"unable to initialize webscan" when using scan to email app on OfficeJet Pro 6978, MacBook Pro

[Sunflower56]

When I'm able to scan, it works great; usually early morning and late evening.   Randomly, throughout the day, "unable to initialize webscan" shows up.  Other times, "preparing scanning" displays forever.  Sometimes, mid-scan, "cancelling scan" shows up.  I'm tring to decide if this is a hardware issue.  Otherwise, buying a new printer won't help, if it's the scan to email app that's having the problem.   HP helpdesk folk say they've never encountered this.  

[TEJ1602]

@Sunflower56, welcome to HP Support Community!

Start with a Printer Reset

(1) Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.
(2) Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
(3) With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
(4) Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
(5) Wait at least 60 seconds.
(6) Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
(7) Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
(8) Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.

The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed
 

Then Remove and Re-Add the printer to the Mac Printing Queue

1. Click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.

   Figure: Example of the Printers & Scanners window

   

2. Check if your printer name displays in the Printers list, and then do one of the following steps.

   • If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm it is set up for AirPrint. Click the printer name, click the minus sign  to delete the printer, click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the printer name and then continue to the next step.

   • If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, and then continue to the next step.

3. Confirm AirPrint or Secure AirPrint displays in the Use or Print Using menu, and then click Add.

   Figure: AirPrint displays in the Use menu

   

4. Open a document or photo, click File, and then click Print.

Try scanning to Email.

Also, ensure you have the latest firmware installed on your printer. Refer to this link to know how to update the firmware.

If the issue persists touch the Web Services icon (), select Settings or the gear icon and select Remove Web Services.

Next select Scan > Email and follow the steps to re-register the scan to email app.

Provide your personal email address once required and then the verification code sent to your email.

Let me know how it goes.

Cheers 🙂

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