How to Set Up Your Desktop PC for a New Scanner

Once upon a time, scanners were expensive and finicky pieces of equipment. These days, many printers include scanners in their multi-function machines, and installation is as simple as running the installation program on your PC and plugging in the scanner to your USB port. Take a few simple precautions, and you’ll have a foolproof installation of your scanner on your desktop PC.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Installation CD
• Scanner
• Desktop PC
• USB cable

Installation

1. Unpack your new scanner and set it up. Follow package directions and setup instructions to assemble any parts that need assembly.

2. Plug in your scanner and power it up.

3. Insert the setup CD in your CD-ROM or DVD drive. It should autotomatically run. If it doesn’t, click on "My Computer" and then on the CD or DVD drive to open the CD. Look for a Setup.exe file. Double-click on it to launch the setup disk.

4. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the end-user agreement and install the necessary drivers and software to run your new scanner.

5. When prompted, connect the USB cable to the scanner, then plug the other end into the USB port on your desktop PC.

6. Windows will recognize that a new device is available on your computer, and find the necessary software and drivers to install it.

7. Restart your PC if prompted to do so.

Troubleshooting

8. Check all cable connections to be sure that they are secure.

9. Disconnect the USB cable from the desktop and the scanner.

10. Turn off your computer and let it cool down for 10 minutes.

11. Turn the computer on, then turn the scanner on. Reconnect the USB cable to the scanner. Try connecting the other end of the USB cable to a different port on your computer.

12. If none of these suggestions solve your problem, uninstall the scanner and start over.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, install the scanner when you have time to complete the entire setup in one sitting.
• These are general instructions that will work for most scanners. Where they differ from the setup instructions that came with your scanner, follow the manufacturer's instructions.