Scan to PDF not an option in HP scanner software

If you go into those programs and try to print, export, etc will the program make a PDF in any of those options?

I believe it won't and that is the problem.  The Scan To option can send it to the programs but not change what they do and make.

Let me know if you have a question about this or need more info.

bol

Thanks for your comment!  I'm having a little trouble understanding it though.

What exactly do you mean 'will the program make a PDF in any of those options'?

When the program starts, it displays some of your files on it's home screen and some of these are PDF documents, which it displays correctly.  The program will also open and display a PDF document if you ask it too (File -> Open, ect).

'The scan to option can send it to the programs but not change what they do and make'.  That makes a lot of sense but I don't understand why these programs would not accept PDF's as they are fresh installs and theoreticaly have not had a chance to get corrupted yet.  I went back and checked the description of this printer on the HP website and they state that it will scan into PDF.

Where do you think I should I look to further troubleshoot?

Thanks again dude!

Marc Spears

Sorry that wasn't completely clear.  To tell the truth I am not sure how to best describe it.  I will try to elaborate but I have no problem adding more if it still isn't clear or you have a question. :)

What I meant by that question is will Document Viewer make a PDF file?  I have looked it up and it doesn't seem to have that ability.  It "editable file" is a TIFF or JPG which you would then use image editing software to change.  Since it doesn't have the ability to make a PDF having the scanner send it an "image" won't change that.

Another program is needed.  When HP says it will scan to PDF that is with the memory card setting you have successfully used.  That is the only way with the software and drivers that came with the all-in-one.

There are third party programs that you could get that can work with the HP device/scanner and create a PDF.  Whether they will show in the software list on the device (when you choose Scan To) is something I don't know for sure.  It would probably depend on the program.  Adobe Acrobat, CutePDF, etc are a few programs that will support using a scanner to make a PDF and might integrate well with the HP.

Let me know if you have a question about this.  I hope it clears up why the PDF is only made with the one option.  It is limited to that just because of the software included.

bol

bol,

Thanks for the help, I think I understand what you mean now but I find it hard to believe.  The employee that this printer is installed for previously had a lower quality all in one (less than $100) that scanned into PDF just fine until the day the machine died.  I replaced it with this printer ($300) so that he would get better quality scans and network capability if he would want it later (which he isnt using now, it is currently connected with USB).

With that in mind, it would seem that the 80 buck printer out performed a 300 buck printer and that doesnt make much sense to me.  

There has too be a way to get this printer to scan into PDF like the other all in one did.

Thanks man.

Who was the maker of the 80 scanner?

There are probably various reasons for the price difference and almost certainly has to do with features, specs, and other things that don't include a scan to PDF program.  I really do understand your incredulity and disbelief; I have had similar thoughts, especially seeing how scanners are usually used.

I am just going by what I know and then have read to help here and get familiar with that model.  Why HP doesn't provide other methods to scan to pdf or a more usable method I can't answer.  I do have an idea or two that explains it but definitely doesn't help you or your coworker with this.  I can say with pretty high certainty the info I provided above is accurate.

My recommendation is to find another program that will provide the ability to scan to pdf.  This may mean you can't use the option on the device to scan to that program (it may not appear) but the third party programs can do a great job of making the pdf, provide options to add to an existing pdf or combine them, and other features included software often does not provide.  I mentioned a few of these but let me know if you need details or other suggestions.

As far as I can see the only way to make a PDF with what comes with the HP device is to the "memory device."  Although that seems to support various "devices" it just doesn't work to HP's included software.  Let me know if you have a question about this.

bol

The other printer was an HP All in one also, but a much cheaper version that actually includes all of the features of this 300 dollar printer, scan, fax, print, copy.  It worked quite well.

Please excuse my disbelief about the accuracy of your post.  I am going to open a ticket with HP Support Case Manger to get their take on my plight and will post as soon as I hear from them.

Thanks again!

Your welcome!  Let me know what you find out.  I don't blame you for looking into this more and hope you do find something I have overlooked or didn't know about.  I did pretty much use all of my resources looking into this but I don't have that device and don't work for HP.  Hopefully you don't get someone that gives you bad info though or tells you what you want to hear but isn't right.  I'll look forward to the response and, if I am wrong, then we can accept your post as the answer to this.

Thanks for letting me know the make of the previous device.  HP definitely doesn't always send the same software but that is odd they would send some that has fewer features with a newer model.  Unless there is some reason they just had to drop that feature.

bol

Hey bol.  Sorry for the delay.

