Resolved Epson Scanner- Communication problem

Windows 7 Pro, Epson Perfection 3490 USB Scanner

Scanner has worked flawlessly for years under XP and 7. I usually use Fastone Image Viewer's scan button which opens Epson Scan. Last week, I get this message "Cannot propertly communicate with scanner". Occassionally I can reboot to get a scan but usually to no benefit or just to get a preview scan, only to fail on the final scan.

I have tried 3 cables, cleaned the scanner USB port, moved the cable to different USB jacks on the computer... all to no benefit. I have also uninstalled (via Programs) and replaced the Epson Scan software to no benefit. Earlier today, I tried using the Epson Scan program (after having associated it with XP compatability), to no benefit. I again uninstalled it, but this time via Revo but to no benefit. It did work for for one scan and then back to "cannot... ".

A few minutes ago, I pressed the scan button on the front of the scanner (never have used it before), and it brought up a window with scanning options like Epson Scan, Scan and Windows Fax and Scan. Sure enough, if you use the two latter options, it scans flawlessly everytime. So, logic says Epson Scan is the issue. I prefer the Epson Scan program for scanning options.

I also noticed on the last scan (of a blank page) that there is a lot of little streaking dots on the scan and since the glass is clean, it must be some kind of noise??

Thanks, Lar

 

Have you managed to resolve this problem? How about contacting the service center?

 

No I haven't. I have just sent them an email with the scenario. Is Epson good about responding to Legacy product issues?? Thanks for your replies.

 

You don't say exactly how old your scanner is, so assuming it's more than 5 years old

I would replace it with a new one as service/repair costs can be more than a new scanner.

 

It is pretty old. I can get it to work with Windows Fax and Scan. I think the software issue is related to an MS update. We will see what Epson says. However, what about those little dark marks. They consist of dots to very short streaks that run parallel to the bulb? I will try a different cable to see if the current one is creating noise in the signal. If not, then maybe the electronics in the scanner are acting up?? Thanks.

 

Try looking at Epson I have the Epson Workforce WF 3640. It works with Win 10 also Win 7

 

After an hour on the phone with Epson, we could not fix the software issue. I told a friend about my stuation and he offered to me a practically new Perfection 4490. I installed it and it works great (uses a different Epson Scan version). So, the issue was not actually resolved, it was abandoned and I could not be any happier!! I wish I had some helpful pointers to add to the thread but nothing I did worked. Thanks for everyone's input. It is always appreciated!!!