Connecting the scanner to a computer. Standard methods and programs for scanning from an MFP printer to a computer Scanning software

A scanner helps you create copies of documents, photographs or any written records on your computer. It analyzes the object and reproduces it digital image, after which the created file is saved to the PC. Many users purchase such equipment for personal purposes, but they often have difficulty connecting. Our article is aimed at telling users in as much detail as possible how to connect the scanner to a PC and configure it for operation. Let's move on to consider this topic.

First of all, even before connecting, you should allocate the device its place in the workspace. Consider its dimensions, the length of the cable included in the kit, and how comfortable it is for you to scan. After the equipment is installed in its place, you can proceed to the beginning of connection and configuration. Conventionally, this process is divided into two steps. Let's look at each one in turn.

Step 1: Preparation and Connection

Pay attention to the scanner package. Read the instructions for use, find all the necessary cables, make sure that they are not externally damaged. In addition, the device itself should be checked for cracks and chips - this may indicate that physical damage has been caused. If everything is fine, proceed to the connection itself:

This completes the first part of the whole process, but the scanner is not yet ready to perform its functions. Without drivers, such equipment cannot work. Let's move on to the second step.

Step 2: Installing Drivers

Usually the scanner comes with a special disk with all the necessary drivers and software. When checking the package contents, find it and do not throw it away if your computer or laptop has a disk drive, since this method will be the easiest to install the appropriate files. However, not all companies now use CDs and modern computers A built-in disk drive is less common. In this case, we recommend that you review our article on installing printer drivers. The principle is no different, so you just need to choose the appropriate method and follow the instructions given.

Working with the scanner

Above, we examined in detail the two steps of connection and configuration, now you can move on to working with the equipment. If this is your first time dealing with similar device, we recommend that you refer to our material below to familiarize yourself with the principle of scanning to a PC.

Scanning allows you to convert any document into a digital format that is convenient for reading, long-term storage and sending to the recipient by e-mail. The scanning process itself is practically independent of the models and manufacturers of peripheral devices. The only condition is the presence of a scanner function in the MFP. We will tell you how to scan in Windows 10 quickly and easily.

Scanning documents in Windows 10

Scanned copies can be obtained using a multifunctional MFP device, which performs the tasks of a printer, scanner and copier. Modern models have a Wi-Fi connection, which provides wireless connection from PC. The computer can also connect to the MFP via USB - there is no difference. To scan a document, follow the algorithm of actions:

  • Download and install the MFP software on your computer. Be sure to check for a driver for the scanner function.
  • Place the required document in the scanning compartment so that the text or image faces down. Although there are models of scanning devices in which the glass is located on top. Read the instructions.
  • Go to the “Devices and Printers” section in the Start menu. Here we select the appropriate MFP, right-click and select “Start scanning”.

  • In the window that appears, set the required scanning parameters. We indicate what exactly will be scanned - text, photos, etc. from the list. If necessary, adjust brightness, contrast, resolution. Click preview to evaluate the future result. If everything is satisfactory, we begin the scanning process and save the finished file.

Document scanning options

The main parameter of scanned images is DPI - this is the resolution of the scanned image. The higher this indicator, the better, clearer and brighter the scanned copy is.

  • From 100 to 200 dpi - low quality, but fairly fast scanning results.
  • From 300 to 400 dpi is the best option for working with text documents.
  • From 500 to 600 dpi - the highest possible image quality, suitable for scanning passports, official documents with detail.

If you bought a new scanner and connected it to Windows 10, then after installing the latest drivers there will be no problems using the device. However, if you have an old scanner and Windows 10 does not see it when connected to a PC, you can configure it in the following ways.

Installing drivers for the scanner on Windows 10

If your scanner is more than 3 years old and the installation disk does not match the bit size and version operating system, you should go to the website of the official device manufacturer and download new drivers. We have prepared for you a list of sites where you can download the necessary software:

Download the drivers, connect the scanner to the PC and start installing the drivers. Reboot the PC and check the device for functionality. If this method If the scanner does not work and does not work on Windows 10, then you should try the following methods.

