My computer doesn't recognize my scanner, and I don't know if it's something about settings/configuration/software, or maybe my scanner's broken down.
I have a desktop running Windows 98, and a laptop running Windows XP.
My scanner, a HP Scanjet 4200C, was working OK with my desktop, and at some point stopped working. I don't know exactly what happened, because I was abroad when that happened. I only know that the person who was using my desktop couldn't make the scanner work anymore. When I checked my computer several weeks later, I couldn't make it work either. I checked the usual stuff (USB ports, AC power, re-installing drivers and software, etc, etc). I downloaded the latest drivers and software from www.hp.com. No luck. Same problem. Finally, I formatted my hard disk and re-installed everything again. No luck. Same problem.
Now I tried with my laptop, running Windows XP. I couldn't install the original software from the CD that came with the scanner (not compatible with Windows XP), so I downloaded the latest version from www.hp.com (sj655en, 34.7 MB) and installed it. Then I plugged my scanner and... same problem!!!
The problem is exactly the same in both cases (desktop w/Win 98 and laptop w/Win XP). Software and drivers are installed OK. When I plug the scanner (USB connection), the system detects new hardware and recongnize it. When I go to control panel - System - Hardware - Device Manager, I can see the scanner, it doesn't have any ! or ? sign, and when I click on it and see the details, it says that the scanner is working properly. And when I click on Drivers, they're there, and it seems they're recognized.
If I check Control Panel - Scanners and Cameras, my scanner is there.
But if I click on that link, or if I enter the HP PrecisionScan LT software, I get the message that I don't have any scanner connected to the computer, or the system can't detect it, etc, etc
It's not the USB connection/port, because I tried with different cables and ports, and in those ports I use other USB devices with no problem.
It's not the AC power either, because the scanner lamp is green.
When I start the computer, the scanner makes the usual "funny" noise.
Any suggestions? Snif. Snif.
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Lily, yo tengo exactamente el mismo problema, desde hace varios meses. No obtuve ninguna ayuda exitosa ni del soporte t??cnico de HP, ni del foro. Pero no pierdo las esperanzas y sigo esperando alguna respuesta que me ayude a hacer funcionar mi scanjet 4200c en windows xp. Tambi??n prob?? en windows ME de otra computadora y nada. Todos los mensajes iguales a los tuyos.
Por favor, avisame si tienes alguna soluci??n.
Normally, there is no reason but mechanic that any piece of hardware stops functionning abruptly (however nobody knows with windows). Therefore recommend that you first approach the retailer or manufacturer and ask for a check up, including the cable and connectors. Especially if the warranty is still valid.
Please report on their findings prior to exploring other tracks (afer all the scanner was working fine up to now wasn't it?).
This is so strange because I have been on this computer for hours & hours tonight deciding I would not give up on my scanner.I have had the exact same problem. But mine has done it several times. The other times it just suddenly started to work again, but this time,no luck. I also have a scanjet 4200C. Does your scanner occasionaly sound almost like it's stuttering? It says it is there, then when I want to use it , it can't find it. Also the lamp is green until I push the button. Then it turns orange until I unplug it and plug it back in again. Everywhere I look in the computer it says it is there. But when I want to use it no reaction at all.If I try to look under the scanners properties it usualy just locks up that whole window. Anyway, wanted to let you know you are definitaly not alone in this battle. I hope some one is listening out there!!
I also am having the same problem with our windows 98 and windows 2000 computers. I did download the patch to shut the light off and that works now but the computer does not see the scanner when I try scanning. I only get a lot of clicking noises.
So my thought is, could the lock be stuck? Since it seemed to work fine until we started moving it between computers (more than once)? I have switched it back and forth several times with no change.
I am having the same problem and nothing I do can fix it. I have gone through all the same steps you have Lily, to no avail. I did some other searches for the problem and basically the responses that I get are that this model scanner, while affordable to most users, is a "piece of garbage".
I also thought it was my lock, since when I boot, the light bar just bumps and bumbs and bumps. Since I am under the impression that I have exhausted all of my other resources, my next to last option is to open the machine, see if something is dislogged, and see if that helps anything. The last option is to take into a field with a baseball bat and have some fun with it. Then run down to the store and buy a different model.
this model has done me good for at least two years now. Maybe it is time to upgrade.
I have the same problem with my 4200C scanner. I have found one workaround you may be able to try. First check if you have a process running in Windows task manger named HPLampc.exe. This is a lamp saving utility. If this is running the other HP scanning software cannot access the scanner. If this is running select it and "End Process". Then try your HP software again. If you use your scanner a lot you can probably get rid of this utility. Otherwise it is a pain to be lived with if you have to kill HPlampc.exe every time you use the scanner.
Try it and good luck. Let me know if it works.
Tim
I have the 4200c and also have the same problem. I had this problem before and managed to fix it but can't remember of con't find the patch that fixed it.
Dan,
Me too. Long time ago, it got solved after formatting my hard disk and re-installing everything. That's why I tried that after everything else failed. But this time didn't work. Sigh.
I can't tell you how many hours I have wasted trying to get the scanjet 4200c to work on both win98 and XP systems. I have the very same problem you all have described with very similar failed attempts at solving the problem.
When I searched the forum and other places on the internet I found the same problem come up over and over. No solution that works for this particular (what sounds like a hardware) problem. Not just a hardware problem, but the SAME hardware problem for a lot of owners, and HP has not been forthcoming in following up on this AS a hardware problem with a definite solution (either, "gee, we are aware of this and you must send it in for repair," or "gee, the 4200c was designed to be replaced after 2 years of use, so buy a new scanner and stop wasting your time trying to fix the software/configuration").
I am very disappointed. I did want to avoid having to buy a new scanner right now. I think I would like to buy my hardware from a manufacturer that does not seem to depend on "planned obsolescence" for sales - or at least will tell me that I will have a piece of junk after 2 years. I really don't know who that would be, but if you do please share. If I find out, I will post again (if allowed).
I really appreciate the time you all (who have responded in this forum) have taken to share your symptoms, strategies and frustrations. This, at least, is very helpful in figuring out what to do next.
I just had the same problem: after installing the HP software for Windows XP obtained from the customer service, the scanner would work (the software starts up when you press a button on the scanner) but I got an error message saying that I don't have any scanner connected to the computer, or the system can't detect it.
So I restarted my computer with the scanner on and connected in USB, and it then worked.
Otherwise I could scan a document using Accessories / Scanner and Camera Wizard.
Anyway, I hope that you could solve the problem in the meantime.
Didn't find a definitive explanation yet, but it seems that USB-connected scanners and...modems have the same intermitent problem. Common remedy is: disconnect, restart and connect again.
Personally, I'd suspect that such devices are too demanding for the weak power that some USB ports can deliver.
You can also try updating your usb chipset drivers. Another thing that sometimes works in this case is a bios upgrade.
There are known problems with the SIS 7001 usb chipset, if you have one, check www.usbman.com, you might find some usefull information there.
(Hi Jorgos, I just shortened the URL so that the thread width is kept normal. Thks and rgds, Angela)
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