BrotherDS-940DW Duplex and Wireless Compact Mobile Document Scanner

Product: Brother DS-940DW mobile scanner.TLDR: if the full software package from brother doesn't install, it starts and then nothing happens, do this simple trick that worked for me on two different computers. Also, how to charge without a computer.1) log into your Windows account with administrator privileges. Make ANOTHER user account with administrator privileges, call it it temp or whatever (does not need a password but you do you).2) log out of your Windows session, and log into the new temp account.3) install the brother software package for your product (ds-640 or ds-940dw). It should work. Just give it a little bit. When it's done installing and you've verified it works, log out.Log back into your account and verify everything works. You may delete the temporary administrator account. Enjoy.How to charge without a computer: I have a USB-a four port hub, with a usb-c PD port. I connect the scanner (ds-640 or ds-940dw), and connect power to the USB PD port, and it charges the scanner, the other end of the usb hub is plugged into my cell phone. The usb cable for power MUST be connected to a wall outlet power source. I tried connect a battery bank to the USB hub, and it would not charge.

Seems well built and easy to use, except for the wi-fi set up. Still don't have that working!

I read many of the reviews before I bought the scanner. A lot of folks had a difficult time with using this scanner. Here are my observations. First, it is difficult to set up - the Brother interface is not very easy to use. But, it does work and if you are not very good at setting up programs, I'd get a friend to help who is. I have Windows 11 and I downloaded the driver for this product and did not see if Windows had a generic driver for this scanner. I also checked the firmware upgrade and downloaded the Brother iPrint&Scan program. This program is essential for running and setting the parameters for the scanner settings. I also downloaded the Power PDF Standard program and didn't find it useful because I already have a program that edits pdf files.Using the scanner can be problematic because it is fussy. I bought the scanner to scan journals an aunt wrote on 8.5x5.5 notebook three ring paper. I didn't have any problems scanning these pages, and the paper is over 40 years old. I think that paper that is old or rough may leave residue on the rollers, so I cleaned the scanner (see manual - which I also download/printed and it was really helpful) with eye glass cloths. This seemed to keep the printer from saying there was a paper jam. It seemed to work best when I unplugged it from the computer when not in use (avoided connection errors). I am using it with the usb connection. I was able to do duplex scanning, which one review said could not be done on the usb connection. I also gently help the paper clear the scanner which also eliminated triggering the "paper jam" error. The scanner, in my case, worked the best when set on 300 x 300 dpi, when I scanned using a lower resolution the paper jam error would happen. And, the scanner seems to have an internal memory which can get full. In my case, because I was scanning about 100 pages at a time, when i went to download the pdf file a couple of times I was informed that the memory was full. If you use the iPrint&Scan program and go into the File Type PDF drop down menu and check High Compression PDF, then the program will download the pdf file. I looked online for help with this issue and found nothing helpful. I do not know if it is possible to clear the memory. I am hoping that it clears itself when the document is finished and you close it. The bottom line, for me, is that this scanner is great if you are willing to keep playing around with different menu settings. And you use the program to run the printer. I was never able to use the three buttons on the printer itself to run the printer. Basically it can be a pain to use, but for me it was the most sensible choice. Maybe it's easier if you are using it to scan receipts and that kind of thing. But since the product has such a high return rate, I figure that others are encountering similar problems. Good luck!UPDATE: I returned the printer, just too many problems. The more recent was it had connection problems. I bought a more expensive model, different manufacturer.

I ordered a different model at first and it did not come with the micro sd card feature. Brother does not advertise well and their instructions are terrible. I look at a lot of websites to see what people who have bought the product are saying. The instruction did not say to fast press the on/off button to turn it on and did not say you have to press and hold the on/off button for 6 seconds and then let go to turn it off. Almost returned it because the lights were flashing and slow to respond when turning on and off. After figuring out that on and off procedure, the scanner worked flawlessly. I like the double sided scan feature and you do not need a computer if you are saving to the SD card. I bought this brand and model because on a government computer, you cannot just hook up any hardware and put in any software without getting approval from the IT department which usually do not allow anything they do not know about.You would think being part of the largest organization in the State that you would have the best of everything. The exact opposite is true. I have antique hardware and am using Microsoft 2013 which was a recent upgrade from Microsoft 2003. The lazerjet printer looks like it belongs in a museum.This scanner solved my problem. It plugs in and becomes an external drive. It scans 14 pages in 40 seconds or less. It can scan in the jpeg or pdf format. It takes up very little space on your desk and is very quiet. You can scan and save through Wi Fi, SD card, or USB cable. The utilities software is alright, not the greatest and like all other brands, they allow you a sample of the PDF software but want you to buy the full version. They make like it comes with the full version of the software but then it begs you to buy it.The only thing is that you cannot scan a page in a book. The page you are scanning has to pass through the scanner, unlike a scanner bed which will allow you to scan an open book. Not unless you rip out the page and pass it through the scanner. I use this scanner everyday at work and it is holding up very well.Legal documents, maps, timesheets, can be scanned and sent through your computer saving you a trip from your remote office to your main office saving you time, money, and gas. Especially with the price of gas today, you will be happy you purchased this scanner. Do not forget to buy the hard case to protect your scanner. I take my scanner where ever I go.