How to Connect a Scanner on a Printer

By Foye Robinson

i Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

You can purchase a scanner separately or with your printer, and scan the documents directly from the scanner or by using the software that came with it. The scan button on your printer allows you to switch from print to scan mode. The scanned document is translated to an image on your computer. Your printer should already be installed and connected to the computer to use your in-built scanner. You'll need to follow the instructions for your particular scanner as each is different.

Step 1

Turn on your computer and insert the installation disk into your CD-ROM.

Step 2

Follow the installation instructions for your printer if you haven’t installed the printer yet. You may be prompted to install your scanner’s software during the installation or it may install automatically.

Step 3

Choose the location where you’d like the scanner software installed and continue with the installation.

Step 4

Connect the USB cable from the printer to your computer and turn the printer on. Your computer will complete the installation for you and notify you that new hardware has been added.

Step 5

Switch your printer to “Scan” mode and load your originals onto the scanner’s glass or tray. Press the “Start” button for “Black” or “Color” to begin scanning. Your documents will be scanned into your computer.

Step 6

Alternatively, open the scanner software on your computer to scan from the computer.

Step 7

Load your documents onto the tray or glass. Follow the scanner’s wizard or select “File” and “Acquire” from the toolbar. The wizard will walk you through the scanning.

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