Applies to Windows Vista

See also

Add or remove a scanner

You can connect a scanner directly to your computer (called adding a local scanner), or you can connect to a scanner that is installed on and shared over a network (called adding a network scanner). In both cases, you might need to install a driver or programs for using the scanner on your computer.

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To add a local scanner

  • To see how to add a local scanner to your computer, check the information that came with the scanner.

Notes

Notes

  • If the scanner has a universal serial bus (USB) connector, you can typically plug it into your computer and Windows will automatically install the driver that your computer needs, as well as any programs provided by the scanner manufacturer. Some scanners, however, might require you to install software before plugging in the USB connector, while others might require you to turn on the scanner before or during the installation process. To make sure that you install the scanner correctly, check the information that came with the scanner.

  • To troubleshoot problems with adding a scanner, see Working with the Scanner and Camera Installation Wizard.

To add a network scanner

Before you begin, make sure that you know the scanner model and manufacturer name, and that your computer is connected to the network. Windows will automatically detect the scanner and add it to the Network folder on your computer.

  1. Open Network by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Network.

  2. Locate the scanner, right-click it, and then click Install.

  3. Follow the instructions to finish adding the network scanner.

Note

Note

  • If Windows could not add the scanner to your Network folder automatically, check the information that came with the scanner to see how to install it, or contact a system administrator.

To remove a scanner

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

To stop using a scanner, you can unplug it from your computer at any time. You don't need to uninstall the driver. If you want to uninstall the driver and any programs that came with the scanner, follow these steps:

  1. Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  2. To see scanners that have been added to the computer, double-click Imaging devices.

  3. Right-click the scanner name, and then click Uninstall.