Windows 7 - Scanners

I have an Epson Perfection 2480 Photo scanner which is a top loading scanner which is about 5 or 6 years old and is a great scanner. However they only have drivers for Windows 7 32 bit and I have a 64 bit computer. I am going to re install Windows 7 onto a SSD drive from scratch so I'm wondering if I should just install Windows 7 32 bit so I don't have to buy another scanner. I don't scan pictures just documents or buy another scanner that supports the Windows 7 64 bit? I don't like the scanners that swing open from the side just the ones that open straight up. If I buy another scanner I will not pay over $100 for one because I don't do anything but scan documents. I'm not sure what to do so I thought I would get some suggestions.

If it's 6 years old it must have XP drivers. See if it may work in XPMode. You can look in Virtualization forum for tips how to set it up.

http://www.sevenforums.com/virtualization/

I would get a 3 in 1 printer (print, copy, scan). They start as low as $60. Canon would be my recommendation. Look for one with individual cartridges - not where you have 3 colors in 1 cartridge.

Installing Windows 7 x86 in a dual-boot setup may seem like overkill, but your scanner will then work OK.

As MilesAhead suggests, Virtual PC and XP Mode may be another solution for you.

It does seem a shame to ditch a perfectly good scanner so I'd certainly consider either of these two options.

Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup

As MilesAhead suggests, Virtual PC and XP Mode may be another solution for you.

It does seem a shame to ditch a perfectly good scanner so I'd certainly consider either of these two options.

Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the website which I bookmark. I will try this before I buy another scanner but after I load my SSD drive. This is something I will try and maybe it will help me play some newer games. Thanks

One solution: VueScan software from Hamrick. The Perfection 2480 is supposed to be supported:

Epson Perfection 2480 Scanner Driver and Software

There's a free trial version you could use to see whether it works.

(The "standard" edition is $40US, and the "pro" version is $80.)

I'm not sure whether you could use the VueScan drivers for free with third-party software, but it's possible.

I used a free third-party driver which leaves marks across your scanned documents and why buy the drivers when you can buy a new scanner for the same money. It would be a good idea if I own a very expensive scanner but all I do is scan my documents. Thanks for the thought.

Hi. Did the ideas suggested within the other posts work? Such as the Windows 7 with Windows XP mode? In order for me to do this I am wondering if it worth upgrading Windows 7 to the Professional version. I also have the Epson 2480 with auto feeder for photo scanning and just got it. I also just had a new PC made with Win 7 64 bit. Unfortunately I can't find drivers for it. Any guidance would be appreciated!

According to this link, the only 64-bit software available for the Epson 2480 is an update to the ICM Colour Profile Module, which seems rather bizarre given there are no 64-bit drivers available for your scanner.

Epson Perfection 2480 Photo, Drivers & Downloads - Technical Support - Epson America, Inc.