hp-check

hp-check [-r|--run] [-t|--test] [-f|--fix] [-i|--interactive] [--auto] [-d|--debug] [--sysfs] [--force] [-v|--version] [-h|--help]

-r, --run
    Executes the diagnostic checks and generates a detailed report of the system's HPLIP configuration and potential issues.

-t, --test
    Runs a set of preliminary tests to quickly identify common problems without generating a full report.

-f, --fix
    Attempts to automatically fix detected issues, such as installing missing dependencies or correcting permissions. May require root privileges.

-i, --interactive
    Prompts the user for input during the diagnostic process, allowing for guided troubleshooting and specific actions.

--auto
    Runs in an automatic, non-interactive mode, useful for scripting or unattended execution.

-d, --debug
    Enables verbose debug output, providing more detailed information for advanced troubleshooting and development purposes.

--sysfs
    Forces the utility to use sysfs for device detection instead of udev, which can be useful on older systems or specific configurations.

--force
    Forces certain operations or circumvents warnings, to be used with caution.

-v, --version
    Displays the current version of the HPLIP software installed on the system.

-h, --help
    Shows a brief help message with available command options and their usage.

hp-check is a diagnostic utility included with the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) software suite. Its primary function is to analyze the system environment and the HPLIP installation to identify common problems that prevent HP printers or multi-function devices from operating correctly on Linux. It performs comprehensive checks on various aspects, including installed HPLIP components, necessary system dependencies, user permissions, device connectivity, and CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) configuration.

Users typically run hp-check when encountering printing or scanning errors, or after a fresh HPLIP installation to verify its integrity. The command generates a detailed report, often suggesting specific actions to resolve detected issues, such as installing missing packages, correcting file permissions, or reconfiguring printer connections. This makes it an invaluable first-line troubleshooting tool for HP device users on Linux, streamlining the process of diagnosing complex setup and operational problems.

Users should be aware that hp-check requires the HPLIP software package to be installed on their system. While it provides excellent diagnostic capabilities for HP devices, it is not a general-purpose system diagnostic tool. Running hp-check with the --fix option or performing certain system-level checks may require root privileges (e.g., using sudo) to modify system files or install packages. The output can sometimes be lengthy, but it's designed to guide users towards solutions.

hp-check is frequently used after installing HPLIP to verify a successful setup, or as a first step in troubleshooting when an HP printer fails to print or scan. Running it with -r (report mode) provides a comprehensive overview, while -f (fix mode) attempts to resolve common issues automatically, saving manual configuration time.

The output of hp-check typically categorizes findings into sections like 'System Information', 'HPLIP Status', 'Dependencies', 'Permissions', and 'Device Status'. It highlights 'MISSING' or 'FAILURE' items and often provides specific recommendations on how to resolve them, making it relatively straightforward for users to follow the troubleshooting steps.

hp-check has been an integral component of the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) project since its early stages. The HPLIP project itself began around 2000, aiming to provide comprehensive printer and scanner support for HP devices on Linux. As HP released new models and Linux distributions evolved, hp-check has consistently been updated to incorporate new diagnostic routines, support new dependencies, and adapt to changes in system architectures and printing subsystems like CUPS. Its continued development ensures its relevance and effectiveness in troubleshooting a wide range of HP printer-related issues in the dynamic Linux environment.

hp-setup(1), hp-makeuri(1), hp-info(1), hp-firmware(1), hplip(7), lp(1), lpr(1), cupsd(8)