If your scanner is not scanning, the first thing you should do is check to make sure that the power connection is secure and that the scanner is on and properly connected to your computer. If the power connection is secure and the scanner is on, then the next step is to check the user manual for troubleshooting steps specific to your model.
If the scanner was working prior to the malfunction, it is possible that the software which allows your scanner to communicate with the computer may need to be updated or reinstalled. To do so, you will need to find out the exact model of your scanner to ensure you download the correct driver and software from the manufacturer’s website. Reinstalling the software may require uninstalling the older version before downloading the new one.
If updating the software doesn’t help, then it could be a hardware issue. You can try cleaning the scanner bed and its components with a soft cloth and lightly dampened with water. This may improve the scan quality. You should also check the USB cable and ports to make sure they are securely connected and working properly. If there is an issue with the cable or ports, replacing them with high-quality ones may solve the problem.
On a rare occasion, it is possible that something is wrong with the scanner itself. In this case, you will either have to contact the manufacturer’s customer service department to get it repaired or purchase a new scanner. Before doing so, however, you should check if the scanner is still under warranty. If so, the warranty may cover all or some of the cost for repair or replacement.
In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are some other things you can try when troubleshooting a scanner. For instance, disabling and then re-enabling the scanner from the device manager or restarting the computer after uninstalling, updating, or reinstalling the driver can help resolve most scanner issues. Moreover, if the issue is with the image quality, then adjusting the brightness, contrast, and resolution settings of the scanner can help improve the quality of the scans.
If none of these steps solve the issue, then you may need additional assistance from your scanner’s manufacturer. If so, their customer service team should be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution.