missing pdf searchable option

[bear1066]

I'm a longstanding HP computer/printer customer and have used both for work and home the HP all in one scanners, currently an all in one customer using the 9128e model.   I've never understood why HP smart is the default printer/scanner program with these higher end machines--it's perhaps appropriate software if you are scanning a few pages but it is inadequate with higher end use; e.g., you can't set up a workflow so that scanning is automatically conducted in pdf searchable format (among many other problems--it's also wholly inadequate as a photo scanning tool).  To that end, I had to turn to HP tech support to load the more appropriate software, the HP Scan officejet 9120 series (NET).  I'm glad I sought the help because even for the experts, it took nearly an hour to do this and it wasn't clear we were going to get there.  The current problem with THAT software is that the PDF searchable option seems to have vanished completely--and no pdf searchable option shows up no matter what configuration is selected.  It was available on the earlier iterations of HP Scan (9010 series).   Any suggestions as to what to do next?  (It's not a computer compatibility issue either--all of the computers in the household are HP).

[Dragon-Fur]

@bear1066 

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@bear1066 wrote:

Comments

• I'm a longstanding HP computer/printer customer and have used both for work and home the HP all in one scanners, currently an all in one customer using the 9128e model. 
• I've never understood why HP smart is the default printer/scanner program with these higher end machines--it's perhaps appropriate software if you are scanning a few pages but it is inadequate with higher end use; e.g., you can't set up a workflow so that scanning is automatically conducted in pdf searchable format (among many other problems--it's also wholly inadequate as a photo scanning tool). 
• To that end, I had to turn to HP tech support to load the more appropriate software, the HP Scan officejet 9120 series (NET). 
• I'm glad I sought the help because even for the experts, it took nearly an hour to do this and it wasn't clear we were going to get there. 

Question

• The current problem with THAT software is that the PDF searchable option seems to have vanished completely--and no pdf searchable option shows up no matter what configuration is selected.  It was available on the earlier iterations of HP Scan (9010 series).   
• Any suggestions as to what to do next?  (It's not a computer compatibility issue either--all of the computers in the household are HP).

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The following is based on my experience with HP+, the (full driver) Scan software programs, and my experience plus the documentation available for HP Smart Advance features.

Should the content not be relevant, please ignore as "a good effort but not useful in context".

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Start

Years ago (2022 ?) many of the web pack printer software installation packages were re-issued without the previously embedded OCR software.  No, we were not told "why" though the reasons might have included incompatibility or changes in the licenses needed to provide the OCR software.  ?

There are format and code differences in HP Scan (as part of the full driver printer software) in the older 9015e and HP Scan / HP Universal Scan installed in the newer 9129e printer.

AND

The 9015e was eligible as a Non-HP+ printer to use the HP Smart Advance features

 What about now and a new printer?

• Check for Scan Save options -- HP Smart > Shortcuts > Save to Cloud > File Types

and / or

• Install / Check HP Universal Scan Software - menus and Save options

Details / Examples / Additional Information

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

Full Driver Printer Software / Universal Scan Software

The full driver software includes HP Scan (new format). 

The full driver printer software supports printing from within Word and other Office Software as well as many third party photo editing software and current versions of Adobe Reader.

Installing the full driver printer software includes "Manage Scan to Computer" --

Scan from the printer control panel to the supported computer where the full driver is installed.

Also listed as available for this printer, HP Universal Scan Software.

For the purposes of comparison, the new format HP Scan and Universal Scan are the same software.  This means if you install the full driver, you need not also install HP Universal Scan.  Yes, to date, the system will tolerate having both packages installed on the same computer.

Details / How-to / Examples

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

Printer Software 

If you have not yet done so, (re)install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in in other software and programs (for example, Word), and provides access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver generally adds at one, possibly least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop: Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and/or HP Scan.

NOTES:  

HP Scan is not installed if the printer does not support Scan.

