Epson 4870 scanner cannot be started

Windows Version 10.0.18363 Build 18363
"Scanner cannot be started."
I looked in Device Manager. The scanner icon has an exclamation mark on it. Inside, it says that it has not been configured correctly. (Code 1)
The scanner working fine not too long ago. But suddenly it developed this problem. I uninstalled the scanner with drivers, and installed the software again and again, to no avail.
I tried it on my wife's windows 7 computer and it ran fine. On my computer, i ran it in Windows compatibility mode as an administrator. I tried all possible combinations. Nothing helped.
I would appreciate help in solving this problem

 

Did you go to the scanner makers site to get drivers suitable for W10?
Have you tried Windows Update for the drivers?

 

Yes, and I have also tried to update driver through the Device manager and that's where it (automatic update) says windows encountered a problem installing the driver. Look in the support section of the driver at the manufacturer's website, but there isn't any (except driver downloads for windows 10). The same result when I tried to pick from the device drivers from my computer.

After I posted the previous post, I thought of a possibility: there is an HP Officejet 6958 (which includes a scanner) on my computer which is functioning. I have been wondering if, for some reason, it has been conflicting with this software. The only way to find out is to uninstall both devices and try installing one at a time, which what I will do today.

Another possibility is that there have been windows 10 updates recently and one of them might have caused the problem. Again I will have to uninstall the devices and reinstall them one at a time and see the result. I will post the result later today. Meanwhile, if have any further suggestions, I would appreciate them.

 

Let's wait till you report back after your Re-installs.

 

I have done the above procedure with the same results: I uninstalled both scanners and installed the Epson first and it didn't start. Now I am struggling to install the HP printer/scanner.

 

I have used HP printers for a number of years and if you allow HP to Discover your Printer, the latest drivers will be installed for you. I'm not sure how Epsom do it but if the printer/s are prior to 2015 there might be a problem with getting updated drivers suitable for W10.
The bottom line may be a Clean install of Windows.
I would run MalwareBytes to see if there are any 'bugs' and then run ADW cleaner to really get rid of any parasites before doing a W10 Clean install.
Just found this with a Google:
https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/solved-epson-scanner-not-working-on-windows-10/
Have a look and see if this is any help.

 

Thanks for the link. I will follow it and post the results in a day or two. It looks promising.

 

I have tried the drivereasy. It only updates the current drivers and it says the driver for Epson is up-to-date. It's mostly a sales pitch. I did run MalwareBytes. No problems there. I am reluctant to do a W10 clean install, because that would involve reinstalling all the rest of my software (or losing some) and endless updates of Windows. I would rather stick to HP printer/scanner which is working now. Thanks for your help.

 

Yes, I have tried to Vuescan. And wrote to the Shamrock when I found the software didn't find the scanner. He suggested changing usb port or cable and all that, which I already did.