Scanner not found after HP driver and Mac OS X 10.5.5 updates

Question

I had my HP C5180 All-In-One connected to my network and working fine with my iMac before the recent HP Driver and Mac OS X 10.5.5 updates from Software Update. I could print and scan with no problems. After the updates I get an error message from HP Scan Pro that there was a communication error and the scanner was not found. What's interesting is that if I start with the Scan Menu button on the printer I can get all the way to HP Scan Pro launching on my iMac before the error message appears. Apparently the iMac and C5180 see each other and can communicate.
I had this problem the last time both the HP Drivers and Mac OS X were upgraded through Software Update. HP Support's solution was to uninstall the entire HP driver software package and reinstall with the download from HP's site. That is **** poor and really unacceptable. I really just expect stuff not to break when Apple or HP suggest an update through Software Update. My philosophy of running Macs at home is that I don't have to think or work too hard to adminster them. This is proving me wrong on that idea.
Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

Answer 1

I feel your pain brother. Just posted with the exact same problem. Looks like the "fix" is to uninstall/reinstall?
Yeah, they are definitely seeing each other as is the case with my setup. While it is a band aid and not fixing the problem, it you really really have to scan something, open up your browser and type in the IP address of your 5180. If you don't know it, you can find it by going into the configuration menu in the 5180 until you get to network. From there, you can scroll down to view settings for wired/wireless (don't know how you're connected to network). Once you get your IP address, type it in the browser. At that point the configuration page of the 5180 should come up. On the left, there is a application heading and under that a "webscan" feature. Click on that, then choose the option that applies to you. Once that's done, click preview. Once you see the image, right click on it and save it somewhere. If you hit the scan button, you will also save it, but it's anyone's guess to where it's saved to or what it's named. Again, not the ideal solution, but if you have to use it, then better than nothing.
FYI I have a C7280 so not sure yours will follow the exact same instructions, but should be close.
Good luck
The Swiss Gator