Troubleshooting problems with a connected scanner

If the connected scanner on a computer with Windows 10 is not detected, try the following method to solve the problem:

  • Let's go to Explorer. Find the scanner and right-click on the model name. From the list, select “Troubleshooting”.
  • The tool will launch. Follow the prompts of the utility. The printer or scanner must be connected at this time.

If the utility did not help solve the problem and Windows 10 does not see the scanner, it is worth checking its installation. To do this, follow the following instructions.

  • Click “Start”, “Settings”, “Devices”.

  • In the menu on the left, select “Printers and Scanners”. Click on the cross “Add a printer or scanner”.

  • A new window will open. Select the item “My printer is quite old...”. Click “Next”.

  • We are waiting for the system to find and install the PC to the printer and begin to see it.

What should I do if there are conflicts between the standard Microsoft utility and the manufacturer's scanning program?

If you have figured out the problem of how to connect the device, but scanning a document is impossible due to a conflict standard application“Scanner” from Microsoft and a native program from the manufacturer of the device itself, then follow the following instructions:

  • Click “Start”, “Control Panel”, “Programs and Features”, and select “Turn Windows features on or off” from the menu on the left.

  • Find the “Document Printing Services” branch. Here you need to uncheck “Scan and Fax Service”, “Faxes and Windows scan».

  • Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.

Now the scanner can be used without compatibility problems between the two programs.

To learn how to connect a scanner to Windows 10, watch the video:

Reading time: 6 minutes. Views 283 Published 02/06/2019

A scanner is a device that allows you to make a copy of an image and save it on a PC. You can scan anything: important documents, photographs, pictures, necessary chapters of a rare book and much more. Due to the fact that this is not required so often, many, even active computer users, do not know how to do this. Today we will talk. Let's figure out how to work with the device from operating systems different versions, and also find out which software will help you cope with the task.

Preparing for work

First, you should understand that the printer itself does not scan. Therefore the question itself,how to scan on a computer via a printersounds slightly incorrect. You can only get a copy of the desired document or image using a multifunctional device that combines a copier, scanner and printer.

If you have such a device, but have never used it, you need to. Usually, detailed information presented in the accompanying documents. You can also find the necessary instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

The next thing you need for the device to work correctly in tandem with a computer is drivers. They usually come in a box with the MFP. They are located on a disk that can simply be inserted into the drive. Autostart will be performed and necessary drivers will be installed on the PC. In some cases, you must follow the installation wizard's prompts. If the disk is not found in the box, you can also download the necessary software on the printer manufacturer’s website.

If everything goes well, a scanner shortcut will appear on the desktop.

How to scan to a computer via a printer: features of Windows versions 7 and 10

Now let's look at the scanning process for different versions of the operating system. Windows systems.

Scanning in Windows 7

In principle, the process does not differ much. Nevertheless, let's look at each OS separately. The work algorithm will be as follows:


After this, just wait until the scanner completes its work and save the file. Receive a digitized image in the program itself or on a PC in the “Documents” – “Digitized Documents” section.

Now let's figure it outhow to scan on a computer via a printer, in the tenth version of the operating system. In general, it differs little from the previous one.


We would like to give a few more tips for those who have never used a scanner and have no idea how to do it. To make a digital copy of a document or image, lift the lid of the device. Check that there is nothing unnecessary on the glass surface. If dust accumulates, wipe it off with a dry soft cloth. Place the document you want to digitize face down on the glass and cover it tightly with the lid of the device.

Scanning software

We have considered the simplest and most effective option for working with the scanner, which does not require the installation of additional software. The standard “Scanner Wizard” is present in every OS and greatly simplifies the life of the undemanding user. But if you want a more perfect result, you want to scan with high quality text recognition and saving it in the appropriate format, then without additional software not enough.

Let's try to find out what software developers offer in this direction.


We have provided the most detailed instructions,how to scan on a computer via a printer. In addition, we reviewed the most popular and functional software for this. Let us once again draw your attention to the fact that not every printer has an additional module for scanning and first of all you should make sure that it is available. If you have any questions, write to the discussion, we will try to answer them. Share the article on in social networks and stay tuned.

