twhurley
08-03-2005, 12:30 PM
My Epson1250 scanner is no longer accessible from my Dell 4300; WIN XP HE ver 5.1.2600; Serv Pak 2; 1.4 GHz; 256 MB memory; 80 GB HD (31GB free). From the Smart Panel display on screen, any option selected produces this error message: "Unable to access the scanner because it is not ready or another application is using it. Please make sure that the scanner is on and connected to your computer, or close all scanning applications."
This error appeared occasionally in the past two months, but I could override by re-booting the computer. Now, that doesn't work. The scanner is 3 years old and has performed well up to now.
So far, I have uninstalled the scanner and TWAIN files, and re-installed using the original CD form Epson. I have also upgraded the TWAIN to ver 5.54 and then 5.71 to no avail. These steps were repeated three times. I've verified 14V-DC at the end of the power adapter line connecting to the scanner. I switched USB connections between my Epson 820 printer and verified a working printer when connected to the USB port previously used by the scanner. Also. the scanner, when connected to the port previously used for the (working) printer, did not work - still producing the error message. This would confirm working USB ports.
I contacted Epson Tech Service (e-mail) describing the problem in the above detail, and just received this profound advice " 1. Make sure the power is connected securely. 2. unplug the unit, plug in the power cord, and turn the scanner back on again. 3. Make sure the outlet is working and is not controlled by a switch or timer. If in doubt, try another outlet." I guess they had trouble understanding my description of the trouble!
I'd appreciate any guidance to further troubleshooting. Is a lamp change something I might try (with a bit of procedural input from anyone?)
Tom
This error appeared occasionally in the past two months, but I could override by re-booting the computer. Now, that doesn't work. The scanner is 3 years old and has performed well up to now.
So far, I have uninstalled the scanner and TWAIN files, and re-installed using the original CD form Epson. I have also upgraded the TWAIN to ver 5.54 and then 5.71 to no avail. These steps were repeated three times. I've verified 14V-DC at the end of the power adapter line connecting to the scanner. I switched USB connections between my Epson 820 printer and verified a working printer when connected to the USB port previously used by the scanner. Also. the scanner, when connected to the port previously used for the (working) printer, did not work - still producing the error message. This would confirm working USB ports.
I contacted Epson Tech Service (e-mail) describing the problem in the above detail, and just received this profound advice " 1. Make sure the power is connected securely. 2. unplug the unit, plug in the power cord, and turn the scanner back on again. 3. Make sure the outlet is working and is not controlled by a switch or timer. If in doubt, try another outlet." I guess they had trouble understanding my description of the trouble!
I'd appreciate any guidance to further troubleshooting. Is a lamp change something I might try (with a bit of procedural input from anyone?)
Tom