Problem with Dell and HP scanner

Question

I have a Vostro 400 and a HP PSC 1610 All-in-One . The printer and copier work fine, but when I try to scan i get a message 'an error occurred communicating with the scanning device.' I have tried (1) changing ports (2) uninstalling an reinstalling (3) all the diagnostics HP offered. The only outcome from those was a message, 'A necessary key in registry is not present or does not have expected value.' (4) tried chat at HP and my messages would not go through (5) tried chat at Dell and my sessions ended before they started I'm posting here and will also try to email Dell. Thanks for any help anyone can give. The scanner worked fine on my previous computer. This is not the only problem I've had with this Dell.

fireberd · Answer

The problem with your scanner and the registry is the HP software.  The 'Twain' driver is most likely the issue.  I just had a similar problem with an Epson and had to download and install the latest Vista Twain driver for that customer.    Check the HP downloads for Vista for that model to see if there are updated drivers.    One other issue.  When you installed the AIO, you MUST first run the installation software and ONLY physically connect the unit when the install program tells you.  If you connect the unit to the PC first the install will fail or have problems, or Windows could install incorrect drivers.

barnandrews · Answer

Thanks for your response, but I failed to mention I have Windows XP.

fireberd · Answer

The same thing applies to XP, except you need the XP versions.

barnandrews · Answer

Couldn't find any drivers for my scanner. Is there anything else I can try. I also had problems with software for my CraftRobo. The software would install in other computers, but not this Dell. Other software would install but would not recognize my cutter. It took over 6 weeks to get this straightened out. The software manufacturer sent me new software and that didn't work. I finally got the software installed through an online link. I was told by many people with similar problems that some Dells have filters that block some software. All in all this Dell experience has been a very frustrating one.

fireberd · Answer

Here is the HP drivers for XP from the HP download site.  Click Me   As far as the Dell Operating System/software.  There is nothing different in the Dell's than there is in the Retail version.  It's not a customized or modified version.  There is a 'myth' that it is but in reality there is nothing to that.  Any software that will install on any other Vendor's PC will also install on a Dell.   The ONLY thing is that the Dell Operating System CD will only install on a Dell.  You can't use the Dell operating system CD (Windows) on a non-Dell PC.

barnandrews · Answer

I can only tell you what I have experienced. I have taken two pieces of software (WinPCSign Scrapbooking Version and Funtime Scrapbooking both from Sign max inc that would not install on my Dell) to another computer and the software immediately autoloaded. I spent hours with Dell - chat, email, forum, telephone and the software still would not load. A gentleman from Sign max directed me to a website where I was able to download the software.

virgwithaquesti · Answer

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320549

I'm having the same problem... won't scan.. will print, will copy. I get a "usbscan.sys" file missing. The link above is Microsoft's Hotfix, but you have to call in for the hotfix. I'm going to email them tonight to see where I get with this issue. Ideas?

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Problem with Dell and HP scanner

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