I have a scanner connected to my PC and in the past it has worked quite efficiently. However, recently the PC has begun to tell me that it is unable to access the scanner because another copy of the scanning program is open and to close one copy and try again. (more…)

When scanning newspaper text which I later intend to edit through Word, the results are not good. There are three options I can use: “Text and Graphic(s) as Image”, “Editable Text”, or “Editable Text with Graphic(s)”. The best results are generally obtained when using the last option. How can I improve the quality of text scans from newspapers? The computer is running Windows XP with a Hewlett Packard PSC 1200. (more…)

Since upgrading to Windows XP Professional the computer has problems between my printer (HP DeskJet 880C) and scanner (CanoScan FB320P). The scanner only operates if I have used the printer during the computer session. If I attempt to use the scanner after using the printer, the following message appears: ‘Parallel port may be used by another application: Error code 0×0060800′. This causes problems if I want to use the computer to scan and print documents (like a photocopier), as I must reboot the computer after each print-job so I can use the scanner. Interestingly enough, the printer works fine at all times. I have tried turning off the printer after the print-job, and installing the latest drivers for the scanner but these did not fix the problem. In the Canon Knowledge Base they suggested buying a USB cable and connecting the scanner to a USB port. Would this fix the problem? If all fails, I am inclined to replace both the printer and scanner, since they are quite old. Would you have any advice on good equipment for home-use? As I need to scan in book format, an ‘all in one’ machine won’t do, since it only scans A4. (more…)

Recently, I acquired a KTX 9600 UP parallel port scanner which did not come with any software. I’ve searched the internet, including specific sites for Windows device drivers, but have not been able to find the exact driver and scanning software for this scanner. I’m using Windows 95 B. Also, can I use a normal parallel cable (such as a printer cable) or do parallel port scanners need a special cable? When I physically plugged in the scanner the computer didn’t seem to recognise it at all. Do I need to have drivers installed first? (more…)

My Canoscan N670U scanner is not working. When I attempt to use the scanner a message appears saying that I need to get a TWAIN driver. The computer is running Windows 98. Do you know where I can find a TWAIN driver? (more…)