My Cannon Pixma MP500 multi-function printer randomly scans only part of the document on the glass. Sometimes it does get it right; that is it correctly scans the whole page, but very often, the scan result is just a small part of the page on the glass. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

If the error you get is "The following ink tank cannot be recognized" have a read here on Canon support website on how to fix it, they have visuals as well http://support-au.canon.com.au/contents/AU/EN/8000138710.html

Hi, it all depends on the printer your using.

How to Scan a Document on a Multi-Function Printer

A multi-function printer with a scanner makes backing up your important documents easy. The scanner function of the printer allows you to translate a paper document like a receipt or title deed into an electronic copy that is stored on your computer. Once you have an electronic copy of your document, you can process and manipulate the document as you would any other electronic file. Follow these steps to scan a document on a multi-function printer:


Connect your multi-function printer and computer. Power them up.

Select the side of the document you are going to scan. Give the document a once-over, checking for any flaws that you do not want transferred into electronic form.

Open the printer's lid. Place the side of the document you want scanned face-down on the glass plate of your multi-function printer's scanning bed. Align the document to your satisfaction.

Close the printer's lid carefully. You may want to weigh the document down with another sheet of paper to prevent it from shifting.

Choose an appropriate scan resolution. You may have to do this using the controls of your printer or on the computer, depending on the model and software.

Press the scan button to start the process. This can be done on the printer itself or on the computer.

Preview the scan on your computer monitor. You should be able to make minor changes to the scanned image if needed.

Save the scanned image if you are satisfied with the result. Try again if you are not satisfied.



Tips & Warnings

Scanning documents at high resolution and low data compression will produce the best image quality at the cost of file size.

Not happy with a scan? Re-check the alignment of the document and try it again. Discard the duds when you get a scan that works for you.

Using harsh cleaning chemicals such as acetone or benzene can damage your multi-function printer. Abrasive cleaners are also not good on the machine, particularly the glass surface of the scanning bed.



....How to Scan a Document on an All-in-One Printer?

Scanning is a standard all-in-one printer feature that converts a hard-copy document into electronic information, which your computer can store and modify. You can scan legal files, office reports or just about any other kind of document and create an electronic backup for your files, send it as email or alter it to suit your needs. Follow these steps to scan a document on an all-in-one printer:

Turn on your all-in-one printer and computer. Check the connections between the two machines.

Lift the printer's document lid. Examine the scanning surface and the underside of the lid for dust and fingerprints.

Put the document you wish to scan face-down on the glass. Use the alignment markers to help you square up the object. These are usually found on the left-hand edge of the scanning area.

Close the printer's document lid slowly so the document does not shift position.

Select a scan resolution. The higher the dpi (dots per inch) count, the sharper and more detailed the image.

Push the scan button. You may have to do this on the printer itself or on your computer.

Check the preview of your scan on your computer. Depending on your all-in-one printer and software, you may have to prompt your computer to display the preview for you.

Edit the image as it appears on your computer if you want to make changes. Your scanning software might let you enlarge, resize or otherwise manipulate the final product.

Accept the scan and save. Return the original document to a safe location.

Hope it helps..

Same Problem - Had nothing but issues with Cannon - Very hungry on ink as well :( Still not as bad as HP

You must have got a CD with the printer. Just install it and load the paper in the scanner and press the scan button on the front panel. It automatically starts to scan and shows you the document. Later it will ask you whether to save it as a JPG file (as image) or a PDF file (document).

Scanning using the Operation Panel 1. Place the document face-down on the platen glass.
2. Press the [Scan] button on the machine.
MP Navigator starts on the connected computer. You can scan in documents placed on the platen glass using MP Navigator.

Image
scanning
Spots on a scanned
image
- Glossy photo (original)
- In the high humidity
environment
When a glossy photo is
strongly pressed on the
platen glass, the photo
will stick to the glass,
and the stuck points are
scanned as spots.
- Do not strongly press
the photo on the platen
glass.
- Clean the platen glass
(to eliminate any
moisture).
- Spots appear on
the scanned
image, though
there is no such
spots on the
original
document.

Have you completed the software installation? There will be a step by step explanation on how to scan. But first, when you go to "My" computer" or "Computer" in Vista, you should see an icon of your scanner or All in one unit. If not you need to reinstall the drivers"disc" . The simply place a document face down on the glass go to the
'properties" tab and choose where you want to save the document. Then press"scan" on the unit. You should have two start buttons black for black and white, andgreen for color documents, Let me know how you make out.

First you should have installed the scanner in the computer using the cd comes with the scanner.

1. Confirm that the printer is powered on and press the <Open> button. (The paper output tray will open.)
   
   
   
   
2. Load paper in the auto sheet feeder or the cassette in the portrait orientation.
   
   
3. Lift the document cover and set a document on the platen glass.
   
   
   MEMO:
   
   - Regardless of the document size, set it in the landscape orientation.
   
   - Place the copying face down on the platen glass.
   
   - Align the document with the alignment mark (shown as the arrow) on the lower right corner of the platen glass.
   
   
   Note: The machine cannot scan the area approximately 3 mm from the front and right edges of the platen glass.
   
   
   
   
   < 1 > Alignment Mark
   
   
4. Close the document cover gently.
   
   
5. Confirm that the printer is in Copy mode. If the printer is not in Copy mode, press the <COPY> button to switch into Copy mode.
   
   
6. Check the copy settings, following the procedures below carefully.
   
   
   
   
   < 1 > Check the paper size and media type.
   
   
   < 2 > Use the up / down cursor button to specify the number of copies.
   
   
   < 3 > Use the right / left cursor button to adjust the intensity.
   
   
   Memo: Pressing the right cursor button increases the intensity. Pressing the left cursor button decreases the intensity.
   
   
7. Press the <Color> button for color copying, or the <Black> button for black & white copying. (The printer starts copying.)
   
   
   Note: To cancel copying, press the <Stop/Reset> button.
   

nope..that is problematic, even though it's possible, you may find that you'll get the most favorable results the old fashioned one at a time method..as the unit heats up, sometimes, it misfeeds.