QuickBooks Desktop Scan Manager Troubleshooting with Remote Printers and TWAIN-Compatible Scanners

Are you facing issues with QuickBooks Desktop Scan Manager when trying to scan documents from remote printers on a Windows Server 2019? This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to resolve this problem, especially when the printers and scanner are located on your local network but the server is in the cloud hosted elsewhere.

Understanding the Issue

The error message 'Unable to find scanner driver' when opening the Scan Manager in QuickBooks Desktop 2021 is likely due to the fact that the scanner is not physically connected to the cloud server and the printer is being redirected through Remote Desktop. Despite the printer and scanner working fine when used locally, this configuration poses a challenge in achieving the necessary connectivity for QuickBooks Desktop to recognize the scanner as a scanner and not a printer.

Possible Solutions

There are several workarounds you can consider to resolve this issue:

Setup Network Share for Scanner Access

One effective solution is to set up a network share that allows the server to access the scanner via the local network. This can be achieved by configuring the scanner to share its resources across the network and then enabling the server to access these shared resources. Follow these steps to achieve this:

Configure the Scanner: Ensure the scanner is TWAIN compatible and allows network access. Configure the scanner to share its TWAIN interface over the network. Enable File Sharing on the Scanner: On the scanner, enable file sharing and map it to a drive letter on the local network. This will allow the server to access the scanner as if it were a local resource. Map the Network Drive on the Server: Map the shared network drive to a drive letter on the server. Use this mapped drive in QuickBooks Desktop to scan documents.

Use a Remote Desktop Solution with Shared Folders

If setting up a network share for the scanner is not feasible, consider using a remote desktop solution with shared folders. This allows the server to access the scanner through the network seamlessly:

Enable Shared Folders: Ensure that the remote desktop session allows the use of shared folders. Enable and configure shared folders on the network server. Map the Shared Folder: Map the shared folder from your local computer to a drive letter. This ensures that the scanner appears as a local resource on the server. Test the Setup: Open QuickBooks Desktop with the scanner connected through the mapped shared folder. If everything is set up correctly, the Scan Manager should recognize the scanner and allow you to scan documents.

Use a Third-Party Application for Remote Scan Management

Another viable option is to use a third-party application that allows remote scan management. These tools often provide the necessary connectivity and authentication to access the scanner and printer remotely. Some popular options include:

irmadoc - Document Management and Scanning: This tool provides remote scanner management and supports a wide range of devices. It can be integrated with QuickBooks Desktop to streamline the scanning process. SignLevels - Document Scanning Management: This application offers remote scanning capabilities and can be configured to work with various scanning solutions, including TWAIN compatible scanners.

Conclusion

By following any of the above solutions or a combination of them, you can resolve the issue with QuickBooks Desktop Scan Manager when using remote printers and a TWAIN compatible scanner. The key is to ensure that the server and scanner communicate effectively over the network, either through a shared network drive, a remote desktop solution with shared folders, or a third-party application designed for remote scanning management.

Related Keywords

QuickBooks Desktop Scan Manager TWAIN Compatible Scanners Remote Printers

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on setting up network shares and remote access, refer to the following resources:

Microsoft Documentation: net share command Alternative Technical Solution on Altaro