If the file size is going to be larger than you thought, then adjust the scan resolution accordingly before making the file scan. Some computers have enough free memory to handle 34MB photo files, and some don't. You'll want to make sure the chosen resolution you won't create a photo that is so large it will crash your computer. The order of steps should be: scan a basic image, save it, play with it. After scanning, you'll be able to edit the image in a graphics software program which offers much more control. (Some scanners and software will do this step for you automatically.) However, you should make sure that all you are scanning is the actual photograph. For archival purposes, do not crop only a portion of the photo at this point (you can do that later if you want a cropped photo for a specific purpose). Crop the previewed image to include only the original photo.Check to see that it's straight, that no part of the photo has been cut off, and that the photo appears free of dust and lint. Then hit 'prescan' or 'preview.' The scanner will take a quick pass of the image and display a rough version on your screen.

Carefully position your photo on the scanner face down on the glass, just like on a photocopy machine.

It's even better to do 600 dpi or greater if you plan to eventually store these photos on CD or DVD, and have space on your computer hard drive to handle such large images. A good rule of thumb is to scan your photos at a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) to assure decent quality for enhancement and restoration techniques. The optimal resolution depends on how the image will be printed, saved, or displayed.

Determine the best scan resolution to assure the quality of your digital photos.

You'll have more manipulation options, and you can change a color photo to black and white (grayscale), but not the other way around. When scanning family photos, it is usually best to scan in color, even if the source photo is black and white. If you're scanning photos, you have a basic choice of color photo vs.

When using your scanner or handling photographs, it is best to wear clean white cotton gloves (available from photo stores and hardware stores) to avoid leaving fingerprints on your scanner or photos. Household glass cleaner can be used to clean your scanner glass, as long as you're careful to spray it directly on the cloth before wiping, not directly on the glass surface. Use a lint-free pad or wipe to thoroughly clean the glass (basically anything that is sold as safe for cleaning camera lenses will also work for your scanner). Check the scanner glass for lint, hair, fingerprints, or smudges.

Canned air, available at most office supply stores, helps to blast away dust and lint from photographic slides but is not recommended for heirloom print photos. Gently remove surface dust and dirt with a soft brush or lint-free photo wipe.

Check your photos for dirt, lint, or smudges.

White spots on photos when scanning