software install Photosmart C3180 - Scan function not working - reinstall does not work

[dude1529]

Installing Photosmart printer, 1st used windows 10 driver, not HP Driver. Printer worked Scan does not work. Tried re-installing (user guide calls for hp software monitor to work), does not reinstall, wizard calls for uninstall. Did 3x's, yet still see's HP installed even though uninstalled (using HP software and 3rd party uninstall software) can't get monitor to work. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@dude1529

This is an older printer with older printer software.

Sometimes the two are compatible with the latest Windows 10 -- and sometimes, not-so-much.

Some things to consider / try:

Windows Updates – Corrupt OS components prevent installation of Full Feature Software

Essentially the same fix as for the “not compatible with a policy” error, this repair method can help in those cases where Windows Updates may have corrupted driver components in the Operating System.

Solution contributed by  ShlomiL

Be aware that if you have other printers installed on your PC, those printers will need to be reinstalled once completing these steps.

1.  Uninstall the HP Software from your PC.
2.  Create a backup of your full registry prior making any registry changes:
     https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c03485724
3.  Update your registry using the Reg file below (that will change some printer related policies for your PC):
     https://www.dropbox.com/s/avbv56zdgwv7600/kernel.reg?dl=1
4.  Right-click the Start menu and select Run
     Type Services.msc and press OK.
     Locate and stop the Print Spooler service
5.  Browse to c:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers
     Rename W32X86 to W32x86.old
     Rename x64 to x64.old
     Note: if any of these folders fail to rename reboot your PC and then Continue following the steps starting from Step 4...
6.  Restart your computer.
7.  Reinstall the HP Software and check for any difference

HP Photosmart C3100/C4100 All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Driver

Reminder:  Disconnect the USB cable between the computer and the printer BEFORE you remove the existing software.  Leave the USB cable disconnected during the software installation - reconnect when instructed to do so during the latter part of the installation procedure.

Add a Printer

If nothing at all works to get the software installed, then Windows 10 will indeed provide basic print function, although sadly, the scan option is not included in the "basic" Windows 10 Drivers.

If you "lost" even the basic print function trying the above (or other) procedures, you can get it back.

• NOTE: The “Full Feature Software” solution for older printers may not work in Windows 10 Fall Creators – Please use Windows Update to install your printer: HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

If the printer does not show up under "Printers" (right column), click the little "Windows Update" box, wait for several minutes, scroll and find the Driver.

Example – Add a Printer

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer (along top in ribbon)

Click The printer that I want isn’t listed

Click Add a Local or Network Printer…

Click Next

Choose a Printer Port window:

Use an existing port drop-down list, select LPT1: (Printer Port)

[ NOTE USB:  Look for USB001 or other USB00# > Select the highest Port listed ]

Install the Printer window:

Left column:  HP

Right column: Scroll, search, select (click) printer  (HP Photosmart C3100 series)

And / or if Printer is not found in list:

Click Windows Updates

Wait several minutes for list to update

Left column:  HP

Right column:  Scroll, search, select printer  (HP Photosmart C3100 series)

Choose a Printer Port window:

Use an existing port drop-down list, select LPT1: (Printer Port)

[ NOTE USB:  Look for USB001 or other USB00# > Select the highest Port listed ]

Click Yes to “…allow this app to make changes to your device” (UAC)

Optional: Type a printer Name or use the default

Next > Wait for printer software to install …

Next >

Click Share this printer so that others on your network can find and use it

Optional:  Fill in information for printer location and a comment

Optional:  Click Set as the default printer

Optional:  Click to Print a test page > Finish

Scan Program Alternatives

If the scan function is not being supported in the driver set you manage to install, the following is perhaps an exercise in futility.  Nonetheless, I am including it for the purpose of thoroughness.

At least one of the applications included in the document might provide scan function.

Depending on your Operating System version (and printer model), there are several methods and programs are available to supplement your printer’s Scan capabilities!

Dragon Document – Collection of Help, suggestions, links to how-to videos, and examples: 

Scanning Program Options

Topics / Sections – various, including:

• Know and Understand Scan DPI / Scan Resolution options
• HP Scan Extended – Exceptional standalone free scan program:  Single, Multiple scans, image and PDF scans, Auto-Crop!
• NAPS2-- Not another PDF Scanner – free standalone program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s)
• Printer Software (Full Feature Software > Printer Assistant > Print, Scan & Fax > Scan a Document or Photo)
• HP Scan and Capture from Windows Store
• Webscan And others…

Reference

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers and Software, Videos, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, and more

HP Photosmart C3180 All-in-One Printer

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