Last Updated: March 2026
Intended Audience: School Ops who vet their Ponder Paper equipment as part of Start Of Year (SOY) prep.
Context: A series of checks for the hardware and software used for Ponder Paper printing and scanning.
Metal Guide check
1. Locate your v2 metal guide.
2. Inspect it for any broken or bent sides.
3. Using a regular sized copy paper 8.5" x 11" sheet, place it in the slot and ensure the paper comfortably fits.
4. If the guide is damaged or lost, contact IT for steps on how to get a replacement.
5. Repeat these steps for each metal guide in your school.
Paper Cutter check
1. Locate your paper cutter. Note, you may have different models in your school:
v3 paper cutter:
v2 paper cutter:
v1 paper cutter:
legacy paper cutter:
2. Carefully test that the bar properly unlocks and locks in place.
If it does not, contact IT for steps on how to get a replacement.
3. Next, place your metal guide on the paper cutter.
4. Place a small stack (about 10 sheets) of copy paper in the guide.
5. Use the wheel to clamp down on the sheets.
6. Carefully unlock the bar and cut the stack of paper.
7. The blade should cut off the corners of the entire stack.
If it does not, carefully observe the blade as it may be dull (teethy).
Then, contact IT for steps on how to get a replacement.
8. Repeat these steps for each paper cutter in your school.
Cleaning Kit check
1. Locate your cleaning kit box:
2. Open the box and ensure you still have:
The cotton swabs, the cleaning spray bottle (with cleaner in it), the cleaning paper, the cleaning wipes, and the replacement wheels (in small boxes):
3. If you need a replacement, see scanner replacement parts article.
4. Repeat these steps for each cleaning kit box in your school.
Print Tool check (aka Copier Print Test)
1. On your laptop, locate and open your Ponder Paper Print Tool Application:
2. Confirm you are on the latest version (e.g. 0.8.3)
3. If not up to date, follow these steps on how to install the latest application.
4. Next, using your keyboard's arrow keys, select "Run a print test" and hit your Enter key:
5. Select your school's copier.
6. Then, type in Y and hit Enter:
7. Walk over to your selected copier. You should had received 2 packets. Each one stapled, 2 sheets per packet.
8. If you are not able to print the test packets, or have an issues with any of the steps above:
Please reach out to your IT Support team or Ponder Paper representative describing which step you are experiencing issues with and what the error is.
9. Important: Repeat these steps for each copier your school uses to print Ponder Paper exams.
In particular for any new copiers (see more about Compatible Copiers here).
10. Repeat these steps for each person who uses the print tool application in your school.
Scanner check
1. Locate your school's Ponder Paper smart scanner:
2. On the back of the scanner, confirm these 2 cables are securely plugged into the scanner:
- On the left: an ethernet cable. Plugged from the scanner into a wall or box internet port.
- On the right: a black power cord. Plugged from the scanner into a wall outlet or power distribution unit.
- If you are missing either cable, see scanner replacement parts article.
3. Next, power on the scanner.
If you immediately receive an error message, it is possible your scanner has an internet connectivity issue. See this article to troubleshoot the error message on the screen.
Scanning Test
1. Using the packets from the earlier section in this article (Print Tool check - Copier Print Test), cut off the corners to remove the staples.
2. On the front page, use a pencil (recommended) or pen, and write:
Today’s Date: For example: 9/19/25
Your School: For example: UBSM
Your Scanner's Name: For example: 404-lion
The scanner name can be found on the top left corner of the scanner's screen
Your name: For example: Gaby O.
3. Place all the test pages into the scanner feeder (extend the wings of the Chuter Unit as needed).
4. Click on "Scan"
5. The test pages will be pulled into the scanner and come out on the bottom tray.
6. Click on the exit icon
Confirming Your Scanning Test
1. Go to the Uncommon Ponder Paper website: https://uncommon.ponderpaper.co
2. Sign in with your Google Account
3. Once logged in, on the main menu click on "Scan log"
4. Under "Scan device", search for your scanner
5. Confirm that your scanned pages appear in the log.
6. Click on the numbered buttons to view the test pages you scanned in.
Then check that the image quality is clear and legible, with no streaks or marks.
If there are streaks, see the article how to clean your Fujitsu scanner.
7. Repeat these steps for each scanner in your school.
If any issues arise during these SOY checks, please reach out to your IT Support team or Ponder Paper representative for further assistance.
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