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Scanning Problems
This topic covers common problems with scanning.
SCANNER COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
This section refers to problems while scanning or trying to connect to your scanner.
Reboot Your Scanner
Sometimes when there are communication problems with a scanner, it's helpful to reboot the scanner and Windows:
- Make sure your scanner is plugged into the computer
- Power off your scanner
- Unplug your scanner
- Shut down your computer
- While your computer is shut down, plug in your scanner and turn it on
- Power up your computer
Install the Latest Drivers
Go to your scanner manufacturer's website and download the latest TWAIN driver for your scanner model and your version of Windows. Install the driver, then reboot your computer.
Change the Transfer Mode
If the scan starts, but there are errors, crashes, distorted or blank pages, etc., try changing the Scanning Transfer Mode. Go to the Tools menu > Settings > PDF/Scan, and try each of the transfer modes available.
NOTE: If you get an error that the scanner is in use or busy, you'll need to reboot your computer.
My Scanner Isn't on the List of Sources
FileCenter can only work with scanners that have a TWAIN or WIA driver (exception: ScanSnap; see below).
The Select Source dialog (Tools menu > Scan > Select Source) shows all of the TWAIN and WIA devices that Windows is aware of. If your scanner is not in the list, then you either don't have a TWAIN or WIA driver installed for it or Windows isn't able to recognize it.
If you're sure there's a TWAIN driver installed, try rebooting your scanner and Windows, and make sure the scanner is plugged into your computer.
Brother Scanners
With Brother scanners, you often have to enable the TWAIN driver manually. This is usually done from the Windows Start menu > All Programs > Brother Scanner > Enable TWAIN Drivers. Alternatively, you may be able to download a TWAIN driver from the Brother website.
Brother scanners often have problems transferring the pages properly. Whenever possible, avoid any Brother driver that begins with "WIA-". If you're forced to use one of these drivers, you should always show the Brother interface when you scan:
- Go to the FileCenter Tools menu > Settings > Scan Profiles
- Select the Show Scanner Dialog option
- Click OK
Now whenever you scan, the Brother interface will pop up. This will give you the most reliable results.
ScanSnap
FileCenter does have a limited integration with the ScanSnap series of scanners, even though they don't provide a TWAIN or WIA driver. See the FileCenter help under the "Scanning" > "ScanSnap Scanner" topic.
Network Scanners
Most high-speed network scanners (large stand-alone units that are connected to the network but aren't plugged into a computer) do not provide TWAIN or WIA drivers. This means that you won't be able to scan in FileCenter.
One workaround is to use the Inbox feature to move new network scans into your file cabinets. See the FileCenter Help > "File Management" > "Tools" > "Inbox" for more information.
Another option is to use FileConvert to handle the conversion and OCR of network scans. For more information, visit our website.
PROBLEMS WITH THE IMAGE
This section assumes that you've gotten a scan from the scanner without any errors, but that the scan doesn't look right.
The Image Looks Like a Negative – White Text on a Black Background
Do an Advanced Scan and select the "Invert Image" option. Click the "Save" button at the top to make this setting permanent.
The Image Is Too Light or Dark
Do an Advanced Scan and select "Show Scanner Dialog" then click "OK". Your scanner's native scan dialog will appear.
Here you need to adjust the Brightness setting. You may also need to play with the Black/White Threshold (sometimes called White Balance) and Contrast.
The Image Is Crooked on the Page
Do an Advanced Scan and select "Deskew".
The Page Size Is Wrong
If the page is getting chopped off or if there are excessive margins, set the paper size to match the size of the paper you're scanning. Do an Advanced Scan and select the appropriate paper size. If you want the change to be permanent, click the "Save" button at the top of the dialog.
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