How to Scan with Your HP Deskjet 5820 Printer: Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering issues when trying to scan with your HP Deskjet 5820 printer can be frustrating. This guide provides expert troubleshooting steps to resolve common scanning problems and get you back to scanning documents effortlessly. We’ll walk you through proven methods to diagnose and fix these issues, ensuring your HP Deskjet 5820 operates smoothly.

Resolving Scan Issues with HP Print and Scan Doctor

The HP Print and Scan Doctor (PSDR) is a powerful, automated tool designed by HP to quickly identify and resolve printing and scanning problems. This should be your first step in troubleshooting.

To use the HP PSDR:

1. Download the HP Print and Scan Doctor: Navigate to HP Print and Scan Doctor Download Link. This link will take you to the official HP support page where you can securely download the tool.
2. Run the HPPSDR.exe file: Once downloaded, locate the file (usually in your Downloads folder) and run it. Follow the on-screen prompts to install and open the program.
3. Select Your Printer: The PSDR will display a list of detected printers. Choose your HP Deskjet 5820 series printer from the list.
4. Click “Fix Scanning”: After selecting your printer, click on the “Fix Scanning” button. The PSDR will then automatically begin diagnosing your scanning system for common problems.

The HP Print and Scan Doctor automatically addresses many common problems, such as driver conflicts, connectivity issues, and software glitches that can prevent scanning. Allow the tool to complete its process and follow any recommendations it provides. Often, simply running the PSDR is enough to restore scanning functionality.

Performing a Clean Driver Install for Your HP Deskjet 5820

If the HP Print and Scan Doctor doesn’t resolve the scanning issue, a clean driver installation can be the next effective step. This process completely removes the existing printer software and drivers from your system before reinstalling fresh versions. This can eliminate corrupted files or conflicting settings that might be causing the problem.

Follow these detailed steps for a clean install:

1. Disconnect the USB Cable (If Applicable): If your HP Deskjet 5820 is connected to your computer via a USB cable, unplug it now. This prevents any interference during the uninstallation process.

2. Uninstall HP Deskjet Printer Software:

   • Open the Control Panel. You can usually find this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
   • Go to Programs and Features (or “Uninstall a program” depending on your Control Panel view).
   • Locate and select every entry related to your HP Deskjet 5820 series printer.
   • Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to remove each software component.

3. Remove Devices and Printers Entries:

   • Return to the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers (or “Hardware and Sound” then “Devices and Printers”).
   • Find your HP Deskjet 5820 printer icon. You might see multiple icons; remove them all.
   • Right-click on each HP Deskjet 5820 printer icon and select “Remove device”. Confirm when prompted.

4. Delete Print Server Drivers:

   • Press the Windows Key + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type printui.exe /s (ensure there is a space between .exe and /s) and press Enter. This opens the Print Server Properties window.
   • Go to the Drivers tab.
   • Look for any drivers related to your HP Deskjet 5820 printer.
   • Select them and click Remove. Choose “Remove driver and driver package” if prompted for a more thorough removal.

5. Delete Printer Files from ProgramData:

   • Open the Run dialog box again (Windows Key + R).
   • Type c:programdata and press Enter. This opens the ProgramData folder, which is usually hidden.
   • Find and open the Hewlett-Packard folder (or HP folder).
   • Look for any folders related to your Deskjet 5820 printer or scanning and delete them. Be careful not to delete essential system files. If unsure, only delete folders that are clearly named related to your printer.
   • Empty your computer’s Recycle Bin to ensure these files are completely removed.

6. Restart Your Computer: This is a crucial step. Restart your computer to ensure all changes are fully applied and to clear any temporary files.

7. Reinstall the HP Deskjet 5820 Software and Drivers:

   • Go to the official HP support website: HP Software and Driver Downloads.
   • Enter “HP Deskjet 5820” in the product search bar and select your printer model.
   • Download the Full Feature Software and Drivers package, which is recommended for complete printer functionality including scanning.
   • Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.
   • Connect the USB cable when prompted by the installer, if you are using a USB connection. Otherwise, follow the instructions for your connection type (e.g., wireless).

Completing these steps for a clean install should resolve most software-related scanning problems with your HP Deskjet 5820 printer.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting methods—first utilizing the HP Print and Scan Doctor and then performing a clean driver install—you should be able to effectively resolve scanning issues with your HP Deskjet 5820 printer. These steps are designed to address the most common causes of scanning problems, from simple software glitches to more complex driver conflicts. If you continue to experience difficulties after trying these solutions, consider consulting the HP support website or contacting HP customer service for further assistance.