Scanner Problem

[catacon]

Hey, I have a 6-year old Gateway computer (98 SE) with an HP ScanJet 4200C scanner. Up until a few days ago, as far as I knew the scanner was working. It was unplugged for a while but now I have plugged it back in and when I try to scan something using Paint Shop Pro 6 it just gives me an error message. And when I press the scan button on the scanner itself, the little green light turns orange and stays that way for a while. I have a drivers, software, and everything else installed, the same way they were when the scanner was working. Any ideas as to why it doesn't work? I have check in the Control Panel and it says the scanner is installed but unavilable. Thanks!

[EzyStvy]

What are the exact words in the error message?

[Redfallon]

Agree with EzyStvy, any specific error messages? It's possible the drivers are corrupted, or a file has been deleted. Reinstall all drivers/software, it's also possible the cable has been damaged, and of course, worst case scenario, the scanner has scanned it's last page.

[catacon]

Undefined program error has occured [2117].

I get this when I use the Aquire button in PSP6. I comes up with the HP Scan utility and then give that error message.

[Panama Red]

Scanners can be a pain in the back side, especially with 98. HP should have a "how to uninstall/reinstall" instructions. I'd remove all software and registry entries and reinstall it in the proper sequence. Most times with a scanner you install the software first and then plug in the scanner. But I'm sure that can vary.

[catacon]

Yeah, I unistalled the scanner and software. Reinstalled the software and tried to reinstall the scanner, but the computer doesn't recognize it even with the CD in the drive. I also tried installing the scanner on an XP machine, but to no avail. Do you think it's dead?

[Panama Red]

Uninstalling the software may not remove all the entries from the registry. I know with a Visioneer unit I had problems until I read the online instructions on reinstalling. Had to edit the registry and/or remove items from Windows Explorer before reinsalling the software.

[catacon]

Problem is, I can't get to windows explorer. My computer goes to the blue screen of death and I have to reboot. Happens everytime, I think, unless I go to My Docs.

[Panama Red]

Sounds like you need to correct that problem before you compound it by adding more hardware. Done any adware/spyware/virus scans lately? May be time for an over-the-top repair IF it's clean.

[catacon]

No scans. We just had this thing reformatted a little while ago, but I could do it again. We just need a new comp.

[glc]

Are you sure the scanner carriage isn't locked?

[catacon]

Unlocked. I did an AdAware scan and it found some stuff. But still no improvment.