Scan Results

I have a Plustech Optic Pro UT12 scanner and it's about 15 months aged. It's running from Windows 98SE via USB connection. Results have generally been quite good but lately, I cannot scan even a black and white photo at 100 or 150 resolution that the resulting image isn't `blotchy with a checkerboard-like pattern' little squares of about 1/16" square. They're like square over sized pixels.

Anybody here with the expertise to tell me how to overcome this problem? I cannot massage them with LView Pro or Adobe Photo Deluxe.

Oh yes, the glass scan surface is clean. The scanner sits on my large work table made of a 1 1/2" solid wood door [heavy brute]. Do you think the slight vibration of the printer sitting 5' away would be sufficient to knock the `laser' out of adjustment? If so, is the scanner worth being repaired? It was a top of the Plustech line when bought and includes scanning capability for slides and transparencies.

Thank you

 

Welt, You'll mostly have to help yourself. The first thing I'd recommend is uninstalling all the software that came with that beast and then going to Device Manager and removing all references to it. Then get out you install disk and treat it like you just bought it.

Also determine that your usb port is configured properly for this unit. (defaults normally work) Reinstalling would ordinarily take care of that but I mention it for your information. Maybe check it first.

If it installs without a glitch, then it's quite possible you have a hardware failure in the unit. That's not likely since this is a high quality piece of gear and moreover, scanners tend to be fairly robust.

Post back any results either way. Since it fairly new, you can probably get good guidance from the makers help line or site also.

ps, If running through a hub, try plugging it in direct to pc.

 

Thank you Zephyr.

Now I must recall all of your message. Know that I have uninstalled and reinstalled it several times doing so while the hardware was disconnected [doesn't seem to install well when the USB port is connected]. The connection is direct and not through a hub.

As for uninstall, I clean everything first using Add/Remove looking for shared files; using Explorer and finally clearing the Registry via Reg Edit.

Remember, too, this unit has been working fine from when new 'til less than two months back.

I thought is simply needed to be recalibrated but that hasn't helped. In addition to the pattern, the results now are very dark so I'm really leaning toward a hardware problem.

Are scanners worth repairing and can they be repaired if the laser has failed? This one handles slides and negs so it's not inexpensive.

I cannot find anything in the Plustek site and can't be bothered trying to contact them.

Oh yes, Device Manager says there's no hardware problem! The only thing I did not do re uninstall is to check Device Manager to remove the reference. I'll give the remove/reinstall one more shot although I would have thought that clearing out the registry references/keys would have been sufficient.

Thanks

 

When a need to try a re-install of hardware ( external & cards ) it is best to boot into the safe mode and remove the item in question from the device manager.

Then shut the machine down ( power off ) wait a few seconds and then re-start in the normal mode.

USB devices differ greatly in how they get installed. It depends on the device.

Some need the drivers installed and then plug in the device. ( the USB MiniCAM I had was this way )

Some need the system booted, the device plugged in and then the drivers loaded. ( My printer was this way )

Still others may need to be plugged in and then the system booted. ( my USB mouse was this way ) Win98 found it and installed the drivers for it.

BillyBob