My scanner won't work!!!?

Question

It comes on, and it is installed! It's just the inside of the thing won't move! I would like to scan pictures and my art! I would appreciate the help!

Answer 1

If it is a new scanner then my best advice is to contact the maker. Depending on how old it is, it could simply be broken. Another
possibility is that your computer isn't communicating properly with the scanner. Before you wreck you brain you need to use some organized steps to figure out the problem. Here are some steps you can use to determine the problem. Follow them in order because the likelihood of the first one on the list is more likely to be the problem than the last.

#1. The Physical Layer --- This includes cables that connect the scanner to the computer. Check to see if there is any damage to the connectors on the cable and the cable integrity itself. If you find this to be the problem just replace the cable and try to scan something. If the cable is fine move on to the next step.

#2. The Data Link Layer --- This is the female connection on your computer/scanner where the cable connects to both the computer/scanner. Look at it and determine if "it" is damaged. If not move on.

#3. The Hardware Level --- Testing hardware is sometimes a pain in the rear. In this level you need to test the scanner. In order to do this you could do a couple things: Install the scanner on a friends computer and see if it works (if it doesn't work then you know the scanner is somehow broken), you could also run a test scan (you can learn how to do this by reading the instruction booklet) and if the test scan does not work your scanner is broken. If the test scan does work it isn't your scanner and you can eliminate the scanner as the problem.

#4. The Software Level --- Depending on what "Windows" you are using the steps for this could be a little different. You need to access the "Control Panel". It should be located in "My Computer" or in the "Start Bar." Once you get into the "Control Panel" double click on "System" and then "Device Manager" or just "Device Manager" depending on your computer. Find the "Universal Serial Bus Controller tab and click that. Then double click on each of the USB devices. Check the screen that comes up and it should tell if the device is working properly or not. If there is a "X" or a "!" on top of one then you know that your software is not installed properly (uninstall then reinstall). If everything is fine then your scanner needs repairing.

#5. This step is not really a proven answer to fix electronics but it sometimes works for me and my fellow Naval Aviation Electronics Technicians.... Bang on it a few times, electronics are sometimes stupid and need to be smacked. I'm not kidding, this really works a lot of the time. Just remember not to destroy it out of anger.

In essence we are:

-- DETERMINING THE SYMPTOMS. What is accessible and what is not? Can I access the scanner software?

-- ISOLATE THE PROBLEM. What exactly is causing the issue(s)? Broken cable, broken scanner, faulty software, broken/faulty USB Ports...

-- FIX THE PROBLEM. After all, that's what we're here for!

Hopefully you get this problem solved.

P.S. don't forget to experience as much as possible in this life, after all you only get one (as far as we know).

Kevin