I have tried to install a Slide Scanner on my computer but I get the message that if I proceed it may damage my system. On the start of the installation it shows that the scanner is supported my Windows 2000 but doesn't mention XP.
I have updated the Slide Scanner drivers.
The scanner box says system requirements include W-98, 2000 and XP.
I contacted the manufacturer, they say: "That message comes up because of a licensing agreement fee that was not paid to Microsoft. I assure you, you're scanner will work and your system will not be damaged, if you just continue with the installation."
I'm thinking about returning the Slide Scanner.
Or take a chance on the installation in hope that System Restore will get me back to normal if there is a problem. I have never needed to run System Restore on my 2 year old Dell.
If the message you receive is referring to the fact that the driver has not passed Windows Compatibility testing, I'd say go ahead and install it. The product is from a reputable vendor and if worst comes to worst, a System Restore should remove any problems. I received a "Compatility Testing" warning on a couple of updated NVidia drivers several months ago.
That was the reason I wanted to try this cheap scanner... was to check the quality of scans. I'm aware there is much better quality of scanners at a higher price on the market. I have made a slide copier attachment for my Sony CD400 and it does very well but I have to spend a lot of time editing the image. I was hoping to find something faster but really didn't plan to spend big bucks.
When checking Setup.exe / Properties / Compatibility on the new driver it doesn't show that it is compatible with XP. But the support people says that is the latest drivers?
The original manufacturer is Pacific Image Electronics which has been around for a while. I assume you got the XP drivers on their site. My guess is that it would work fine, though there never is total certainty about any installation. Be sure to set a restore point prior to the installation. I'm not sure about the quality of the scans you will get, however. You might want to check for reviews of the scanner and compare them with the Minolta Dimage Scan Duall III film scanner, which is a bit more expensive, but gives nice scans. You can find many reviews of that product. Just Google it.
I would first try the Smartdisk driver, though it is older than the Pacific Image driver. Then try the Pacific Image software and see which one you like better. Both should work. The scanner was made by Pacific and sold under other brand names, in your case Amazon through Smartdisk. The only thing I could find as to driver compatability was the link below. The author of the message liked the Pacific Image software better than the Smartdisk and found no issues. You might want to drop Pacific Image an e-mail asking them if their drivers are compatible just for curiosity's sake. Good luck.
Thanks for your suggestion but I'm going to try some other things and then I will probably return this scanner. I been reading about the Minolta Scan Dual 111 and it seems to be a much better slide scanner for just another $100.
I email Pacific Image but guess they are closed on weekends.
I tried to install the new Pacific Image software but I can't get the Hardware Update Wizard to give me the OK option after I click on the folder location. See the screen shot.
jakeleg
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Posted December 19th, 2003 19:00