Win11 driver doesn't work with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC scanning

[baslynch]

I have recently upgraded to Win11 computer. The HP driver was seamlessly installed when I started the machine. But the driver is a "WIA" driver, and is not compatible with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. My Win10 machine has a twain type driver. Acrobat Pro DC online docs say that Acrobat settings cannot be changed with a WIA driver, and I find I must set the paper source and paper size for every single page. Even if I put multiple pages in the ADF, it will scan one page, then I must go through the entire process again. I have already scanned over 15,000 pages (from the Win10 machine), and have thousands more to go. Is there a Win11 twain type drive for my printer, HP OfficeJet6978?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@baslynch 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

Note sure --

According to the specifications the full driver printer software should support Twain.

Should be included in the full driver.

Printer Specifications for HP OfficeJet Pro 6900 Printers

Review the following for the scanning specifications.

• Image editor included
• Integrated OCR software automatically converts scanned text to editable text
• Scan speeds vary according to the complexity of the document
• Automatic duplexing (two-sided scanning) from ADF, 6970 series only
• Twain-compliant interface (Windows only)
• Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) dpi optical
• Color: 24-bit color, 8-bit grayscale (256 levels of gray)
• Maximum scan size from glass: 216 x 297 mm (8.5 x 11.7 inches)
• Maximum scan size from ADF:
  • 1-sided: 216 x 356 mm (8.5 x 14.0 inches)
  • 2-sided: U.S. Letter 216 x 279 mm (8.5 x 11.0 inches) or A4 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches)
  • Two sided scanning is not supported for the concerned models: HP OfficeJet 6962, OfficeJet Pro 6960, 6968.

Review -- Reinstall the Printer Software

If the printer is accepted on the network...

• Uninstall any printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and sign in.
• If any changes are made, that is, you remove anything, Restart the computer and sign in.
• Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software

Check for any difference...

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Printer Software - Details / How-to / Examples

>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.

Preparation

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing the HP Smart application or the printer software.

Printer Software Check - Is the printer software installed?

Notes

When the full driver printer software is installed,

Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the full printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_7

Next...

Printer software installed and  listed //  Software is out of date or is not working

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected, remove and reload the software.

NOTE:  Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for Control Panel and open

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

What if?

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

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

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

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

Printer Software

Next,

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

Reminder:  If using USB, disconnect the USB printer cable between the printer and the computer before installing software.  (Re)Connect the USB cable when instructed to do so near the end of the installation procedure.

Installation package - Information and Download

Download and Save the installation package to your computer

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers. 

 If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2
• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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If the installation of the printer software is successful,

(then)

Next,

If HP Smart is not yet installed,

 Get / Install a new copy of the HP Smart application from the Microsoft Store

Details

>>> Open and Read >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

NOTES: 

• Read FAQ -  including - What are the requirements to set up a printer using the HP Smart app?

• Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.

• Enable Bluetooth for an HP Smart app setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.  Source: How to scan with an HP printer > FAQ > Why can't I connect my wireless printer or scan over the network?

• HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

• When working through a browser to access HP Smart, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different browser – assign that browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default browser.)

• Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

• Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
  •  FAQ examples: 
    • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
    • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
    • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
  • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
  • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

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References / Resources

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

 “Things that are your printer”

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

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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

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

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[baslynch]

Thank you for your quick reply; there's a lot here for me to sift through, but I think I'll be able to do it.

[Dragon-Fur]

@baslynch 

You are welcome.

There is actually less to do than the expansive verbiage seems to suggest.  Smiling.

Essentially

Uninstall the full driver if it is installed

Restart the computer and log in

Download and Save the installation package

Run the installation -- See "Basic Instructions"

Make sure the printer is selected as the Default printing device

Restart the computer and log in

Piece of Pie

Honestly, I don't know whether Adobe Acrobat Pro DC will like the setup. 

I believe the foundation should be there (in the full driver) to support what you are trying to do.

Good Luck.

References / Resources

There are parts to the Printer Software:

Examples

• HP Smart application - supports printing and scanning PDF and Photos / Images.  HP Smart is supported in many regions and on many newer networked printers - The app is available from the  Microsoft Store .  HP Smart requires that you sign in using your HP Account credentials.  HP Smart benefits when the full driver printer software is also installed. 

• HP Smart Printing – Where supported, “Smart Printing” is an option in the printer list when choosing the Printer to be used for the current job setup.  Example:  Open Printer (list – top left of menu) > Select HP Smart Printing   -- Note – HP Smart Printing supports Custom Presets (Custom Shortcuts)

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in programs (for example, Word), and access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver printer software includes HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

When installed,

HP Smart is listed in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

HP Smart is never listed in Programs and Features

When installed,

The Full Driver printer software is listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

And

The Full Driver printer software can also show up in Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

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

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[baslynch]

Woo-hoo, success! It seems originally installing the HP Smart option was not optimal. 

Thank you! Now I can continue the process of migrating 500+ GB of files from old computer to new computer!

baslynch

[Dragon-Fur]

@baslynch 

Excellent.

You are welcome.

HP Smart is brilliant in some ways - with the advent of the HP Smart Printing client option, the application is more streamlined and yes, "smarter", too. 

The Full Solution / Full Feature printer software is (still) the best foundation for interfacing with many other programs.

Happy -- or at least Efficient - Scanning!

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

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

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"