How to Copy Printed Paper and Save It on the Computer

by Greyson Ferguson

computer image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com

If you have a hard copy document you want to save on your computer, you must copy the document via scanner and save the file as a digital copy. This is only accomplished through the aid of a scanner. Although most printers now have scanners built right in it is possible to purchase a stand-alone scanner for less than $100 (as of June 2010).

Step 1

Power on the scanner. Install any drivers provided with the hardware if you have not yet used the device.

Step 2

Open the scanner lid and place the hard copy onto the scanner bed. Close the lid to secure the document in place.

Step 3

Click "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories" and choose "Scanner and Camera Wizard." A program window appears that specializes in importing documents from your scanner or camera.

Step 4

Click "Scanner," then choose "Scan" and a digital copy of your document is created on your computer.

Choose "File," "Save" and title the document. Select a location to save the file to and click "OK" to save the printed document as a digital file on your computer.