downloaded and ran the HP scanner fixer software, and it came back with an error on the front panel test, which then led to an message about an error"This scanning device does not support the Scan-To...Setup dialog." 

I have changed nothing with my system for any of this to happen suddenly.

Please help!  Thank you.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@dcbt 

First, the main issue - Solution Center 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.

Don't want to read "everything"?

Scroll down to HP Scan Extended - download and use for document scans.

One Example provided...

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HP Document:

HP Printers - HP Solution Center doesn't open 

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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

Some of the possible solutions for Scan...

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\

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

Original Content...

What else?

HP Scan and Capture - Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

• Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

Example

Scan_and_Capture_Document-Photo_Settings_1

What else?

Nice features and worth a try...

HP Scan Extended

• Download-Save-Install >  HP Scan Extended 
• HPSE is a subset an older Full Feature Software suite. 
• HPSE features are very similar to the HP Scan Software released after 2015.
• Although HPSE appears to be a separate software, HPSE is dependent on the infrastructure provided by the Full Feature Software.  The Full Feature Software for your printer should be installed before installing and using HPSE.
• 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

• HP Scan Extended features include (and are not limited to): Single, Multiple scans, Image and PDF scans, Email as PDF / JPEG, Source selection, Page Size choices include Auto-Detect (extracts image / document boundary).  Might include OCR (Save as Editable Text).

Example

NOTE:  Setup is similar for both Image / PDF scanning

Some options are model dependent.

Be sure to check / adjust the settings in More >

HPSE_Scan-to-PDF_1

For save all pages in a single file, leave box UNCHECKED.

HPSE_Scan-to-PDF_1E

What else?

Programs / Software like  Paint (mspaint) can be used to scan.

and...

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.

What else?

Irfanview requires installation of third party software

Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing and Print 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

Example help entry:

Vertical/Horizontal Flip

• Click on the Image Menu, then Vertical Flip. The image will turn upside-down. The left/right orientation will stay the same.
• Click on the Image Menu, then Horizontal Flip. The image will turn side-to-side, as in a mirror.

Note: The effect can be used on a smaller portion (rectangle selection) of an image, as well as the entire image.

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General Example - Irfanview - Scan Setup

Acquire / Batch Scanning

Irfanview_Scan_Images_1

Irfanview can be used for printing images / photos.

Example - Simple Print

Irfanview_Print_to_Size_2

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Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution" 

[dcbt]

Ah, beautiful, thank you!  Problem solved with Scan Extend download.  Sorry for the edits if you read them all (since deleted).  Thanks again.

[Dragon-Fur]

@dcbt 

You are welcome.

All good, then.

Stay safe.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not a business group of HP..

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

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution" .