Suddenly can't scan to PDF

[forteguy]

Recently my printer stopped communicating with the computer via the USB cable, even though I installed the recent firmware update (after I discovered the problem). So I turned on WiFi and it prints fine, but previously I was able to set the Scanner to save as a PDF, send to computer. Now all it will do is scan to a low-res JPG, no more choice of scan file types. Is PDF possible with Wifi, and if not, how do I revert back to using the USB cable? I'm just one guy with one computer and one printer on my desk, so Wifi is not really necessary. Thanks.

[Dragon-Fur]

@forteguy 

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

Welcome to the HP Community.

Be Aware:

Do not respond to individuals who post phone numbers or email addresses.

Do not respond to individuals who ask you to provide private information in a public Post.

These people might be scammers trying to steal your information / money.

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

Wireless is actually more likely to provide all the features you might use.

That said,

The actual issue might be the printer software needs to be removed and reinstalled.

If you don't think this is the case, that is, you think your printer software is installed and working,

try / consider this first:

Restart everything, including the router that controls your network.

Next...

Method - Create TCP IP port

Find printer's IP /  IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on Printer Control / Display Panel

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

 Right-Click on the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

 Select Tab Ports  > Add Port

 Select Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port and follow the wizard.
 Use / Enter IP address for the printer.

Example - How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle

Video:  Create & Use TCP IP port
“Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port within the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)”

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

OK - back to the idea of reinstalling the printer software...

If you wish to "go back" to using USB,

Switch off the wireless on the printer

and

Leave the USB cable disconnected until told to connect it during the last stages of the printer software installation process.

Side Bar

Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

Uninstall Existing Printer Software (Full Feature Software)

Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Find / Select > Uninstall the printer software

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and it “still hanging around”

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

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

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

Note your printer supports either method described in the next sections.

If you cannot decide > Pick the first method

Method - Install the Full Feature Software

Download-save-install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver for the printer.

1. Full Driver / Full Feature Software includes HP Scan
2. Full Feature Software does not require a sign-in to use the software.

Look for and Install the Full Feature Software from your printer’s support website

Open  Product Home  > Select your printer

Open Category Software and Drivers

NOTE:

Full Feature Software might have been relocated to

Subcategory Software-Utility

Package name might be  Print and Scan Driver and Accessories

OR

>>> Your printer Full Feature Software

HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

• Download-and-Save the printer software (Full Feature Software)
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

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

OR

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

• Home Page - HP Easy Start 
• Open Category Software and Drivers 
• Topic: Software-Utility 
• Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
• If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.

• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation

• Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
• If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

1. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver).

1. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.

1. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.

1. Full driver provides print and scan functions supported by your printer.

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

What else?

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

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)

HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One Printer series 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

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

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"