There are multiple bottom-line culprits that might end up causing this error:
Method 1: Power cycling the scanner
As it turns out, a lot of users encountering the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned‘ error have reported that they managed to fix the issue by performing a power-cycling procedure. This operation consists of turning the device off and disconnecting it from the power source in order to drain the power capacitors and ensure that the next startup is completed without any cached data. Here’s a quick step by step guide on power cycling your scanner in order to fix this error message: In case the problem is still not fixed, move down to the next method.
Method 2: Running the printer troubleshooter (Windows 10 Only)
In case you’re encountering the issue on Windows 10 and the problem originates from one of your USB ports, you might be able to fix the issue automatically simply by running the Windows Printer troubleshooter. This fix has been confirmed by several affected users. This built-in utility contains a selection of automated repair strategies for the most common issues related to connected hardware and peripherals. If the issue you’re having is already covered by a repair strategy, then the Windows Printer Troubleshooter will be able to fix the issue automatically. Here’s a quick guide on running the Windows Hardware troubleshooter utility in order to fix the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error: In case the problem is still there, follow the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Restarting the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service
As it turns out, you should expect to see the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned‘ error in case an essential service (Windows Image Acquisition – WIA) is not running or is stuck in a limbo state. Some users that were also encountering this problem have confirmed that they managed to fix the issue simply by restarting the WIA service and changing its Startup type to Automatic. This service enables the communication between your operating system and imaging hardware such as scanners, digital cameras, and another video/image equipment – It’s absolutely essential to the well functioning of connected scanners. If you suspect this service might be responsible for this issue, here’s a step by step guide on restarting and changing its Startup Type accordingly: In case the same problem is persisting, start following the next method below.
Method 4: Running Windows Fax & Scan as Admin
As it’s been reported by some affected users, this problem can also occur due to the fact that the application you’re using to que your scanning jobs doesn’t have admin access in order to send the information to your scanning device. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the issue by ensuring that the default scanning app (Windows Fax & Scan) is forced to run with administrative access. Here’s a quick guide on doing this: If the same ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error returns, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 5: Finishing the printer’s cartridge install & alignment
In case you’re encountering the issue with a brand new printer (not a standalone scanner), ensure that you have completed any requirement that the printer asks for. Some users that were facing the same issue have confirmed that they’ve eliminated the error by completing cartridge install and alignment. With most printers, you will need to physically print the scan and alignment page before the printer will let you scan anything. Of course, the steps of doing so will be different depending on your printer’s manufacturer. Some models will allow you to do this from their proprietary utility, but you should also be able to print an alignment page via the physical buttons of the printer. Note: If you’re not sure about how to do this, read you’re printer’s user manual or search online for specific steps on aligning your printer. In case you did this to no avail or this scenario is not applicable, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 6: Connecting scanner to USB 2.0 port
In case none of the potential fixes above have helped, you should start investigating the port you’re using for your printer/scanner. Is it plugged in the front/rear? Is it a USB 3.0 port or 2.0? Keep in mind that if you’re using an older scanner model, it might not be configured to work with the newer Univeral Serial Bus 3.0 interface. This problem is recurring and it’s affecting both printers and scanners released before the apparition of USB 3.0. In case you’re using a USB 3.0 port for your scanner, switch to a USB 2.0 port and see if the issue is still occurring. Also, in case you’re using a front USB port, switch to a rear one – Front USB ports tend to provide less power than their real equivalents.
Method 7: Using Scan Extended utility (HP Only)
If you’re encountering the issue with an older HP scanner model, you might need to use their proprietary scanning feature in order to avoid the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error. Some HP users have confirmed that they managed to fix this issue by installing and using HP Scan Extended as an alternative scanning solution. Important: This software is proprietary and only works with HP printers. If this scenario is applicable, here’s a quick guide on installing and using the HP Scan Extended in order to circumvent the error: In case this method was not applicable, move down to the next potential workaround below.
Method 8: Using the Windows Scan app (Windows 10 Only)
if you’re encountering the issue on Windows 10, there’s one additional workaround that you can try. As it turns out, Microsoft published a UWP application (Windows Scan) that you can potentially use to avoid the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error. Some users have confirmed that using this Scan app instead of the OEM equivalent allowed them to complete the scanning jobs with no issues. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on installing and using the Scan app on Windows 10: If the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next method below.
Method 9: Deleting the StilIimage key
As it turns out, you might also encounter the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error due to a corrupted Registry entry that ends up preventing the scanning jobs from being executed. This problem is typically reported to occur after an AV ends up quarantining or removing OS items. Several affected users that were facing this error with Canon printers have confirmed that the issue was resolved after they used the Registry Editor to delete the StillImage key. Most of them reported that the issue was resolved after they rebooted their computer. Here’s a quick guide on deleting the StillImage key in order to fix the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error: In case the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 10: Replacing the bad USB cable
Another potential culprit is a faulty USB cable that’s connecting your computer and your scanner/printer. An old cable can turn out to be non-congruent or corroded, and this might end up affecting the transfer of data. Since very few printer and scanner nowadays are being released with proprietary cables, try replacing it with a generic one and see if you still have the same problem. However, if the cable is proprietary, you have no other choice but to order a new one or send it for warranty. In case this method was not applicable, move down to the final fix below.
Method 11: Changing Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Startup Type
Another noticeable module which we found to be causing problems was the Windows Image Acquisition. This service is involved in fetching details of Windows image from official Microsoft servers. However, it is known to cause problems with other modules which includes the scanning module as well. In this solution, we will change the startup type of this service to Delayed Automatic and see if this fixes the problem.
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