How to Use the Scanner on an HP Printer

by Tielle Webb
Upload pictures and documents created with your HP scanner.

Upload pictures and documents created with your HP scanner.

New key upload image by robootb from Fotolia.com

With an HP all-in-one printer, you can scan and upload documents and pictures to your computer. If you selected "Full Feature Software and Drivers" when you installed the printer to your computer, you can use the HP Solution Center to scan media quickly and conveniently to your computer. Even if you did not install this application, you can still scan using capabilities built into Microsoft Windows.

Scan Using the HP Solution Center

Step 1

Open the scanner cover. Place the item that you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Close the scanner cover.

Step 2

Click the "Start" button, point to "All Programs" and open the "HP" folder. Click "HP Solution Center." The Solution Center window opens.

Step 3

Click the "Scan Picture" button if you want to scan a picture or a document that you won't need to edit. Click the "Scan Document" button if you are scanning a document that you may wish to edit later in a word processing program or similar application.

Step 4

Select a location to which you want to scan the item, such as a folder on your computer or an email application. Click "Scan." Select the file type you want to use to save the scan, enter a name for the scan, change other settings as desired and click "OK."

Step 5

Preview the scanned item and make any changes as needed. Click "Finish" to complete the scan.

Scan Using MS Paint

Step 1

Open the scanner cover. Place the item that you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Close the scanner cover.

Step 2

Click the "Start" button, point to "All Programs," open the "Accessories" folder and select "Paint."

Step 3

Click the "Paint" button and select "From Scanner or Camera."

Step 4

Select the type of image you want to scan and click the "Scan" button. The HP scanner scans the item directly to the Paint window.

Scan With Windows Live Gallery in Windows 7

Step 1

Open the scanner cover. Place the item that you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Close the scanner cover.

Step 2

Click the "Start" button. Type "photo" into the search box at the bottom of the Start menu and select "Windows Live Photo Gallery" from the results.

Step 3

Click the "File" button and select "Import From Camera or Scanner."

Step 4

Choose your HP printer and click "Import."

Step 5

Select the file type in which you'll save the scan, enter a name for the scan and change other settings as desired. Click "Scan." The HP scanner scans the item directly to the Live Gallery window.

Scan Using Windows Fax and Scan

Step 1

Open the scanner cover. Place the item that you want to scan face down on the scanner glass. Close the scanner cover.

Step 2

Click the "Start" button and type "fax" into the search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Select "Windows Fax and Scan" from the results.

Step 3

Click the "New Scan" button on the application toolbar.

Step 4

Select the type of item you are scanning and click "Scan." The HP scanner scans the item directly to the Fax and Scan window.

Tip

  • If you do not see the Windows Live Photo Gallery in your list of programs, you can download this free software from the Windows Live website (link in Resources).

About the Author

Tielle Webb has been a writer and editor for more than a decade. Her work has appeared in local and national publications such as "The Dollar Stretcher," "Good News Tucson" and "Guideposts." Specializing in computer technology, Webb is certified in Microsoft Office applications.

Photo Credits