Scanner problem with W2K

[IronCatt]

I have a repeat of an old problem.

The first Canon scanner I bought some time back refused to work. I checked under Scanners in Control Panel, and it was recognized, but listed as "Unavailable".

A call to Canon support brought no solution. Another call did, though. The clever person directed me to some part of Windows Services (we're talking Windows 2000 here) and told me to enable one particular service. I can't remember which, though.

Now I've replaced the old scanner with a multi-function colour printer/scanner, and the same thing has happened. Unfortunately, the bright person at Canon support seems to have left, and no one there can help me.

Anyone have any ideas? (I went through the services list, and nothing seems logical.)

[QuickSilver]

Did you install the software that came with the Multifunction unit?

Is the Print Spooler service running? Does it print but just not scan?

Is there a Multipass service listed? If I remember Canon MFD's install a specialized service.

[IronCatt]

Software installed, before connecting the unit, as per manual; software uninstalled and reinstalled.

The printer prints.

Don't recall anything about a Multipass service (I'm at work right now).

[sleemo]

I had, I think, the same thing happen to me when I was setting up a Canon printer/scanner for someone. I don't remember if the device manager said "unavailable" or "unknown". But when I plugged the USB directly into the computer I got this error. It was resolved when I connected it via a USB hub.

[IronCatt]

That was a good thought, but nope, no change.

The unit (MP510) is recognized by Windows, but "unavailable".

And there's no mention of Multipass in the Windows Services list.

Most curious.

[hugh]

Are you sure you have the right drivers since its W2K?

Have you gone into device manager and seen if its working or whether it has a question mark on it?

[IronCatt]

Windows recognizes that I have a a Canon MP510, Caere Scan Manager (that comes with it) says I have a Canon MP510, the twain drivers appear to be installed. The drivers appear to be correct, as the printer works. Sigh.

[Jake]

Does your PC have USB1 and USB2? If it is like my older motherboard there was a mixture. Try another port. W2K will reinstall the drivers. Also, make sure your motherboard drivers are up to date.

Lastly, during boot check out your BIOS settings. I seem to recall a few options for USB compatibility in older BIOSs.

[IronCatt]

All good advice. However, I feel I ought to repeat some of the original posting. This is EXACTLY the same problem I had when installing my first Canon scanner. I suspect that uninstalling the drivers for that did something.

That first problem was solved on the advice of a Canon technician by doing something in Windows Services.

[QuickSilver]

Sort your services by Startup Type. Check the ones that are set to Automatic and see which ones are not started.

I checked my Windows 2000 machine and cannot find any services that reference anything to do with scanners.

Have you checked the Event Viewer?

[Jake]

Sorry I meant to add a bit more information after thinking about your problem. I am pretty sure the problem is with your TWAIN drivers. If you google twain canon scanner unavailable you will see others with the same situation and the TWAIN driver update fixed their problem. There may be older, 3rd party, or generic drivers you can try if the latest Canon ones are buggy.

[IronCatt]

That's the tricky bit Quicksilver: there is no direct reference. If only I could remember what it was.....

I'll have to try the tedious process of turning on each service, one by one. Sigh. But thanks.

[JohnnyG]

I recently downloaded and tried to install scanner drivers for an older CanoScan 630U that I have. The drivers would keep failing to install, telling me that some service wasn't allowing it. I worked on this problem for a few days before I stumbled across a driver version newer than the one I downloaded from Canon's web site, so I went back to Canon's site to investigate. They had mixed up the Windows 98 driver with the Windows XP driver! Once I download the "98" driver, all worked perfectly.

So, I have to add my voice to those suggesting you make 100% certain that you have the correct driver package for your version of Windows.

[IronCatt]

Thanks Jake, thanks Johnny. That now becomes the next thing to try when I get home.

[Jake]

The probable fix for his problem is for him to go to his Control Panel, click on Administrative Tools, click on Services and see if Still Image Service is started. If it's not, just click on it, then click on the play icon at the top.

Tada!