The hp lj m278m281 was not found

[tc1933]

Printer works, but scanning stopped a few weeks ago perhaps after receiving an update from HP.  Tried Scan Doctor but that only downloads software which will not load. I run a test scan after Scan Doctor checks out and then i get this error message: The HP   LJm278m281 was not found

[Kumar0307]

Hi @tc1933

Welcome to the HP Support Community. I'd be happy to assist you.

I understand you are not able to scan.

• Obtain the IP address from the printer, enter it on a web browser, and access the EWS page of the printer.
• Try scanning from the EWS page to check if that works.

If it works, this could be a driver issue. Proceed to the next step.

Clean reinstallation of Pre-installed HP drivers

1.  In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 
2.  Select your HP Printer 
3.  Select Uninstall 
4.  In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 
5.  In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove Device’ 
6.  Open up the run command with the “Windows key + R” key combo. 
7.  Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”) 
8.  Click on the “Drivers” tab 
9.  Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 
10.  Select Ok 
11.  Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 
12.  Close Devices and Printers, restart the computer.

Click here to download the HP Full-featured driver.

Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Try printing and scanning.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Have a great day! 

[cobra-drvr]

I have the same problem.  I have tried it on a Dell desktop , a lenovo laptop and HP notebook all on windows 10.  I have searched this site and tried everything but  no change at all.  help pls

[Kumar0307]

@cobra-drvr

Kindly perform the steps mentioned in my previous post and let me know the results.

Keep me posted.

[cobra-drvr]

"I understand you are not able to scan.

• Obtain the IP address from the printer, enter it on a web browser, and access the EWS page of the printer.
• Try scanning from the EWS page to check if that works.

If it works, this could be a driver issue. Proceed to the next step."

This works.

I have done the following numerous times on multiple machines:

"Clean reinstallation of Pre-installed HP drivers

1.  In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 
2.  Select your HP Printer 
3.  Select Uninstall 
4.  In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 
5.  In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove Device’ 
6.  Open up the run command with the “Windows key + R” key combo. 
7.  Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe” and “/s”) 
8.  Click on the “Drivers” tab 
9.  Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 
10.  Select Ok 
11.  Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 
12.  Close Devices and Printers, restart the computer.

Click here to download the HP Full-featured driver.

Once downloaded, make sure to run the file to start the installation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Try printing and scanning."

no change same error

[Kumar0307]

@cobra-drvr, that's unfortunate. Let us try these steps:

Use the HP Smart app to print and scan from your Win PC

Click here to download and know more about the app.

If the issue persists, install the printer using its IP address

1. On the PC, go to Control panel > Devices and printers > Add a printer(at the top) 
2. Under 'Choose a device or printer', click on 'The printer I want isn't listed'.
3. Select 'Add a printer using a TCP/IP address'
4. Find the IP address of the printer by tapping on the wireless/ethernet icon on the printer screen
5. Type in the 'IP address in Hostname or IP address' box, click next
6. Proceed to the next steps by following the on-screen instructions.
7. Try printing.

If the issue persists, Install the printer using Windows built-in driver

Refer to this document to know how. Try printing.

Let me know how this goes.

[cobra-drvr]

What I am trying to get back to is the functionality I had with the HP scan program where it would allow me to scan double sided documents by manually flipping the paper.  Otherwise I have to get a different scanner.  This used to work

I followed the 7 steps and can print, but that didnt change the HP scan app and the "The hp lj m278m281 was not found" error.

Hp Smart works although it shows the "device busy" status when the printer is idle.  But HP smart is not as smart as HP Scan.  

[Kumar0307]

@cobra-drvr

If the issue persists, I think this issue needs some additional technical assistance that can be better provided through one-on-one interaction or a remote session with our HP Support team.

Please reach out to the HP Support in your region for further assistance. 

Keep me posted for any other assistance.

[cobra-drvr]

i cant use a hp laptop (I bought in late Feb) to talk to a hp printer and I need to pay $15 a month for smartfriend  (plus activation)?