HP LaserJet 4100mfp scanning functionality

[rubbertoe]

At our office we have a HP laserjet 4100mfp connected to our local network.

With the built in scanner, the only usage we get is for copying as we do not have HP MFP Digital Sending Software that is required enable the scanning option in the control panel on the printer itself.

Also, there are no Twain drivers provided by HP and therefore the 4100mfp cannot be used as a TWAIN scanner.

Essentially my boss purchased this unit with a scanner and cannot scan to anywhere.

Does anyone know of a third party software or workaround that would allow this machine to scan to an FTP server [or anywhere for that matter] without having to purchase the proprietary software from HP? Our company is small [10 employees].

My boss expects because he bought a mfp that all the functionality should work out of box and I believe rightfully so. Why does HP require the purchase of this additional software to enable functionality of a feature offered at purchase?

Thank you for any insight.

[rubbertoe]

Corrected the issue of missing 'Send to option' on the printer control panel. Problem cause as "The option possibly disappeared due to a disk replacement." Firmware update restored the option. Wasn't able to install it conventionally [failed saying it may be due to improper rights], it finally worked through the Windows command interpreter.

The first person from HP told me for out-warranty support I would have to pay $25. I told her I wasn't interested and she proceeded to say she would provide me with some information. Basically, she told me I needed to purchase the Digital Sending Software.

[ptjeff1]

It's all in the footnotes. I agree that many of the advertised functionality and software should be included, not footnoted, especially for the high prices on these printers.

Here's a quote the from $2600 Laserjet M4345 MFP (you need to spend an extra grand to get faxing - M4345x-$3700).

• You can do more with less—consolidate print, copy, send-to-e-mail, and analog fax[1] functionality.
• Send-to-e-mail, folder, and fax integrates documents into workflows.[2]
Footnotes:
[1]Fax functionality comes standard on the HP LaserJet M4345x MFP, HP LaserJet M4345xs MFP, and HP LaserJet M4345xm MFP only. It is an optional (not included, sold separately) feature that can be added to the HP LaserJet M4345 MFP.
[2]HP Digital Sending Software 4.3 is optional (not included, sold separately). Software is server based, server required. Trial is included.