Connecting a scanner

The first thing you need to determine is if the old Parallel (printer) port scanner is even Windows XP compatible.  Many older peripherals are not XP compatible.  Check with the scanner vendor on compatiblity and if it is compatible you will need Windows XP specific drivers (older Operating System drivers are no XP compatible).

If it is compatible you can buy a PCI Parallel port card and install that to give you the interface capability.

This is a good time to take a good evaluation of the "old reliable" scanner and seriously consider upgrading to a new XP compatible model.  Many current "cheap" scanners are much better than older, high dollar scanners.

 

Message Edited by fireberd on 08-31-200611:11 AM

Just to add a few comments to those from fireberd:

You might want to pick up a cheap USB scanner on sale at Fry's (or whatever is near you) or on eBay, at a thrift store or garage sales. Getting rid of my old parallel port scanner (that barely worked under XP) made life much easier. The scanners have improved dramatically and USB is much more convenient. I replaced my $200 scanner with a $10 one that was much better, smaller and lighter.

Peter

Not to steal anyones' thunder, but I ran into a similar issue. I had both my old inkjet printer, my flatbed scanner died. I went and bought one of those All-In-One inkjet printers for under $100. Two things happened. One, I got rid of two headaches, secondly gained more space on my computer desk.  Oh by the way, it is a USB connection.

 

Message Edited by fudgieguys on 08-31-200603:41 PM

Thanks to all for the informative and quick replies.

A new scanner should be in my life in a week or so.

Barbara