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I have an Epson 1660 Photo scanner that was working perfectly up to a little while ago. Suddenly I'm getting the message that the scan can't be performed since Smart Panel is being used by another program, or else my scanner isn't properly connected to my computer. Make sure . . . blah, blah, blah . . .

Well, the scanner is connected into my computer properly, and Smart Panel isn't being used by any other program that I know of. Nothing else is running by me, that would be using it.

In investigating this problem, I discovered that my computer apparently stopped recognizing the fact the scanner was plugged in. It no longer shows up in the device manager. I tried uninstalling the software and reinstalling -- three or four times. No go.

I had some trouble with my PS2 mouse's PS2 connection being loose, so I took it off and tried the mouse as a usb device -- and it worked, except whenever the scanner was plugged in beside it. The mouse would freeze. The keyboard will freeze if the scanner is plugged in just below it.

I went back to using the mouse as a PS2 device, thinking that was my problem with the scanner. But nothing's changed. The computer isn't seeing it.

Is this more likely a motherboard issue? If so, I'll have to just limp along until next week when I'll have all the components for my new system.

I've contacted Epson about it, but from past experience, I know it'll be two or three days before I hear back. Figure I'll get faster and better help right here.

You guys rock!

NeenahDee

Have you already tried to install some new drivers?

Hey ND, what connection does the scanner have to the PC ?

It's connected USB to the extra hub I had added at the time I upgraded to the present MSI motherboard. Two slots just aren't enough--well, really, for me, four isn't!

If I plug the scanner into the slots directly connected to the mb, my mouse and/or keyboard won't work, depending on which slot I use. My printer is USB as well, and likes the upper slots best, but it doesn't seem to interfer with the mouse or keyboard.

As I say, I wasn't having a problem until maybe three weeks ago.

The drivers on the Epson site say they're from 2002. But I did the driver thing, anyway, and nothing corrected itself. Which if the scanner isn't being recognized in the first place, I don't know how it could.

I uninstalled all the software, and would have removed the scanner from the divice manager -- if it was there to remove. Rebooted, reinstalled all the software, shut down, plugged in the cord, and started it up. But the computer didn't find any new hardware. Doesn't make a difference whether I shut down or not, which since it's USB, I'm not supposed to need to -- no new hardware is found.

I was going to try a new cord, but the cord in the scanner doesn't seem to be removable. Or else I'm too afraid that that's the case, and I don't want to yank too hard on it.

Figures . . . I really need my scanner! :cry:

I don't know if it helps you to know that there are issues with the zip drive and a multimedia audio controller as well. I simply removed the zip drive for now. The multimedia audio controller is listed under Other Devices, and I'm told that no drivers are loaded for it. I know there are drivers loaded for the Sound Blaster card. Two different issues? I have no idea what multimedia audio controller it's talking about -- something onboard?

I think that covers it. In case you need something to stay awake whilst you puzzle it out, here's a good cup of :coffee2: for you!

NeenahDee

Yum, thanks

Did you try removing all of the USB ports in System Manager? Uninstall them all and let Windows re-detect them fresh. This is usually a great way to fix this type of prob.

Nope, didn't do that. Didn't occur to me to. So, I just go into the device manager, remove them, shut down, and reboot?

Yup, let Windows re-install everything upon re-boot.