How to Resolve A Problem Prevented the Document from Being Scanned

Some Windows users are encountering the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned‘ every time they attempt to scan a document with a connected scanner. If the user clicks on Preview, they are greeted by this error instead: ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned.’

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:

1. Clear any pending jobs in your scanner queue, then turn it off conventionally via the physical On / Off button.

   

2. Unplug the scanner from the power outlet and wait at least 60 seconds to ensure that the power capacitors are cleared.
3. After that time period has passed, plug your scanner back into your power outlet and start the scanner once again via the power button.
4. Once the startup is complete, repeat the action previously triggering the ‘A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error and see if the problem is now resolved.

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:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run window. Once you see the dialog box, type ”ms-settings:troubleshoot’ and press Enter. This will open up the Troubleshooting tab of the Settings app on Windows 10.

   

2. After you’re inside the Troubleshooting tab, move to the right section of the screen and then scroll all the way down to the Get up and running section, click on Printer, then click on Run the Troubleshooter from the newly appeared context menu.

   

3. Wait until the initial scan is complete and see if any fixes get recommended. If a repair strategy is applicable to your current situation, click on Apply this fix.

   

   Note: Depending on the problem that gets discovered, you might need to perform some manual steps in order to apply the recommended fix.

4. After the fix has been successfully applied, restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed at the next startup.

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:

1. Open up a Run box by pressing Windows key + R. Next, type ‘services.msc’ and press Enter to open up the Services screen.

   

2. Once you’re inside the Services screen, move down to the right section and scroll down through the list of services until you locate the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service.
3. When you see it, right-click on it and choose Properties from the newly appeared context menu.

   

4. From the Properties screen of the WIA service, select the General tab. Next, change the Startup type (using the associated drop-down menu) to Automatic, then click on Stop > Start button to restart the service.
   Note: If the service is stopped, click on Start to ensure it’s running.

   

5. Save the changes by clicking on Apply, then repeat the action that was previously causing the A problem prevented the document from being scanned’ error and see if the issue is now resolved.

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:

1. If Windows Fax & Scan is already opened, close the application, but make sure that your scanning device stays open.
2. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type ‘ wfs’ inside the text box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open it with administrative privileges.

   

3. When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant admin access.
4. After the Windows Fax & Scan utility is opened with admin access, queue another job and see if you’re still encountering the same error.

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:

1. Access Official HP HD Scan to download the HD Scan Extended utility.
2. Once the download is complete, open the HPScanExt.msi file, accept the End-User License Agreement, then follow the on-screen prompts to install the utility.

   

   Note: When prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant Administrative privileges.

3. After the installation is complete, click on Finish and restart your computer if you’re not prompted to do so automatically.
4. Once your computer boots back up, click on Start and search for ‘HP Scan extended‘. Then click on the utility from the list of results.

   

5. Create a new Scanning job and see if the operation completes without the same 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:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Inside the text box, type ‘ ms-windows-store://home’ and press Enter to open up the Home screen of the Microsoft Store.

   

2. Inside the Microsoft Store, use the search function (top-right section) to find the Scan App. Then, click on it from the list of results to open it.

   

3. From the next screen, click on Get to initiate the download of Windows Scan.

   

4. Wait until the installation is complete, then click on Launch to open the utility.
5. Next, follow the on-screen connections to connect a scanner and see if it allows you to circumvent the error message

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:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type ‘regedit’ inside the text box and press Enter to open up Registry Editor.

   

   Note: When prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.

2. Once you’re inside the Registry Editor utility, use the left-hand menu to navigate to the following location:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StillImage

   Note: You can also get there instantly by pasting the location directly into the navigation bar and pressing Enter.

3. After you get to the StillImage key, right-click on it from the left-hand side menu and click on Delete from the context menu.

   

   Note: Don’t worry about causing any issues by deleting this key. Windows will recreate it from scratch due to the fact that the scanner driver rewrites it at the next startup.

4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

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.

1. Press Windows + R, type “services.msc” in the dialogue box, and press Enter.
2. Once in the Services tab, search for the entry of Windows Image Acquisition, right-click on it and select Properties.

   

3. Now, change the startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start). Save changes and exit. Restart your computer and see if the problem is resolved.