An HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw whose scanner will not scan, shows a scanner error, scans blank pages or cannot send to a computer has a short list of causes, and the printer is a color laser all-in-one with a flatbed scanner and an automatic document feeder, connected by Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB and managed with HP Smart. It prints at up to 35 pages per minute in black and color, and its scanning relies on software on the computer as well as the printer's scanner.
The checks in more detail
Start with the hardware. Switch the printer off and on, and open the scanner lid: clean the glass with a soft lint-free cloth, and look for a streak, a label or debris. Check the document feeder for jammed paper, since a jam stops scanning from the feeder, and make sure the feeder's cover is closed. A scanner error on the display usually clears after a restart; if it persists, unplug the printer for a minute.
Place the original face down on the glass in the corner shown, since a page that is placed wrongly scans as blank. Then the connection and the software. In HP Smart, choose the printer and Scan, and see whether the app can scan; if it works there, the problem is in another program. On Windows, run HP Scan Doctor, a free tool that finds and fixes scanner connection problems; on a Mac, use Image Capture or HP Smart.
Check that the printer and the computer are on the same network, and that the printer has the same address it had when it was set up, since a changed address breaks scan to computer; give the printer a fixed address in the router. Turn off a firewall or an antivirus temporarily to test, since they block the scanner's ports. For scan to email or to a network folder, check the saved settings and the folder permissions in the printer's embedded web page. Update the printer firmware and the driver. If it still fails, contact HP with the model number and the serial number.
Differential
Likely causes of “HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw scanner is not found or scanning fails”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A dirty glass or a jam in the feeder
What separates it Streaks, blank pages or a feeder error
How to confirm Clean the glass and clear the feeder
- 2
A wrong original position
What separates it Blank or cut-off scans
How to confirm Place the page as the guide shows
- 3
A connection or address change
What separates it Scan to computer fails
How to confirm Use HP Scan Doctor and fix the address
- 4
A firewall or antivirus
What separates it The computer cannot reach the scanner
How to confirm Test with them off
- 5
A saved destination problem
What separates it Scan to email or folder fails
How to confirm Check the settings and permissions
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What the display says
- Whether the scan fails from the glass, the feeder or both
- Whether HP Smart can scan
- The computer's operating system
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRestart the printer
ReversibleAnd clean the glass.
Clear the feeder
ReversibleCheck the cover.
Scan from HP Smart
ReversibleTo test.
Run HP Scan Doctor
ReversibleOn Windows.
Check the network
ReversibleAnd firewall.
Update and contact HP
ReversibleIf it still fails.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Glass and feeder
- Dirt and jams are the commonest causes.
- HP Smart
- It scans without other software.
- Scan Doctor
- It repairs the connection on Windows.
- A fixed address
- It keeps scan to computer working.
- Firewalls
- They can block the scanner.
- HP help
- Quote the model and serial number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Switch off before opening the scanner cover for cleaning
- !Do not use abrasive cleaners on the glass
- !Contact HP if the scanner makes grinding noises
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why will my HP scanner not scan?+
A jam, a dirty glass or a connection fault.
What is HP Scan Doctor?+
A free tool that fixes scanner problems.
Why are my scans blank?+
The page was placed wrongly.
Does the address matter?+
Yes, for scan to computer.
Can a firewall block it?+
Yes.