Getting a scanner working

[Genie]

I have an Epson 1650 Scanner, and an old Dell Dimension PC.

The scanner has been out of use for a while, because the PC I used it on before broke down, so to speak.

I have tried everything to get the scanner working, but no joy.

It switches on ok, but each time I try to scan to file I get the message

"Unable to access the scanner because it is not ready or another application is using it. Please make sure that the scanner is on and connected to your computer, or close all scanning applications."

I have spent a joyful day reinstalling Windows, reinstalling the scanner software (3 times I think), reinstalling my net software (not directly relevant to the scanner but net connection would not complete after reinstalling Windows), downloading Twain drivers (2 or 3 times).

NB where relevant I did uninstall before reinstalling.

Downloaded what was supposed to be a ubsbcan.sys file from Driver Guide, but should I be suspicious...? It's come through as a hidden file, and call me a fool, but my Norton antivirus might have a file missing from all these installations, did get a message, but I'm fed up with all the installing and deinstalling, giving me a headache!

I run Win 98, the pc is secondhand, but I cleared out any unneeded software anything suspicious looking, and I've used Norton, Ad aware and Spybot to 'clean it up' since I got it. Since then I have regularly scanned it with Norton.

I accept it is possible that the pc is old and perhaps will never be able to handle the scanner. Can't afford a new pc at present, and see no need to pay out money to get this pc reconditioned or anything (would wait til another time to use the scanner when I get a better pc sometime), so any assistance or links to a trustworthy / successful IT forum appreciated.

[mart]

Is your connection via USB. I had a lot of probs. with my Epson scanner even after it was installed and running. I now use the old cable connection not the USB.

Mart

[Genie]

Thanks Mart.

I forgot to mention that, it is connection to USB.

I seem to remember from the distant past, that maybe an adaptor can be fitted to a USB plug?

If that is true, what sort of adaptor, and where would I connect the scanner to instead?

[mart]

Does the scanner have another connection input? I can't remember what they're called but they are multi-pin.

Mart

[Genie]

There's another socket that says 'Option' but that's got a lead which goes to the lid plugged into it.

So no, I guess.

[MisterC]

Parallel Port connections, generally problem free, but slow as watching paint dry.

[Genie]

For that to work, assuming I can find a 'parallel port' on my pc, would I have to get some sort of adaptor to connect the USB plug from the scanner...does such an adaptor exist?

Any feedback on this, thanks, I'll have to get back to / thank anyone tomorrow, as it's getting late.

Thanks for the help so far Mister C and mart.

[Red vee]

[mart]

Don't think you can "change" a USB connection like that.
I agree that its slower but unless you are into bulk printing I don't care.

Mart

[Genie]

Thanks Red vee, but yes tried Epson.

Interestingly, although they have drivers on their site, elsewhere, the 1650 is not mentioned in their scanner list, which suggests they might consider it an old scanner which they do not need to support anymore...(also the fact the scanner is a few years old, and the pc even more so is the reason I didn't ring them, something told me...from a previous experience with other 'support', I'd be told to get loads of updated software, then try...).

So mart, sounds like I have to use a USB connection?