Ralph: You need to install the software that came with the scanner, but make sure that it is compatible with the Windows Operating System you are using. If not, go to the Epson website and search for a driver that matches the WOS you have, download it and install it instead. What you need is the "twain" driver that automatically is inserted into the photo editing software you own. In my case, I use three different photo editing software programs -- each make it easier for me to handle my scans. As an example, if you use PhotoShop or Creative Suite by Adobe, when you install the Epson software, the installation automatically finds the software and inserts a line into the package that allows you to open the photo software and then access the scanner or device to open a scan inside the editing software. When you import, go under File, and look down the drop down to see all the sources you can select. Epson uses a line that identifies your Scanner Model (i.e. Epson 1670). Just click on it, and it will launch the Epson software inside the Adobe Photoshop or CS. When software opens, set the parameters you need to make the scan, and when finished, go to File Save As and determine the location where you want to save the scanned and edited image. Make sure you save it as a jpeg image -- a common format universally used by most computers to handle images. If you use Microsoft Picture Scan or Photo Edit software, you access the Epson software after you launch the MS of PE software by going to File, and hitting "import photo". That will launch a device window inside your software, and you select the "twain" device". And in this case, it's the Epsons Scanner icon, represented by a icon of a scanner. I know this sounds complicated, but believe me it's not. By using the "twain" drivers, you save yourself a lot of shifting images after they are scanned, and puts them in the place where you can circle crop, correct color, and set the dpi of the image. Send me an email, if I can help anyone with this process. You will be more satisfied with your outcome if you do it this way. Thanks for reading this long description, and I hope it helps.