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Troubleshoot scanners and digital cameras
 

The following situations are common for both scanners and digital cameras.

ShowThe Insert button is dimmed when I select a scanner.

The Insert button might be unavailable because the scanner or digital camera software does not support automatic scanning. Use the Custom Insert button instead.

ShowWhen I click the Custom Insert button, nothing happens.

The device window might not be on top. If there is a button for the device software on the Windows taskbar, click it to display the window.

ShowI got an error message when I tried to scan or download a picture.

All of the device software might not be installed When you plug in and install your device, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and install all of the software that accompanied your scanner or digital camera.

Your device might not support TWAIN or WIA Make sure that your device is TWAIN (TWAIN: A cross-platform interface for acquiring electronic images that have been captured by scanners, digital cameras, and still-frame video capture boards.)- or WIA-compatible and that it came with software supporting TWAIN or WIA (Windows Image Acquisition (WIA): A device-driver interface that supports still digital cameras and low- and high-end scanners, and allows retrieving of still images from IEEE 1394-based DV camcorders and USB-based "Web cams."), which you installed. If you are not sure if the device supports TWAIN, refer to the device documentation or contact the device manufacturer.

You might need to use Custom Insert If you installed new software and still can't scan, try to scan another program that supports TWAIN or WIA. If you can scan successfully in another program, try using Custom Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box.

The device software might not support automatic scanning Use Custom Insert instead of Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box (Insert menu, Picture submenu).

ShowI don't like the way my picture looks.

Do one or more of the following:

  • Use Custom Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box to change image properties and preview the image before you scan.

  • Check the scanner or camera documentation for instructions about changing the picture options.

  • Use the Picture toolbar to modify the contrast, brightness, and size of the picture. Clicking on the picture displays the Picture toolbar.

Situations specific to scanners

ShowThe scan took a very long time.

Select a lower resolution Selecting a high resolution will result in a longer scan time.

Scan the picture only once If you are using a multiple-pass device to scan a color picture, and you select Custom Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box, it will take longer to scan because the scanner makes multiple passes over the picture. To scan over the picture only once, use Insert instead.

ShowMy computer stopped working when I tried to scan a picture.

Do one or both of the following:

  • If you selected Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box to scan your picture, try selecting Custom Insert instead.
  • If you're still experiencing problems, call your scanner manufacturer (or go to the manufacturer's Web page), and check for updated information about the scanner.

ShowThe scanner scanned too much or too little of my picture.

Do one or both of the following:

  • Use Custom Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box to change image properties and preview the image before you scan.
  • Check the device documentation for instructions about changing image picture options.

Situations specific to digital cameras

ShowI get a message that indicated that no digital cameras were found.

You must install your device its hardware and software before you try to insert a picture from a camera.

ShowWhen I try to download a picture, nothing happens.

The camera or capture device hardware or software may not be fully compatible with your program. Try one or both of the following:

  • If you selected Insert in the Insert Picture from Scanner or Camera dialog box to scan your picture, try selected Custom Insert instead.
  • If you're still experiencing problems, call your scanner manufacturer (or go to the manufacturer's Web page), and check for updated information about the camera.

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