compukiss.com - Getting Answers

I am trying to install the software for a HP Scanjet 3300c scanner and I get the message "The setup program was unable to turn on your USB ports." I already have several devices plugged into the USB ports and they work fine.

Here is my answer:

HP seems to have had a little trouble with their software, especially for Windows Me. Go to the HP Web site and download the latest HP Scanning Software and you should be in business.

Now, let me tell you all that you could have found that answer as easily as I did. Here is the procedure that I followed:

Surfed over to Hewlett Packard’s Web site at www.hp.com
Looked for and clicked on Support
Chose “Scanners”
Chose “Scanjet Scanners”
Chose “HP Scanjet 3000 series”
Chose “Scanjet 3300”
Typed “unable to turn on USB ports” into the question box
Found answer

When working with a computer, most folks assume if they get an error message or have a problem, it is the result of something they did. This is not necessarily the case.

Manufacturers Often Have the Answer

In reality, it is difficult for computer hardware and software manufacturers to create products that are compatible with every computer and every operating system that is currently in use. Often a manufacturer will not realize it has a problem until the product is in the hands of the end user and incompatibility complaints start pouring in. When this happens, the problem can often be fixed by a software update. The manufacturer adjusts the program and makes new updated software available by download on their Web site. However, all of the software that is on store shelves and in inventory at that time still contains the original incompatibility problem.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a problem with a piece of hardware or software, one of the first things you should do is visit the manufacturer’s Web site. Hewlett Packard fortunately has an excellent Web site that is easy to navigate. Finding the exact information that you need can be more difficult on some manufacturer’s Web sites. A visit to the Web site, however, can often help you find the information needed to solve your current dilemma. If you can’t track down the answer easily, look for the FAQ section. FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions, and this is the location where manufacturers give answers to questions that they are most often asked. In addition, most Web sites have an e-mail support option where you can ask your question by e-mail and receive an answer from technical support without a long involved telephone wait.

Additional Information

Although your goal may be problem solving, while you are visiting a manufacturer’s Web site, be sure to acquaint yourself with the site’s other resources. Some Web sites are a virtual cornucopia of information. The Kodak site is a great source for digital photography information. The Epson and Hewlett Packard sites have wonderful facts about ink jet printers. Find just about anything you want to know about power surges and lightning on the APC Web site.

Manufacturer URLs

My recommendation is that when faced with problem solving for your computer, go right to the horse’s mouth for the answer you need.... Post your question on the Compu-KISS message boards. Although we might not relish “computer problems” as the common bond we have with other computer users, it is nice to know that we can learn from each other’s experiences. Don’t forget to visit the manufacturer’s Web site of your computer, printer, scanner, program, etc. as the first step in solving computer problems. That sense of satisfaction when you have solved your own problem is a reward all its own. Remember, as always, our goal is Happy Computing!

I thought a list of URLs of the most common manufacturers that you may need to visit might be a useful reference.

Adobe

http://www.adobe.com

American Power Conversion

http://www.apcc.com

Apple Computer

http://www.apple.com

Canon Computer Systems, Inc.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer

Compaq Computer Corp.

http://www.compaq.com

Dell Computer Corp.