It happens more and more often that old, reliable and completely working equipment, such as a printer or scanner, can no longer be connected to a new computer due to the lack of drivers for it. What to do: throw it away, buy a new one (of unknown quality)? In this article we will tell you how you can connect any such “outdated” device to a computer running a new operating system (Windows 7, 8, 10).

In short, the situation is resolved as follows: a virtual computer is installed on our computer, with Windows XP (or another under which this equipment can work correctly), drivers are installed, and interaction is configured.

As an example, let's try to analyze step by step the connection of the Canon LBP-800 printer and the Genius ColorPage-HR6X scanner. The printer is connected to the computer using LPT, so it is advisable that the computer be equipped with the following port:

Motherboard with lpt port

If there is no such port, find out if it is possible to add it inside system unit using a PCI-LPT card:

Let's add the missing LPT port to the computer using this board

Various USB-LPT adapters most likely will not work normally (therefore, laptop users in this case cannot count on success):

Connecting USB devices, such as the Genius ColorPage-HR6X scanner, to the virtual machine will not cause any problems.

1. Which virtual machine should I choose?

  • Windows Virtual PC (XP Mode)- included in Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, does not work well with the LPT port. After updating to Windows 8 or 10, it stops working, all data from it is lost, because Microsoft decided so).
  • Oracle VM VirtualBox— free, has a Russian interface, does not support working with LPT, is a little buggy, and can sometimes freeze and turn off for unknown reasons.

  • VMware Player- free, no Russian interface, latest versions work only on 64-bit operating systems.

2. Setting up a virtual machine

Of all the many programs, we chose VMware Player, so we will base our review on this example.

2.1. Download and install the virtual machine creation program.

2.2. We launch the program and create in it virtual computer.

2.2.1. Create a New Virtual Machine.

2.2.2. Choosing a method Windows installations: either from the drive, or from an image file, or later (for example, from a ready-made VMware disk image file).

2.2.3. Select the name and location of the system.

2.2.4. For the XP “virtual”, 10 GB of space is enough and, for convenience, it consists of one file.

2.2.5. Let's review the hardware of the virtual machine.

2.2.6. All the default values ​​are fine for us, we just need to add an LPT port.

2.2.7. Select “Parallel Port” (LPT), click Next -> Next -> Finish.

2.2.8. To add shared folder To exchange information between computers, click the “Edit virtual machine settings” button:

2.2.9. Go to the Options tab, find the “Shared Folders” item, set the switch to the “Always enabled” position and check the “Map as a network drive in Windows guests” checkbox.

2.3. Install on virtual Windows machine XP.

We launch the virtual machine, install Windows and the necessary software package.

We will most likely only need those with which we will print (or scan) here, for example: package office programs Microsoft Office, for recognizing scanned text, XnView to facilitate the process of scanning images.

3. Connecting an LPT device

In order to install an LPT device, like our Canon LBP-800 printer, you need to download its driver from the manufacturer’s website, or insert it into the drive installation disk, and, following the manufacturer’s recommendations, install it in our virtual machine.

9. Install the printer driver and check its functionality.

4. Connecting a USB device

In order to connect our Genius ColorPage-HR6X scanner (as well as any other USB device: printer, flash drive, webcam, etc.), you need to right-click on the icon of this device in the drop-down menu and click “ Connect (Diskonnect from host)"

After discovering a new device, install a driver for it, according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of this equipment.

5. Work

To print a file, you need to do the following: copy it to the exchange folder, launch a virtual computer, open this file in it, print it.

To scan something you need to: launch a virtual computer, launch a scanning program, scan (recognize text if necessary), copy the results of the work to the exchange folder. Now the results of the work can be used on the main computer.

6. Conclusions

Now old devices that are not supported by manufacturers are given a new life, and we save some money and nerves. After all, new equipment is not always better than old! True, all operations will now have to spend a little more time.

The Genius ColorPage-HR6X scanner driver for Windows 7 and older does not exist and, accordingly, it will not work on our main computer.

But for virtual VMware machines— connection and normal operation outdated devices is quite a feasible task.

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