Windows 7 - How do you keep USB devices active in Win 7?

I use XP mode for my scanner because there are no drivers available for Windows 7.

The thing I find annoying though is if I want to use my scanner I have to go into XP mode then select the USB tab at the top of the page. Once the scanner has been detected I then have to go back into the normal Windows 7 mode and then select the scanner and close the virtual machine.

Is there no way I can keep the USB link active in my normal OS so I don't have to keep doing this?

Have you tried installing your scanner in XP compatibility mode?? How to Run a Program in Compatibility Mode in Windows 7

I have tried to use that compatability tool, but it doesn't seem to work with hardware drivers.

I have tried to download the XP driver from the Epson home page, then I said to run in XP compatability mode which didn't work. So I then right clicked on the desktop icon and said to run in XP mode and it didn't run again.

What scanner are you using???

You can check this post... Epson Perfection 1640SU - Driver Problem

Your other option is to try Vuescan from Hamrick if you can't find a driver for the scanner, though the cost of the software/driver will be $40. However you could try the trial version first.

It is a multifunction inkjet and has the scanner built in, it's an Epson Stylus photo RX685.

They have released a driver for the printer but not for the scanner, and thats why I having to go into XP mode to get it working, which is a right pain.

Hmmm.... that's kind of odd; and it doesn't make sense

Have you tried calling Epson, they're fairly good on their tech support.

Edit: You "could" give the RX680 drivers a try. This seems to be the "American" version.... Epson Stylus Photo RX680, Drivers & Downloads - Technical Support - Epson America, Inc. It can't hurt. There you'll find the scanner drivers (twain) as well.

Let me know.

I did contact Epson support but it's not actually Epson themselves that provide the support, it's contracted out to someone else. I went they in the end said that Epson didn't and aren't going to release a driver that is compatable with Windows 7 x64.

OK. Did you "try" the other drivers I suggested?

Yes I have and it done sweet FA