How can I scan business cards using a regular flatbed scanner?

I would like to use a regular HP flatbed scanner to scan in business cards rather than spend more money for a cardscan or other business-card specific scanner. Is there software that can be used to import the card contents into Outlook or other standard format?

How can I scan business cards using a regular flatbed scanner?
AsphaltJ is correct.





With the card scanners, you're really paying for the software and not so much the scanning hardware. Card scanner software does all the work of recognition for you.





Otherwise, follow the steps outlined by Asphalt.
Reply:you should be able to scan it to "your pictures" do a crop to get rid of the white border and depending on what software is available or what your printer has to offer you can print your own. if you have Microsoft Works I believe you can do it there. I use Works 2000 a better version than the newer one.
Reply:I'm afraid the business card scanner does a better job of it than a flatbed. If you are still not convinced, here's the basic steps.





You need an OCR application. One probably came with your scanner. If it didn't Abbyy's software is way better than scansoft's ancient software. http://www.abbyy.com/





Once you've got the OCR software, you should be able to scan straight into the OCR software. From there, you will have a bunch of text to copy and paste into your outlook contacts.