HP pretty much told me that software needed to be reinstalled.  I uninstalled ALL hp software from his computer and anything that had HP in the name.  Then, installed the software driver package that they recommended and it still doesnt work.  They told me too look for something called 'HP Director' and that would be the software needed to scan into PDF.  They definitely confirmed my thoughts that the printer will scan into PDF as I suspected.  Their latest answer is that the HP Director software is installed but must be conflicting with the OS and I should call their telephone support.  Lets just say I'm a little less than excited about calling India for tech support.  I'll post more when I figure it out.

thanks.

That seems to conflict what the manual said Director could do but I hope they are right.  It was frustrating to not find a page with info on the Director program or details on its features.  It won't be the first time a manual was wrong either although I most of the time find they are more accurate than some company "tech support" people. :)

Let us know how it goes or if I can help somehow.

bol

I have yet to find any more information on the subject and it appears that HP has decided not to answer my emails anymore.

I have completely reinstalled the softare listed on the HP website for this printer and have not come across any software named 'HP Director'.  

Did you manual mention where it could be found?

thanks

I am sorry to hear it.  It makes me wonder if the person really had good info from the start because the literature and manuals I saw seemed to contradict what you were told.  Of course information was scarce and hard to find on this.

I do not recall seeing specifics on where Director would be (in a manual for that printer) but all of the HP programs I have used and had installed were always in the Start menu in some "Hewlett-Packard" folder.  I am sure you have looked there but let me know if details will help.  It sounds like it isn't being installed but I sort of doubt it is a conflict.  I would think it more likely the software just isn't part of that model (for whatever reason).

I did find a page that mentioned details on Director and where it should be.  I was right about the HP folder in the Start menu and then you look for "HP Photo & Imaging Director" to access the program.  However, unlike what they told you, I have not seen that the program will make a PDF.  The details on its features, abilities, options, etc are at http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&docname=bpu00781&dlc=en&product=2512009 but did not mention creating a PDF.  Of course there may be different versions or some other reason that isn't mentioned.

I hope this helps.  I know it won't provide the exact help you want (i.e. get HP to make a PDF file on your hard drive) but from everything I have seen and read it really seems like you will need to depend on a third-party program for that (yeah ... I know it doesn't make sense).

Let me know if you have a question or need more info.

bol

bol,

Time for an update, haha.  I opened several tickets with HP using the business tools that I normally use (Support Case Manger) and each of the tickets were being closed without contacting me for no reason.  This went on and off for a month until I got a call today from a Business Case Manger (Silvia) who explained the situation to me.  

HP Business was labeling the case 'consumer' because the printer is not part of their business line up and therefore closing the case without transfering it to consumer support.  She did research on the case and got in touch with me to point me over to the consumer side.

The consumer case manager that I spoke with (Karen) at first told me that the printer was older than a year and didn't qualify for support.  (The printer was purchased on April 22nd of this year)  I was able to convince her that her data was wrong so she spoke to a co-worker about the issue and after being on hold for 10 minutes she came back with a heck of a diagnosis.

While installing the HP software, windows installer did not recognize that the PC has PDF software (Adobe Reader) installed on it and therefore disabled that portion of the HP software.  The problem was with Windows Installer and there is absolutely no solution.

This ofcourse led to name calling and an abrupt disconnect but I digress.  I have officially given up with trying to get help from the wonderful technicians at Hewlett Packard and opted for third party software.  I am going to give ScanToPDF a try on Friday and will most certainly report back.

Thanks for the help and I hope this was at least entertaining. haha

Marc

Marc,
Thanks a lot for the reply and info.  It was entertaining in a small way (does that make me sick or sadistic??? *L*) and your narration of it was great.  LOL.  That was interesting info about the install.
Let me know how that 3rd party app works for you or if you need other recommendations.  I am really sorry this has been such a hassle.  I am a big HP fan but this does not seem to be "our" proudest moment. :(
bol

Thanks for the help. I used sfc/scannow command, reboot my computer and mysteriously I can now scan to PDF again by selecting scan to memory device, setting up my presets and then opening Adobe Acrobat and creating a file from a scanner. The weird thing it is used to work directing from my HP scanner.

Nope, Chaotic, that's not weird at all.  In fact, lately it's been the HP norm. haha.  I'm sorry your having troubles too.  That seems like a long process and almost not even practical.  Have you tried any third party software?