So you have a serial barcode scanner and it doesn't seem to work with Windows. What do you do? First of all make sure that the scanner lights up etc. If you don't get this far, then you may not have a power supply. The scanner needs a separate power supply because the Comm. Ports do not usually have power. If you get lights but no data then read on.

Windows does not automatically display data that is input through the Comm. Ports. But all is not lost, there are a few things you can do.

1. We may be able to change these over to keyboard or USB versions. There would be a charge and we couldn't even quote them unless we knew exactly what they were, including version numbers. On the label, there is usually a series of numbers/letters - it may be something like MS9520 K 41. It is like a VIN number for scanners. Let us know what this is and we can quote for you.

2. If you are familiar with programming in code then you will need to read from the data coming in the Comm. Port and then display in the appropriate field. This is not overly hard but can take a while if you have never done it before.

3. An easier solution for you is to try the Accessibility options. You can get to this thru the Start button -> Settings (for versions prior to Windows Vista) -> Control Panel -> Accessibility Options. Go to the General tab and enable SerialKey Devices (tick the tick box). In the Settings button you can set the Comm. Port number and baud rate etc. This baud rate must be set to match the scanner otherwise it will never work. Once all this is set properly, your serial scanner will act like a keyboard wedge scanner and you should be to scan into any program. Just Open Notepad or Word and try it!

Good Luck!

If you need further help, would like to be advised of future tutorials, or have a tutorial suggestion just email us.

This tutorial is copyright Pos Shop Pty Ltd. You are free to distribute this or publish this to others provided it is distributed without changes and complete. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no warranty whether implied or stated is given as to the information's accuracy or suitability. As we are not aware of your exact situation the content is used at your own risk entirely. [↑]

Ces Luscombe has worked in the Barcode and POS industry since 1995. Ces is the founder of The Barcode Approach (later to become Gripon Australia) and is also the founder of Grabba International Pty Ltd. Grabba International was formed as a result of a spinoff from Gripon Australia Pty Ltd after the successful worldwide launch of the Grabba PDA Data Capture attachments in San Jose, California in 2002. [↑]

Pos Shop Pty Ltd is a leading reseller of point of sale equipment, signage, ticketing and shop fitting accessories. Pos Shop was established in 2003 to service businesses and shopkeepers alike. The Pos Shop offers an unsurpassed range of goods to help businesses in all aspects. For more information contact us or telephone 1300 762 603. [↑]