Why isn't my scanner not working?

Question

i use HP photosmart scanner/printer/copier
with my mac book

i had my scanner a little less than a year, so its not old.
ive already tryed calling HP and they just hung up on me, i already uploaded my software a long time ago, and hp.com only helps HP computers, not macs.
oh and i lost my software.


on my scanner it says "USB not connected"
and then on my computer it says "Sorry, scanner could not be initialized (scanner not found)"


what do i do now? how to i fix it?

Answer 1

1. Has the scanner worked before?

2. Does it print? If it prints then it shouldn't be the USB connection.

3. When you said you "Uploaded my software a long time ago, do you mean just the drivers or the drivers and the software for the scanning option?" Have you checked HP's website for updated (newer) drivers and software? --Can't post a link since I don't know which of the multi-function printers you have.



Have you tried un-installing and re-installing the drivers and software?



--I don't deal much with the Mac OS, so I'm not 100% on the "how to do" on a Mac, but what to do I can explain.

Answer 2

On some computers scanners, and cameras, fight over who's in charge. They seem to use the same drivers, or something.



I use Windows XP myself, but this might still help you.



I've had to go into Control Panel to select it over any cameras. The only other time my computer could not find it was if the Print Spooler under Services is turned off (stopped). Sometimes people even end the process under Task Manager to free up RAM. Scanners use the spooler just like the printers do. Restart the spooler then restart your scanner.



Also if you've done a form of System Restore you may have to reinstall the scanner. Sometimes they just get lost in all the hub-bub.

Answer 3

In the apple menu, check the 'About this Mac', run the system profiler, look at the entry that says USB and see if the scanner is there. If it is not, then replace the USB cable. If that doesn't work, then you may have a problem with the scanner's HW. Is it still under warranty?



If it is there in the USB chain, I believe you can download the mac drivers from HP's site.

Answer 4

Fix Scanner Working http://goo.gl/dHKhsd