PCinfospace

Many people are going to the multi-function machines that can print, scan, copy and even FAX.  However, it still could happen that you can’t do the scan function for some reason.

I will start with the independent scanners.  That is to say scanners that are separate from other devices.

1. Be sure it is powered on.  Maybe the plug or power supply has been turned off.
2. If the unit is plugged into electric power, you now need to be sure the USB cable is “really” securely attached to both the printer and computer.  (older models use a parallel cable) DO NOT assume anything.  Maybe somebody tripped on it or it just got unplugged for whatever reason.
3. If everything looks good, you now need to look at error messages.  Is there an error that shows up when you try to scan? If so look it up in the book, CD, or on the Internet.
4. Is the scan unit moving? If not it may be mechanically bad.
5. If all this checks out PLEASE reinstall the software. However, you need to uninstall it first. Some companies have the uninstall utility on the installation CD.
6. If you have uninstalled the software, you now need to reinstall it.
7. Restart the computer so it sees the new installation.
8. Test the unit.
9. If it does not scan, you should contact the Manufacturer.  Nobody likes to do that but if you want to resolve the problem you may have to.
10. If you feel more comfortable, find a technician in your area that can help you.
11. One last thought! You can try scanning from the computer using the utility that came with the scanner. If this works, you found the way you MUST do it.

What about multi-function machines?

• Follow the same steps shown above. If you can’t scan with a multi-function machine you probably can’t do anything else either. The difference is that it is possible for paper to get jammed if you are trying to copy something. It may be out of paper also. They are a little more complex to operate. Some have numerous buttons and indicators.  They usually have a small screen that shows the current mode and any errors that may occur.

You can scan using the software that comes with these units. In fact you can let the picture or copy of printed page come to your computer.  You can then edit it.  If it is a picture you can crop it or change it with the software that came with the unit or you can use any photo editing software. After that you can print it, e-mail or fax it.

SAVE $20 – FREE SHIPPING – Viewsonic MovieBook VPD400 Portable Video Player $119.99

You just came to work and you need to send an urgent FAX to your boss and/or co-workers.  You put the document in as usually, dial the number and OOPS! it gives you an error message (Normally it prints it out).  Now what?  Well! there could be some swearing I suppose.

The first thing to do is try at least one more time.  The big thing is that if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.  Don’t spend all day on this. Try to troubleshoot the problem or have somebody else that knows what’s going on do it.  Some companies have a department that can handle the problem.

DO NOT just throw the machine away and buy a new one.  You may find out you still have the problem.  It also may upset somebody when they find out you just wasted their time and money.

Here are some steps that should work.

1. Be sure that the phone line is physically attached to the fax machine and that it isn’t damaged in any way.  Maybe the phone line was run over by a vacuum cleaner.  This is no joke.  It has happened.
2. Unplug the machine and move it to a phone jack that you know is good. That is to say: move it to a phone jack you have been using all day.
3. If you can send a FAX you know there is another problem.
4. Find a good phone other than the FAX machine.  You still need to verify if the phone line itself is bad.
5. If the phone is either noisy or does not work you know the line is bad.
6. If you are getting a dial tone and can make a call your machine still may be bad.
7. In any case call your phone provider.  This could be AT&T, Verizon or any number of other companies.
8. Once you have the company on the line have them run a test on the line.  This can be done remotely and doesn’t cost anything. Most companies can help you with the troubleshooting also.
9. They most likely will get you a trouble ticket and send somebody to your location or tell you the next step to take.

What if all this fails?

You will need to find a phone installation expert in your area that can help you resolve the problem.

The main thing to learn here is do not assume your FAX machine is bad.  Have it checked out to be sure. You can take it to the store you bought it from also.  Some stores can test your machine at little or no charge.

How does this relate to computer repair?

Pretty much it doesn’t.  Yet every office that does any amount of communication has a FAX machine.  You will most likely have a document that you created on your computer faxed to some other location.  There are software programs that will help you fax a digital document.

Why use a FAX machine to start with?

SECURITY! There! that says it all.  It is still the most secure way to send documents. A computer is subject to hackers or spyware that can intercept your very valuable documents. Also, if your computer goes down it is one way you can still send a document if need be.

Buy Roxio Video Capture (USB) Device – SAVE $10 Instantly

Buy Roxio Video Capture (USB) Device – SAVE $10 Instantly