How to make a networked scanner appear as a local scanner?

Question

So we have a software system that we use here in our auto body shop that does all of our management etc. It has the ability to scan documents directly into our work files. We currently have a Lexmark multi-function printer/scanner/copier etc. that we use for everything here in the office. We can scan with it using the Lexmark scanner utility which we have to initiate on each local computer when one of us wants to scan something.

Here is the problem, our office management software doesn't recognize the network scanner when we try to scan a document from within the program. We get a "no scanner or image device found" error. I am assuming it's because it only looks for a local scanner that would be connected via USB or something like that to the local user's machine.

So here is my question.....is there any way to make the network scanner APPEAR as a local scanner on my computer, as if it were plugged in via USB?

I have been searching the internet forever trying to find a solution and so far I can't!! Short of buying another scanner and plugging it in via USB is there any hope out there?

Answer 1

You can try adding a Local Port which is pointed to the network device. These instructions are for adding a printer, but should be the same for the scanner.

In Windows Vista and 7:

1. Click Start > Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a Printer on the top.
3. Select Add a local printer.
4. Select Create a new port, select Local Port for the Port Type, and click Next.
5. For Port Name, enter the network path to the printer by entering two slashes, the computer name or local IP address of the PC sharing the printer, and then the share name of the printer. For example “\dellpc\hpprinter” or “\192.168.1.100\hpprinter”
6. Select the printer and click Next. If the exact model isn’t listed, try the closest model number or a generic printer.
7. Follow the rest of the wizard.