Lately, whenever I start up my computer, my scanner starts making this strange noise-like it’s starting to scan something. Eventually, it stops before Windows comes up.
I didn’t think anything of it until now-I was trying to scan something and it wouldn’t. Nothing. The application comes up, I press start new scan-and nothing. It eventually comes up not responding.
The lights are on-the scanner lights-nothing there. So what gives?
It’s not a Canon by chance, is it? - my Canon scanner (which I hate) does a little dance at startup every time (other brands do too, probably).
It sounds like yours may have something wrong with it; you’ll have tried checking the cable and uninstalling/reinstalling the drivers presumably?
If that hasn’t worked and it’s out of warranty, then (sad to say) it’s probably a case of binning it and getting a new one, but if you can, try it on somebody else’s PC first, just to make sure it’s definitely the scanner that’s busted.
I keep mine turned off when starting. You can’t do that if you don’t have a power switch on yours.
You should give us the name of the scanner & what operating system you’re using.
I keep mine turned off when starting. You can’t do that if you don’t have a power switch on yours.
You should give us the name of the scanner & what operating system you’re using.
I have a USB scanner and it has been known to go nuts (like only scanning in blue). I “removed” it from the Device Manager (Windows ME) and unplugged it from its power supply, turned off the computer, and turned it back on again. The computer “found” the device and reloaded the controlling software and the problem was fixed.
Has the scanner been knocked around any? It could be physically damaged.
The assumption is it’s the scanner when it might just be a software error – I’m no expert but I would be tempted to reload the scanner software before anything else (uninstall/reinstall). After unplugging and banging the scanner around gently-ish, of course.
I have Windows ME
The scanner is a Hewlett Packard ScanJet 4300C. I’ll try reinstalling the software in the morning.
It has NEVER made that noise upon start up before. Never. Just as of the last week or so. It’s like a rreeerrrreeerrr…sort of motor noise…if that makes sense…
Mine does the same thing, it’s an HP 4200C under Win98. When it happens I just shake the scanner back and forth, and it stops. I used to think it had something to do with the “lock” being stuck (the thing you had to release when you first unpack the scanner from the box), but then I changed my mind, I don’t know what it is.
From HP.com:
" QUESTION: What should be done if the scanner makes a grinding sound when turned on, while scanning or stops at the bottom of the scanning bed and will not return to the home position?
ANSWER 1: Attempting to use the scanner in the locked position is a possible cause of the grinding noise. Refer to Answer 2 for instructions on unlocking the scanner. If the scanner is unlocked and still makes grinding noises, sounds like the belt is slipping, or stops at the bottom of the scanning bed, the scanner may require service. Please call Hewlett-Packard technical support to accurately diagnose the problem and obtain service."
AH, but look, Staples has a sale now:
Staples has the Visioneer OneTouch 5300 color scanner for a low $24.98 with no rebate!