Computer can't communicate with Epson Perfection 4490 Photo scanner

I have two computers -- HP laptop and HP desktop, both are new within last
six months, both running WinXP with latest updates (replacements for
computers lost in Hurricane Katrina).

5-6 months ago I purchased an Epson Perfection 4490 Photo scanner. The
scanner works perfectly on the laptop but will not work with the desktop.

The scanner software installs normally on the desktop, the computer senses
the scanner as new hardware and installs it. When I start the software, it
acts normal until I tell it to scan then I get an error box "Unable to
communicate with scanner." It then tells me to check my USB connection.

I have gone through all the usual steps several times -- uninstalled
software; deleted the scanner using device manager; downloaded latest
software and drivers from Epson; USB cable is connected, power is on. When
I plug the scanner's USB cable into the laptop, works perfectly. Plug it
into the desktop, computer cannot communicate with the scanner. Device
manager says everything is working properly.

I have the scanner plugged into a USB port on the desktop -- is it possible
that I need to plug it into a powered USB hub -- but the scanner has its own
power supply and the laptop has no problem with the scanner.

Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

 

Well, I guess it's off to HP warranty service.

I have tried connecting using the USB connector on the front panel of the
computer and on the rear.

I have changed USB cables.

When I go to Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager >Imaging
Devices I see the scanner, right click, Properties, and the box tells me
it's working properly.

I have other USB devices working from this computer -- a photo printer, an
external floppy drive, and a cable to my digital heart rate monitor.

I removed the Epson scanner and hooked up a brand new HP scanner -- setup
went smoothly, same result -- computer does not seem to be communicating
with the scanner.

I am going to try one more thing -- I have an unused USB 2.0 7-port hub.
I'm going to plug it into the USB port where the photo printer is connected
because I know that port works, then, will see if the scanner will work
through the hub.

 

Yes. And when I click on Properties, it tells me the device is working
properly.

I use the Epson software. I don't understand "TWAIN" -- Mark is the only
Twain I know anything about.

Both -- tried front panel and back of computer USB ports.

Yes and yes. Same results -- Computer unable to communicate with scanner.

As indicated in another post, I removed the Epson scanner and tried an HP
scanner -- same thing -- installation went smoothly, the device is
recognized, but computer can't communicate with it. All other USB devices
work perfectly.

 

Is it possible that your reading comprehension is not what it ought to be?

If you had read the original post, you would find that I have two
computers -- a laptop and a desktop.

I ran the setup CD that came with the scanner.

The scanner works perfectly with the laptop.

With the desktop, the scanner installation ran normally but when I try to
scan from the desktop computer, I get a message that the computer is not
able to communicate with the scanner.

A careful reading of my posts on this matter would reveal that I am having
the same problem with two scanners -- and Epson and an HP -- both new,
current models. Each scanner sets up normally with its setup CD, each
scanner works on the laptop, neither scanner works with the desktop, in each
case I get the same message -- computer cannot communicate with the scanner.
Laptop and desktop are both new with last six months.

Thanks for you assistance.

 

This gets stranger and stranger.

I left the desktop computer turned on while running errands, cleaning house,
and the like. Came back and found a box opened on the computer -- whenever
a new USB device is connected, a box pops up and says something like "New
hardware connected" then the computer searches for hardware and driver and a
new box pops up that says something like "Your new hardware has been
installed and is ready to use."

During the installation process, I was told to power on the scanner but DO
NOT connect the USB cable until told. I did that -- the usual "new hardware
detected" boxes popped up and installation continued. The scanner would not
work.

So -- I was passing by the computer a couple of hours ago I noticed a box
had appeared that said "One of the USB devices connected to your computer
has a problem. Click here for suggested solutions." I clicked and in the
upper left corner of the screen a new box appeared titled "Autoplay" -- an
icon that looks like a flashlight searched around the box and numbers rolled
by 1,2,3,4, etc, etc. This went on and on so I left it alone -- it ran for
at least ten minutes.

Came back an hour later to find a notice that said "Your new hardware is
installed and ready to use. You must restart your computer." I rebooted
and tried the scanner and it works fine.

God only knows. Let's see if it works tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I'm going to save this thread -- a lot of useful comments in
here.

Thanks to all.

 

Well, scratch that -- our joy was short-lived. I turned the computer off
then rebooted -- now the scanner is not working.

Yes --
-- scanner is connected
-- other USB devices are connected and working properly
-- I have changed cables and USB connectors
-- NOT using a hub
-- scanner shows in Device Manager and is reported as working properly

I'm going to fiddle around with the BIOS and check HP website for updates to
their USB drivers.

 

I came late to this discussion, so I don't know if anyone mentioned:

Are there any other USB devices running when you try to use the
scanner? If so, that's your problem. You can't have other USB devices
accessing the computer when scanning via a USB connection.