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How to quickly fix the QuickBooks scanner driver error 281

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

QuickBooks is accountancy software users can utilize on PCs and mobile devices. That software includes a handy Scan Manager feature for scanning receipts and invoices.

However, QuickBooks scanner driver error 281 is one issue that can arise for some users. When error 281 occurs, users can’t scan receipts and invoices with the QuickBooks Scan Manager feature.

The resolutions below might help some QuickBooks Desktop users fix error 281.

At your convenience, be sure to also explorethe latest and greatest deals on this software.

How can I fix QuickBooks scanner driver error 281?

1. Check your drivers

More often than not, this error is caused by corrupt drivers, so we will start with checking and updating your drivers before we move any further.

TypeDevice Managerin the taskbar and open the panel.2. Locate your scanner driver.3. Right-click on it and selectUpdate.

If you want to check multiple drivers, repeat the above-mentioned steps. If you want to speed up the process and make sure you run the latest version of your driver (Windows may not always detect/install the ultimate version), make use of a third-party driver management tool.

Scanning issues can often arise due to antiquated or faulty scanner drivers. So, it might be worthwhile to scan your PC’s drivers with driver updater software when QuickBooks error 281 arises.

Such a scan will highlight if your scanner has an outdated or faulty driver and enable you to update its driver.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Install TWAIN scanner drivers

Note that you need to utilize a TWAIN-compliant scanner for QuickBooks Scan Manager. Make sure you’ve installed your scanner’s TWAIN driver, which will be available for download on the scanner manufacturer’s website.

You’ll also need to have configured your scanner for TWAIN scanning.

3. Turn off UAC

Note:It’s recommended that users turn UAC back on when they don’t need to scan anything with QuickBooks. To do that, drag the UAC slider up to the Always Notify setting and click OK.

4. Update QuickBooks

5. Repair QuickBooks

6. Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Note:There’s a QuickBooks Tool Hub utility that completely removes leftover files from a previous QuickBooks Installation. ClickDownload Nowon the QuickBooks Tool Hub page to download it. Then install that utility with its setup wizard.

After you’ve installed QuickBooks Tool Hub, open that software; and select theInstallation Issuestab. Click theClean Install Toolbutton. Then select your QuickBooks Desktop version, and click theContinuebutton.

Aside from that, QuickBooks Tool Hub includes some handy program troubleshooting tools to boot. You can click aQuick Fix my Programbutton on itsProgram Problemstab. So, maybe that troubleshooting option might help fix QuickBooks scanner driver error 281 as well.

7. Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter

Those are some of the more likely fixes for theQuickBook error281 scanning issue. QuickBooks also has a dedicated customer support service that might also help you resolve error 281.

You can click theContact Usbutton on theQuickBooks Support pageto get in touch with an Intuit agent.

How to quickly fix the QuickBooks scanner driver error 281#

How can I fix QuickBooks scanner driver error 281?#

1. Check your drivers#

2. Install TWAIN scanner drivers#

3. Turn off UAC#

4. Update QuickBooks#

5. Repair QuickBooks#

6. Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop#

7. Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter#