HP Photosmart C8180

[gas4you]

Hi all

I have the above device, but since Friday it will not scan anything.

The Printer works fine, the copier works fine. I use it via my wireless network rather than plugged in via usb.

All I get is error messages stating the device is being used by another device, or there is a scanning error.

I have tried it from another pc but still no joy.

I have un-installed and re-installed all the software and drivers, switched it off for 60 seconds to reset it it, but still the same errors.

I assume it must be a hardware failure? If so is there a scanning pcb or similar that can be replaced, or is it time to dump it and buy another?

Edit: It doesn't work via Ethernet either.

[big-all]

does it light up and sound normal

[gas4you]

Yes. Everything comes on and appears normal.

Just the error messages when trying to scan.

I have googled for a parts/breakdown manual, but nothing worthwhile comes up

[darrenba]

If it's copying OK then it can't be a hardware issue. Sounds like software/firmware to me

[gas4you]

If I press 'scan' on the display on the device, it still gives the same error messages on the PC.

Could it be a faulty network card in the device or similar?

Is there a card dedicated to just the scanning process?

[Inky Pete]

If it will photocopy then the scanning hardware and electronics are all ok - that's because the photocopying function simply scans to the machine's internal memory and then prints.

Have you tried connecting via USB to a laptop or the second PC (the one it isn't usually used from)?

When you say you try and scan and get an error message - is that scanning via the software on the computer, or by pressing the scan button on the Photosmart?

[Inky Pete]

Also try scanning this way.

http://blog.sasinct.com/2009/05/10/some ... e-premium/

[gas4you]

When you say you try and scan and get an error message - is that scanning via the software on the computer, or by pressing the scan button on the Photosmart?

Both

From darrenba reply, how can I re-install the firmware?

I cannot find anything on the HP website tech help

[gas4you]

I'm on Win 7 Pro 64 bit

Cant find that what is in your link

[gas4you]

Just installed it again using usb connection.

Still fails

[BillyGoat]

If you have a computer that has never had the drivers/printer set up - install it there and try again.

If it doesn't work, it's fooked - buy another, they are super cheap these days (quite often cheaper to buy a new printer than ink!!!!!), although you need one with network functionaility by the sounds of it.

Tesco direct stores seem to be good for this.

No firmware re-installs usually possible with printers.

I suggest a new/clean driver free PC, as these printers usually work by virtual 'printer' ports to access the printer......

I ask two questions....

- have you changed anything on the network (router, modem, upgrades, etc)

- have you changed anything on the PC (new antivirus, firewall, security software, etc)

Will make more sense tomorrow if youc an answer....I'm somewhat pissed right now!

:)

[gas4you]

No nothing changed on PC.

Yes, I have already tried clean install on another laptop that didn't have it installed. Still failed.

I was going to buy a new one today, but thought I would ask here first, in case someone had a magical solution.

Thanks all, for your help though.

[SteveOC]

I agree with some of the folks who posted and the tests you have done that it does sound like a software issue - I believe that the scan function uses some provided HP software. Did you replace the printer in the end?
Automatic updates to Windows, Firewall or Anti-Virus software may have broken something.

If not, what firewall and anti-virus are you running?
What OS, firewall and anti-virus are you running on the other laptop?

Steve O.

[gas4you]

The other laptop runs the same firewall etc (Kaspersky) as the main PC.

All the same HP software installed. 32 bit Win 7 on laptop 1 and 64 bit win 7 on laptop 2.

Since tried a different router as well, but no different.

I haven't replaced it as yet because I've been too busy with work to do much else since last posting.

[aeromech3]

Dave just a casual basic observation, no need to reply: my HP B109n which I drive from my laptop via an icon in My Computer, labelled wireless B109n-z , this access gives the "microsoft scanner and camera wizard"
Looking through the glass of the scanner the beam is fully parked at one end and the ribbon connector looks attached, is yours or maybe stuck/disconnected.