When scanning a document using the Printer+Scanner. if you receive an error saying – A problem prevented the document from being scanned, then in this post, we will share solutions to fix this problem.
A problem prevented the document from being scanned
Many users have reported that when they try to scan their documents, they receive a two-layer error message. The first screen shows an error message “Error applying Settings to Driver.” The next error message says, “A problem prevented the document from being scanned.” In the end, the scan doesn’t complete, which defeats the whole process of buying a printer with a scanner.
The two error message points to two different things. One is talking about the Driver, and the second is pointing to the scanning issue. So here are two solutions that you need to try:
- Reset Printer Settings or Reinstall Printer
- Modify Registry for Still Image Devices
1] Reset Printer Settings or Reinstall Printer
Every Printer comes with software from the OEM. These software offers to reset the settings to change everything to default. If this doesn’t work, it is best to uninstall the printer and related drivers. Restart the computer, and add it again to check if it resolves the problem.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printer and Scanners
- Select the printer and choose to Remove Device
If you do not want to remove the device, then you can use the Devices and Printer Troubleshooter that is available with under Manage Printer. Select the printer, and then click on Manage.
Here you have the option to Run the Troubleshooter.
2] Modify Registry for Still Image Devices
Windows has Registry settings for Still Image Devices, i.e., Scanners. They have vendor-specific settings, and if it is corrupted or misconfigured, the error—bA problem prevented the document from being scanned, will show up.
Create a System Restore Point first.
Next,open Registry Editor using the run prompt.
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StillImage
Right-click on and delete it.
Reboot the computer, and Windows will recreate everything back with default settings.
Windows 11/10 allows still images, i.e., scanner applications to store customized, device-specific values in the Registry.
If the settings are not correct, then it creates a problem when one wants to scan a document.
Lastly, You can also choose to update the driver for the printer, but chances are still that it would have caused an issue. If there is anything with the driver, installing and reinstalling the printer will take care of the driver issue.
We hope these troubleshooting tips were easy to understand and helped you to resolve the problem.
