How to Install a Scanner on a Computer

Follow the steps for a quick and easy scanner install!

Multifunction printers that include integrated scanners are convenient and provide reasonably accurate scans of text and images. However, if you want the best scans possible, nothing compares with a dedicated high-resolution scanner. Dedicated scanners are faster, scan text more accurately and provide much better resolution than integrated models. A dedicated scanner does take up valuable desk space, but the benefits outweigh the inconvenience of a cluttered desk if you are looking for the best digital reproductions of documents or photos. Installing a dedicated scanner is relatively simple and something you can accomplish in a matter of minutes.

Things You'll Need

• USB cable
• Scanner installation disc

Instructions

1. Connect the AC adapter to the scanner. Turn on the computer if you have not already done so. Do not connect the USB cable to the scanner or the computer yet.

2. Insert the installation disc for the scanner into the optical drive of the computer. Wait a few seconds for the Installation or Setup wizard screen to appear.

3. Click the "Install Applications," "Install Scanner Utility" or other similarly named link in the wizard window. Accept the "License Agreement" by click "Yes" or "I Agree." Accept the default settings for the installation folder, and then click "Continue" or "Next." Follow the remaining on-screen prompts to install the scanner application or utility on your computer. Restart the computer if prompted.

4. Disable your anti-virus software if it is running. Return to the main Installation or Setup wizard window. Open and close the tray on the optical drive if the main Wizard window closed after you installed the scanner application.

5. Click "Install Driver" or "Setup Windows Driver" link in the wizard window. Accept the License Agreement. Select the model of your scanner if prompted, then click "Continue" or "Next." The installation utility copies files to your computer.

6. Power on the scanner. Connect the USB cable to the scanner and a free port on your computer when prompted. Click "Continue" or "OK" in the wizard screen. The installation utility finalizes the installation of the scanner in Windows.

7. Launch the scanner application or utility on your computer. Place a document or photo in the scanner, and then click "Scan" on the program toolbar. Follow the prompts to save the scanned image on your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an older parallel port scanner, the process for installing the unit is virtually the same. Do not connect the parallel cable to the scanner or computer until prompted to do so by the driver installation utility.

• If you have to download a driver make sure to select the correct one from the company's list. If you don't pick the right one your scanner won't work.

• If you do not see the driver for your particular model of scanner contact the customer service department of the manufacturer. They can usually help you out.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Install a Scanner
• Dummies.com: For Seniors: How to Install a Scanner; Nancy C. Muir
• Epson Support: How Do I Install the Scanner Software in My PC?