You installed the firmware using the USB Cable, correct. The firmware you installed was R152145.exe, correct?

Disconnect your printer. Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer.

Restart your computer.

Download the proper drivers.

XP Drivers

Vista 32-bit Drivers

All other drivers

Go to device manager(right click my computer, left click properties, left click hardware, left click device manager)

Go to the USB Controller section and click the + sign.

Starting at the bottom, USB Root Hubs, and working your way to the top, USB Universal Controllers, un-install everything in that section.

Restart your computer. Windows will find everything again and correct the problem one. Please be patient. The new hardware wizard may work 3-5 minutes before it's done.

Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on)

Scanning

Scanning using USB connection, open the Dell All-In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.

Scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.

Rick

Also try this

How to Run the LCD Built-in Diagnostics

Rick

 Yesterday I went online at www.dell.com to download the latest firmware & driver for my Dell 946 Printer. After downloading the firmware the printer went haywire and is rendered useless. It emits beeps and the green power light will stay lit then flash every 3 seconds or so. There is no read-out on the lcd display. I phoned Dell only to be told I should not have downloaded the firmware and that Dell does not recommend downloading firmware. If that is the case then why is the firmware listed on the Dell site with instructions to do so? I was advised that no support could be offered because the printer is out of warranty and was told to uninstall the printer and re-install. I have tried everything, including uninstalling printer, unplugging printer, etc. and nothing has helped. I have researched online and note that this is a recurrent problem. This problem is noted in the forums section of Dell.com - I have followed directions listed in the forum section of Dell.com as noted (see below websites) but this has not fixed the problem....

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19261215/19444405.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=RC1009777&s=fed

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19167220.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=RC1009777&s=fed

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19256007/19422649.aspx

http://www.fixya.com/support/t416532-dell_946_aio_printer_stop_beeping_after

http://help.com/post/233917-dell-aio-946-printer-help

Since this seems to be a known problem and the problem is actually caused by downloading firmware from the Dell site I feel it is an injustice not to offer some type of support to rectify the problem. I have always bought Dell products and advised others to do so, but with this problem I feel that I will be changing my brand that I purchase. I will be forwarding this to Consumer Reports, as I feel this should be some type of recall issue.

xrayeyes2u,

Sorry you are experiencing problems with your printer after installing the firmware update.  I'm currently working with a Support Team to get this resolved, could you please contact me via Private Message by clicking on "contact" below and selecting "start a conversation with Dell-Robert P" and I'll get back with you on the details.

Thanks.

Regards,

Robert

i'm just wondering if this issue was resolved because i have the same problem.

Dell AIO 946 connected via USB to a dimension c521 running windows xp media edition. thanks.

atinelle,

Sorry you are having difficulties with your printer, please use the instructions in the above post to contact me privately and I'll send you the details.

Regards,

Robert

I'm having this exact same problem. I send you a private email. Can you please help?

Thank you all for your assistance and patience with this issue.  

We appreciate your input and for sending in your printers for testing.  We tested several of these units and after further investigation have decided to remove the firmware update from our website.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Regards,

Robert