Umax Astra 1220P scanner won't work anymore

I have a Umax scanner that worked fine before, but now it locks up the PC when I try to use the software that came with it. I even tried uninstalling the SW using Norton (the supplied software does NOT have an uninstall feature and does not appear in the windows add/remove programs, go figure), but when I reinstall the problem reoccurs. Here is the message I sent to Umax support describing the problem, but I haven't received any answer back from them.

>>> cut <<<
I am having a problem getting my scanner to work (used to work fine). I tried reinstalling the software but I even after rebooting, when I try to run the Presto-Pagemanager program, it opens up, but when I try to scan anything the computer locks up and I have to do a hard reboot. If I try again it locks up as before.

I even tried running the Prestopm.exe program right from Explorer, but THEN I get two error windows regarding a certain DLL that is not working and a device not attached (which cannot be the scanner as it is attached). I have attached a JPG with the two errors in question.

Also, I was going to try to uninstall the software then reinstall it, but there is NO way to uninstall (the program does not appear in the ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS option in windows and there are NO uninstall programs in the start menu option for Pagemanager or in the folder itself.

The main questions here are:
-Why does the program lockup the entire computer when run from the start menu?
-Why does the program bomb with the errors attached when run from explorer?
-HOW can I uninstall the software?

Most importantly:
-HOW do I fix this software so the scanner works again??
>>>end cut <<<

Thanks,

 

If you're using the software that came with the scanner, you'll have plenty of problems with it. You should download the driver from their website. The updated software is much better than what came on the CD.

I used to own the exact same scanner you have, so I know what I'm talking about. I'm now the proud owner of a firewire scanner.

 

Scanner sw

I tried downloading the new drivers but their site locks up my browser every time so I can't get it. Anywhere else I can get the software from?

Thanks

 

What version of Windows are you using?

 

Umax scanner sw

I downloaded the new drivers from the British site (North American site hangs) and installed them, but now it says it can't access/find my scanner? The physical connection looks fine and always worked before. I have contacted Umax Email support three times with no response (some support <grumble>).

Not sure what to do next (might have to try the scanner on a friend's PC).

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

Try unplugging the scanner from the computer and then uninstalling and reinstalling the software.