Windows 7: Cannot communicate with the scanner

Hi all


I have just purchased an Epsom SX130

When selecting Epson Scan, I get the following error message:

'Cannot communicate with the scanner'

I have turned the printer off and back on again. Removed the power lead and plugged back in.

I have removed the USB lead and tried it in other ports, without hubs. I have also tried a brand new USB lead.

If I use PaintShop Pro X2 and select Import > Twain Acquire > I get the same message plus another message - 'No scanner Found', but if I select Twain source, I get the 'EPSON NX130/SX130/TX130/ME 340.

I can use the printer and copy functions with no problems, so, I am
assuming it may be something to do with the OS - Win 7 32 bit as I have tried using WIA and get the same results.

I have tried 2 other printers and am getting the same or similar reactions.

Is this a Windows problem and if so, is there a solution.

Back in November, I installed a new HDD and Win 7 Home Premium.

Thanks.

Some scanners require that you open ports in the Firewall.
Have you tried temporarily disabling the Windows firewall?

Hi pb

Yep Have configured the firewall to accept the scanner. I have a feeling, after much chopping and changing, that the problem may have something to do with the USB connections, though I have now tried three leads and three printers. I have just reinstalled the software. It's also strange that the computer can send data to the printer, the copier scans and prints out, so, WHY can't the scanner scan to PC?

I will try anything to get this sorted.

Ken

Hi Stokkers
I have exactly the same problem with my Canon MP760 which I have been using successfully as both a printer and scanner for 6 months but last week recognition of the scanner funtion stopped after a MS update of my various programs. At the same time the Devices windows opened as a blank but the solution to that was on this forum by configuring Bluetooth to Auto.
When I open Paperport a message comes up saying the scanner is not attached but if I go to print I can print to the MP760.
There probably is a similar solution as with Bluetooth if I can find it.
Any ideas would be appreciated

The USB cable would be my suspect.

I used to receive such messages either while printing or scanning, simply because the USB cable wasn't firmly in place (or a little bent). Just straighten things out, move it around a bit, and voila! the device is detected again and the scanning/printing resumes.

One way of avoiding such problems is to get a sturdy, good quality Printer USB cable.

Hi Reviversoft
I have tried another USB cable which makes no difference and tried the MP760 on my P4 running XP Pro where it works fine.
There must be a MS glitch in the update or a reset somewhere waiting to be found.
Cheers

Hi Stokkers
I found the problem in Administrative Tools/Component services/Services (local) where UPnP had been disabled, enabling it to start solved the problem and the scanner was connected.

Try It

I am having a similar problem, but I have two scanners - a Canon dedicated flatbed and an Epson all-in-one. Both were working fine back in June. Somewhere between the middle of June and the 7th of July (2012) they both stopped working - as did my DVD burner.

Windows had done several critical updates and now neither scanner will work (the DVD I got working again).

I have uninstalled both scanners and reinstalled them separately. Both show up in Device Manager as working. The Epson Scan Setup utility shows the scanner as ready and the printer works (USB connection). However the Epson Scan driver - even called directly show the error "Cannot Communicate with the scanner". A very similar message shows up when trying to scan with the CanoScan.

I have been searching forums and trying everything I can, but to no avail. I don't know what changed, but it was definitely related to a Windows update - not addition of new hardware or software.

Also it cannot be the scanners themselves as they both were functional - not conflicting before this update. I had SP1 installed (Win7 Home Premium x64) prior to this update and everything was working smoothly. Now everything works but the scanners.

I have uninstalled both through Device Manager and through the Control Panel uninstall. I have allowed Windows to assign the drivers, and I have followed the original installation - all to no avail.

I have also tried direct connections and through the hub - no difference (the Epson is always direct connected) and the printer works fine, and I can perform a copy (scan and print) locally on the Epson.

Any help would be appreciated. This has me stumped (I did try the uPnP and it is enabled - also tried disabling).

I solved this issue with my Canon Pixma MP830 on Windows 7 as follows:

• On the Control Panel go to "Find and Fix Problems" under System and Security
• Next, under Programs select "Run Programs made for previous versions of Windows"
• A box will appear (Program Compatibility). Press the "Next." It will begin to detect programs that may have compatibility problems with windows 7.
• Scroll down and select MP Navigator 2.2 (or whatever scanning software came with your scanner), then select "Next"
• Select "Fix Using Recommended Settings". It will next prompt you to test their recommended setting by starting the program (in my case running through Windows XP service pack 2 settings). Select "start the Program"
• If the test works (as it did in my case) it will ask you to save the new settings. The problem is now resolved. I hope this helps.

It appears the issue is with the scanning image software (MP Navigator 2.2) and nothing with the scanner itself. Like many, my printer/scanner combo worked fine until an update earlier in the year. The printer worked fine, but the scanning function stopped working.

Sepuca thanks for the advice! I had a Fax program that after a Windows update did not pick up the correct Twain driver. After following your procedure I was able to scan from the fax program.