HP Smart Tank 5105, OCR scanning

[steelroads]

Hi, new here, I apologise if this question has already been asked/answered.  (HP Smart Tank 5105)

I'm simply trying to Scan a document using the OCR feature, but it is unavailable on my HP Scan software.  I've downloaded all new software/drivers, but the OCR option does not appear.

What am I missing, any help would be greatly appreciated.   Many thanks

[Dragon-Fur]

@steelroads 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Printer includes a Glass / Flatbed for scan operations

Product Specifications for the HP Smart Tank 5105 All-in-One Printer (1F3Y3A)

Section Scan

Scan technology	Contact Image Sensor (CIS)
Scan resolution, hardware	Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
Levels of grayscale	256
Bit depth	24-bit
Scanning options (ADF)	Not Applicable
Maximum flatbed scan size (metric)	216 x 297 mm
Maximum flatbed scan size (U.S. standard)	8.5 x 11.69 in
Twain version	Version 2.4

If your Full Feature Software is installed -

Try adding (installing) the supported HP Universal Scan software.

Supported for your printer

HP Universal Scan Software –

NOTE:  Model and Operating System version Dependent

Note:  HP Universal Scan Software can be installed as standalone or installed after the full feature printer software.

 HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software might add OCR libraries to installed HP Scan software. 

HP Universal Scan Software installs a new, full featured, (and separate) HP Scan software shortcut to the Desktop.

Reference: Open  HP Universal Scan Full Feature Software  > If needful, Choose a different OS > Open all > Find / Download / Save / Install HP Universal Scan – Full Feature Software and Driver Webpack.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

HP Universal Scan Software provides a larger GUI to make using the software easier on high-resolution screens.   New features have been added to the main menu to help with navigating the settings.

Reference

 HP printers - Scan as Editable Text (OCR) with HP Scan (Windows)

General Example - HP Universal Scan - JPEG - Menu Options

HP_Universal_Scan_Menu_JPEG_Page-Size_3

Reference

==================================

Details Page - Driver - For this Printer

>>> Full Feature Software - Web Pack Installation Package - Information - Download / Save / (then) Install <<<

HP Smart Tank 5100 EasyStart Printer Setup Software - Offline Use Only 

When asked, opt for the Full Driver / Full Software to be installed.

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and sign in. 

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Printer Assistant - Scan Assistant - Manage Scan to Computer

The installation of the full driver generally adds at least one, possibly two shortcuts to the Desktop.

 Note:  Printer Assistant, HP Scan Assistant, and HP Scan are dependent on printer model and supported software options.

.

Printer Assistant 

HP Scan Assistant

HP Scan

If available, enable "Scan to Computer" using the Printer Assistant

Open Printer Assistant shortcut > Tab Scan > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

OR

Open HP Scan Assistant shortcut > Manage Scan to Computer > Enable

Example - Full Feature Software - Installed Printer software - Programs and Features

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_13

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP Smart Tank 5105 All-in-One Printer  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[steelroads]

Thank you for your prompt reply Dragon-Fur

I have downloaded and installed the software you refer to:

Full_Webpack-51.10.6100-SJ0001_Full_Webpack

Win7plus-1.0.1020-HPOCR_Win7plus

I can scan and download images just fine - It's the OCR function that I'm missing.

Any further thoughts, recommendations for me as a newbie?

[Dragon-Fur]

@steelroads 

You are welcome.

No other ideas that are likely to work using HP apps or software.

If the OCR option were available for your printer, installing the HP Universal Scan Software would have added the OCR feature.

What you can do depends on what is built into the apps / software you have available --

Another try...

Check whether HP Smart > Shortcuts will let you create a Shortcut that includes the File Type "Searchable PDF"

Remember:  If the feature you seek is not available, it is simply not an option.

General Example - HP Smart - Shortcuts - Cloud Save - PDF

HP_Smart_Shortcuts_Cloud_Save_PDF_4

What else?

Find, obtain, purchase OCR software for your use.

OCR Scan Software – Examples

Best OCR software of 2023

Well written and easy to read / comprehend

Introduction to OCR and Searchable PDFs: An Introduction to OCR 

2022

11 Best OCR Software of 2022 (Free and Paid Tools)

7 best OCR software for Windows 10/11 [2022 Guide] 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[steelroads]

DragonFur, I appreciate your assistance.  I've installed all the software that you have recommend.  My next question is in relation to the error message I receive while trying the new software.  Note that I am able to print and scan a document perfectly via WIFi from my computer to the printer.  I'm just trying to get OCR working.

The error I get is:  HP Scan was unable to find the scanning device on your network, please ensure the device is powered on and is available on the network.

Again, I can print and scan just fine via WiFi, just trying to resolve the OCR software issues.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.  CHEERS

[Dragon-Fur]

@steelroads 

You are welcome.

It was worth a check, I think.

True --

OCR software is NOT part of all HP driver software.

That means, not all printers come with the OCR feature included.

No Joy?

Find, obtain, purchase an OCR package for your use.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[steelroads]

Thank you for your assistance.  I understand that I need to now obtain OCR software elsewhere, as this is not a feature of my printer/software. Any recommendations of said software?  Thanks and regards

[Dragon-Fur]

@steelroads 

You are welcome.

Which product?

I don't know -- I've not had to purchase OCR software.

Were it mine to do, I'd stick with the classics - Adobe.

It's not free. 

Perhaps check online  reviews before deciding on a product.

https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/how-to/ocr-software-convert-pdf-to-text.html

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"