In the age of technology, anything can be printed and scanned from your computer with a few simple clicks of a button.
Whether that’s for work purposes or at-home use, our easy guide will run you through the basics of connecting a scanner to a computer.
To take the stress off your shoulders, we offer document scanning services for a range of scanning tasks. Contact us today for more information.
How to Prepare Your Scanner for Connection
Before diving into the scanning process, you must prepare your scanner and ensure a connection is possible.
To do this, check if your scanner is compatible with your computer by searching the manual or finding compatibility information on the manufacturer’s website.
Then, ensure your computer is up to date with the latest operating system updates to prevent errors. Install any drivers or software before connecting your scanner to the computer if required.
Remove or update old scanner drivers of previous scanners that have been connected to your computer. This will prevent any conflicts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Scanner and Computer
Now that you are ready to go follow these steps for a smooth connection process:
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Preparing for calibration: If your scanner requires calibration, locate the calibration sheet. Ensure the scanner’s paper feed and exit trays are free from obstructions.
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Connect to power: Using the supplied power cable, plug the scanner into the power outlet. Leave this step for now if it’s a USB-powered model.
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Connecting the scanner to the computer: For a USB model, plug the USB cable into both the scanner and the USB port on your computer. For network scanners, connect the scanner to your router or switch using an Ethernet cable.
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Turning the scanner on: You should see some indication that the scanner is powered on, such as lights or a welcome message on its display.
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Computer recognition: Wait for your computer to automatically detect the scanner with a notification or pop-up message. If this fails, add it manually through the computer’s ‘Devices and Printers’ (Windows) or ‘Printers & Scanners’ (macOS) settings.
Installing the Necessary Software
This step is essential to ensuring a secure connection. Firstly, check the manufacturer’s manual for the required software and drivers. Make sure to download the software version that’s compatible with your computer’s operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.).
Close any tabs that aren’t needed and temporarily turn off your antivirus to prevent interference during the installation. Once downloaded, open the installer file, which is usually a .exe file for Windows or a .dmg file for macOS.
Choose a ‘Typical’ installation for a standard process or ‘Custom’ if you want to select specific components. After the installation is complete, open the software to configure initial settings like default scan quality, file format, and save location. If you experience a problem with this step, contact us today for software support.
Testing the Scanner
Once you have connected the scanner and installed the necessary software, you must test the connection to ensure it is functioning correctly.
To do this, choose a document or photo for testing. Then, open the scanner lid and place the document face down on the scanner glass, aligning it correctly.
Launch the software you installed for your scanner and configure the scanning settings. This includes selecting the scan you want to perform, adjusting the resolution (300 dpi is recommended), and choosing the colour and file format.
To perform the test, click the scan button and monitor the efficiency of the scanner. Look for clarity, accurate colours, and any signs of distortion or misalignment.
Contact The DM Group for Professional Scanning Services
If you require additional help or you have any specific enquiries or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We also have an excellent range of software available to take your business to the next level.