The Printer Assistant is not installed if the type of full driver software does not support it.

 If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, Fax software is installed to support the setup and use of the Fax driver.

No Sign-in required to use full driver printer software.

Reinstalling?

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features. 

  Reference:  Uninstall HP printer software and drivers / HP Smart

• If your printer software includes a separate "Help" segment in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.
• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

>>> Full Feature / Full Driver Software - Web Pack Installation Webpage - Information - Download / Save / (then) Install <<<

HP OfficeJet Pro 9120 series EasyStart Printer Setup Software - Offline Use Only 

and

Optional – When Supported for your printer

HP Universal Scan Software 

NOTE:  Model and Operating System version Dependent

Note:  HP Universal Scan Software can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature printer software.

HP Universal Scan Software installs a new, full featured, (and separate) HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Reference: Open  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software  > If needful, Choose a different OS > Open all > Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

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Shortcuts on the Desktop

The installation of the full driver generally adds at least one or more shortcuts to the Desktop.

 Note:  Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan are dependent on printer model and supported software options.

• Printer Assistant – Where still supported as part of the full driver printer software
• HP Scan – Shortcut on Desktop named for the printer model

OR

• HP Scan Assistant – For those printers that no longer provide the Printer Assistant
• HP Scan - Shortcut named for itself

AND / OR

• When installed, HP Universal Scan software adds a separate self-named “HP Scan” shortcut
• NOTE >> If you install the full driver printer software, installing HP Universal Scan as a standalone software from category Software & Drivers is not necessary.  The system will allow you to install both.

Printer Assistant shortcut > Tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Or

HP Scan Assistant shortcut > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Desktop Shortcuts

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_9

Example - Programs and Features - Installed Printer Software

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_20

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

Read >>> About HP Smart Advance for HP+ printers

 Read >> FAQ – “Which non-HP+ printers are eligible for HP Smart Advance?”

Excerpted top section

HP Smart Advance enhances the HP Smart experience by including additional features and tools, such as Advanced Scan, Advanced Shortcuts, and Print Anywhere. HP Smart settings and features vary by device, printer model, and country/region.

Note:

To access the HP Smart Advance features, your HP+ or eligible non-HP+ printer must be set up in the HP Smart app with an HP account. For more information, go to HP printer setup (HP Smart app).

HP Smart Advance features

HP Smart Advance includes the following enhanced features and tools:

• Advanced Scan includes automated scan quality features, Advance Presets, and conversion tools to work with text from images. For more information, go to Using advanced scanning features (HP Smart app).
• Advanced Shortcuts includes Save as Text Files and Smart File Name settings. For more information, go to Use HP Smart app Shortcuts.
• Print Anywhere allows you to send a print job to your printer from anywhere. For more information, go to Print Anywhere with the HP Smart App.

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

What else?

Check whether the searchable PDF option is available --

Two places to check --

• HP Smart Shortcuts
• HP Universal Scan Software

Example - HP Smart - Shortcuts - Save to Cloud > File Type(s)

HP_Smart_Shortcuts_Cloud_Save_PDF_9

General Example - HP Universal Scan Software

HP_Universal_Scan_Menu_JPEG_Page-Size_6

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Message Content References

User Guide - HP OfficeJet Pro 9120e Series

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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: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 9129e All-in-One Printer

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[bear1066 · Accepted solution]

This is very helpful (dragon-fur is always helpful).  I wonder, though, if it might not be easier to just abandon the HP software and all these complications in favor of third-party software that offers pdf searchable compatibility?  (e.g., file center or maybe paperport--the current version of paperport is quite long in the tooth, but was state of the art at one time).  The failure of HP to address this problem cleanly and easily is notable.

[Dragon-Fur]

@bear1066 

You are welcome.

Yes- do that.

There are certainly OCR software packages available -- 

Be ware of "free" online tools that might snoop where they ought not.

We don't judge what people decide or use.

Sometimes the answer is do or use something else.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"