Can't Install Epson Scanner Along Side HP

[mccoady]

I got a new Epson 3490 scanner for Xmas and after spending 2 hours on the phone with Epson tech we finally came to the conclusion that it was having a conflict with some other software on my computer. I also have a Canon ip5000 printer and a HP PSC2175 (printer, scanner, copier) so he assumed it was probably the HP as he said they sometimes like to be the dominent one installed and also said Epsons didn't always coincide with other brands. He said it sometimes causes conflicts when you try to have two scanners installed which could be the main reason for my problem. I use the HP frequently as a second printer but have never liked the scanner portion thus my wanting something different.

After hanging up with the Epson tech I have confirmed there was a conflict, I uninstalled both, then installed the Epson, then tried to install the HP but it wouldn't install. So now I uninstalled the Epson and then reinstalled the HP and everything went fine. And I should have mentioned earlier that the Epson wouldn't install right with the HP already installed. Also I should state that the Epson tech (second level) tried everything having me mess with the Registry, etc.

So now the Epson goes back to Best Buy because I need the HP as a second printer. My question though does anyone think another scanner like a Canon would work along side of my HP or do you think my whole problem from the beginning was trying to run two scanners?

[spiffy]

Have you considered just getting a second dedicated printer? I personally never loved multi-function machines -- sort of that jack of all trades, master of none thing.

(Or is there any way for the HP to install just the printer part of the unit? If the TWAIN driver is not installed, there won't be a conflict...)

But I'd be interested to know your results if you ended up getting a different scanner -- I just bought an Epson 3490 recently too -- one and a half weeks later, I'm still not sure if I like it enough to keep it. It's noisy, and I cannot descreen if I scan at a resolution higher than 600 dpi -- that's almost a deal breaker for me. But I can't seem to find a scanner reviewed better than this Epson at this price point...

[mccoady]

Well I have learned my lesson as far as all-in-one units because I would never buy another one for just the problem I'm having. You may be right that if you could install the HP without the Twain driver the Epson might work but that is certainly over my head. Just a note, the Epson tech had me drag the HP folder out of Twain_32 and the Epson still wouldn't work. I also failed to mention that while both the HP and Epson were installed the HP printer wouldn't print.

I also wasn't entirely sure I liked the Epson scanner but for me it was because of the noise not it's scanning ability (not sure what descreen means). I will say one thing, the scan the Epson made was much more detailed than what the HP can do. You're right that there doesn't seem to be any better scanners at this price point but if I was to try another scanner it would be the Canon 8400F which is about $130 shipped from newegg I about bought this in the first place, but it's rather large.

So I guess I'll just live with the HP scanner until the printer quits then I will buy both a second printer and another scanner. If I could be guaranteed the Canon would work along side of my HP I would go ahead and get it but I don't think anyone can unfortunately.

[spiffy]

Someone else reading can probably explain descreening better than I; but basically it's to get rid of the weird patterns you often see when scanning printed materials like magazine pictures and such; it's extremely important when scanning media labels in my opinion.

There is also a possibility that it's the Epson driver that's causing the problem -- during my research I read somewhere that Epson drivers are notorious in causing conflicts with non-Epson peripherals, although I did not experience this myself.

You are also correct about the 3490 being very noisy -- I don't know why this is never brought up by reviewers -- I'm not sure if I can live with it either.

I'm afraid I won't be able to help you as far as making it co-existing happily with the HP multi-function; but I think you have two options: get another HP scanner, perhaps there will be fewer conflicts if any; or get your money back from Best Buy (I know they don't carry Canon), and buy a Canon multi-function, that way You'll have two Canon printers and a scanner that will not be in conflict... (I have a HP laser printer and a Canon IP4000 from Europe myself.)

I was looking at the Canon 8400F also; I asked about descreening specs in another thread, but didn't receive any responses. I may just box up this Epson tomorrow and try the Canon out.

[mccoady]

Yes the Epson tech specifically said Epson peripherals did not like to be run on the same system as other brands, had I known this I certainly wouldn't have bought it. I'm pretty sure another HP scanner would probably work along side of my all-in-one but I don't particularly want one. It's also very possible a Canon scanner would work but since I can't seem to find one locally it's kind of a gamble in case I had to buy one on-line and then had to ship it back.

If you go ahead and buy the Canon 8400 I sure would be interested in what you thought of it so please post back.