scanning not working

[kathyasking]

the scanning feature no longer works with my computer. I have a WiFI connection for the all in one printer.  the scanner feature is not recognized by the computer anymore.  

I have tried unplugging both the computer and printer. I have erased and then downloaded the HP software.  

at this point, I do not remember all of the steps I have tried. 

what can I do to get my scanning feature back?

[Meghana_10]

Hello @kathyasking, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

We understand how frustrating this can be, especially since you have already reinstalled the HP software and restarted both the printer and computer.

When printing works but the HP Deskjet 2842e scanner is no longer recognized, the issue is often related to the printer's Wi-Fi connection, the HP app's saved printer configuration, or communication between the computer and the scanner. Since the printer is connected wirelessly, first make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Restart devices

Restart your computer or mobile device and the printer to clear any error states. If you are using a network printer, restart the router.

If your printer connects to a Wi-Fi network, disconnect your computer or mobile device from the network name (SSID), and then reconnect it to the same network name your printer is connected to.

If the printer is available and has a ready status, the issue is resolved. You do not need to continue troubleshooting.

1. Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer and from the power source.

2. Turn off the computer or mobile device that you are attempting to print from.

3. If the printer was set up on a network wirelessly or with an Ethernet cable, restart the router.

4. If necessary, reconnect the power cord to the printer and to a wall outlet, and then turn on the printer.

Note: HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

5. Turn on the computer or mobile device.

6. If the printer connects to a network, check the connection to make sure the same network is used by the printer and the device.

• Computer or mobile device: Open the list of available networks and make sure it is connected to the correct network.
• Printer: Check the Wireless light on the control panel. If it is solid blue, the printer is connected.

Reset the printer

Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.

1. If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.

2. Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

3. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

4. Wait 60 seconds.

5. Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and to the printer.

6. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
 

Check the printer status in the HP app

Check the printer connection status when there is an issue printing, connecting, or using features.
 

1. Open the HP app.

2. Select the printer if necessary.

3. Check the status displayed next to the printer image.

• If the status is Ready or no status is displayed, see if you can scan. Continue to the next step if you cannot scan.
• If the status is Printer Not Connected, Unavailable, or Printer Offline, make sure the printer USB cable is connected directly to the computer, or the Wi-Fi light or icon ( or ) is solid blue on the printer control panel. Go to HP printer is offline or unavailable if the issue persists.

Run the Diagnose & Fix tool (Windows, macOS)

Use the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP app for Windows and macOS to identify printer connection or hardware issues.

1. Open the HP app, click your printer, then click Diagnose and Fix.

2. Click Start and then wait a few minutes while the app diagnoses and fixes any issues found.

CAUTION: Do not close the app during this process to avoid causing printer issues.

3. If the tool finds an issue, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the problem. Otherwise click Done.
 

Re-add the printer to the HP app

Remove and then re-add the printer in the HP app to fix any connection issues.
 

1. Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or with a USB cable.

2. Close then reopen your print app.

3. Remove the printer from your print app.

• HP app: Click your printer, scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click Remove from app.
• HP Smart: Right-click your printer, click Hide Printer, and then click Hide Printer again.

4. Click Add Printer, and then complete the setup in the print app.

Also please check the link for more information. HP printers - Printer is not available when attempting to scan (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support
 

After the printer is successfully reconnected to the HP app, the scanner should be detected again, and the Scan option should become available.
 

If the printer prints normally but the scanner still isn't recognized after these steps, please let me know which version of Windows or macOS you are using and whether the printer shows Ready or Offline in the HP app. That will help determine whether the remaining issue is with the computer, Wi-Fi communication, or the scanner itself.

Have a great day!

[Meghana_10]

Hello @kathyasking, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

We understand how frustrating this can be, especially since you have already reinstalled the HP software and restarted both the printer and computer.

When printing works but the HP Deskjet 2842e scanner is no longer recognized, the issue is often related to the printer's Wi-Fi connection, the HP app's saved printer configuration, or communication between the computer and the scanner. Since the printer is connected wirelessly, first make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Restart devices

Restart your computer or mobile device and the printer to clear any error states. If you are using a network printer, restart the router.

If your printer connects to a Wi-Fi network, disconnect your computer or mobile device from the network name (SSID), and then reconnect it to the same network name your printer is connected to.

If the printer is available and has a ready status, the issue is resolved. You do not need to continue troubleshooting.

1. Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer and from the power source.

2. Turn off the computer or mobile device that you are attempting to print from.

3. If the printer was set up on a network wirelessly or with an Ethernet cable, restart the router.

4. If necessary, reconnect the power cord to the printer and to a wall outlet, and then turn on the printer.

Note: HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

5. Turn on the computer or mobile device.

6. If the printer connects to a network, check the connection to make sure the same network is used by the printer and the device.

• Computer or mobile device: Open the list of available networks and make sure it is connected to the correct network.
• Printer: Check the Wireless light on the control panel. If it is solid blue, the printer is connected.

Reset the printer

Reset the printer to recover from printer errors or failures.

1. If your printer has a rechargeable battery, remove it.

2. Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

3. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

4. Wait 60 seconds.

5. Connect the power cord directly to a wall outlet and to the printer.

6. Turn on the printer to complete the reset.
 

Check the printer status in the HP app

Check the printer connection status when there is an issue printing, connecting, or using features.
 

1. Open the HP app.

2. Select the printer if necessary.

3. Check the status displayed next to the printer image.

• If the status is Ready or no status is displayed, see if you can scan. Continue to the next step if you cannot scan.
• If the status is Printer Not Connected, Unavailable, or Printer Offline, make sure the printer USB cable is connected directly to the computer, or the Wi-Fi light or icon ( or ) is solid blue on the printer control panel. Go to HP printer is offline or unavailable if the issue persists.

Run the Diagnose & Fix tool (Windows, macOS)

Use the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP app for Windows and macOS to identify printer connection or hardware issues.

1. Open the HP app, click your printer, then click Diagnose and Fix.

2. Click Start and then wait a few minutes while the app diagnoses and fixes any issues found.

CAUTION: Do not close the app during this process to avoid causing printer issues.

3. If the tool finds an issue, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the problem. Otherwise click Done.
 

Have a great day!

[Meghana_10]

Re-add the printer to the HP app

Remove and then re-add the printer in the HP app to fix any connection issues.
 

1. Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or with a USB cable.

2. Close then reopen your print app.

3. Remove the printer from your print app.

• HP app: Click your printer, scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click Remove from app.
• HP Smart: Right-click your printer, click Hide Printer, and then click Hide Printer again.

4. Click Add Printer, and then complete the setup in the print app.

Also please check the link for more information. HP printers - Printer is not available when attempting to scan (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support
 

After the printer is successfully reconnected to the HP app, the scanner should be detected again, and the Scan option should become available.
 

If the printer prints normally but the scanner still isn't recognized after these steps, please let me know which version of Windows or macOS you are using and whether the printer shows Ready or Offline in the HP app. That will help determine whether the remaining issue is with the computer, Wi-Fi communication, or the scanner itself.

Have a great day!