I tried to install a new barcode scanner for someone today, but no matter what I do, I couldn't get it to work. At first, it would beep and scan like normal, but wouldn't send any data to the computer, then it stopped altogether. Finally, I gave up and just fixed the old scanner with a hack. When I got down to my station again, my boss helpfully informed me that you have to program the scanner with a series of bar codes on a sheet he keeps in his office.
GEE. THANKS