cannot scan using flatbed, must use automatic document feeder

[dubtee]

Using the HP Easy Scan software I was previously able to scan using the flatbed or ADF successfully. However recently I am no longer able to use the flatbed. Whenever I try I get the message "Automatic Document Feeder is Empty". When I select the source as "Automatic" and EVEN WHEN I SELECT THE SOURCE "Flatbed" the same error message is shown. I can still scan successfully using the ADF.

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Is it Mojave 10.14, or may you have Catalina 10.15?

Please try using HP Smart or Apple Image Capture instead:

https://support.hp.com/sk-en/document/c04788799

Shlomi

[dubtee]

Hi ShlomiL,

you are correct I am on Catalina but that option wasn't available when I created the problem.

I tried your suggestion to use Apple Image Capture and it worked! Thanks for that! Much appreciated. So the problem must be with the HP Easy Scan software.

[hrbngr9]

Had the same issue with my MAC running Catalina. Never had this problem before. Apple Image Capture also worked for me!

Thank You!

[agryc]

An alternative work-around for the flat-bed scanner not working under Catalina is to configure the Scan to Email option. I had the same issues as the poster, but after setting up Scan to Email, I'm able to successfully initiate scans at the printer using the flatbed.

[JeffBatt]

As far as I know, this was before c=Catalina.

I had just installed the lates drivers and the full version, which I didn't have before. 

In the setup the flatbed works for the testing.

I've opened and closed the feeder to make sure it wasn't overriding, so that's not the issue.

I can now select flatbed, which I couldn't do before, but I still get the no paper error message.

[trickyt1957-hp3]

I tried the "scan to email workaround", but could not make it work.     I tried to factory reset and re-install everything from scratch and then updated all the printer software.   I wasted about 6 hours messing with this and it is still not working - I can not scan from flatbed, and any type of document feeder scan seizes up after that "cancelling scan".    The big problem is that the HP printer seems to have lots of security features to stop you doing anything unless you are an "administrator".   By default scanning is banned and you really have to be a computer genius to turn it on via the "Additional Settings" (Good luck with that)

My printer is for home use, and I want all these security features off, but HP makes it very difficult for a home user to do this.   Also when something doesn't work, you can't turn off the printer with the off switch.  It seizes up.   You are left with no choice but to unplug the **bleep** thing. 

Frankly I find this much too buggy for my liking.  It puts me off HP as a brand.   Hp should constantly test their products, especially when a new piece of operating software is released.