It has been my experience that Windows 95 could be part of the problem, so
don't dismiss Windows entirely. Frankly, Windows 95 is not as good as Bill
Gates would like you to believe.
However, let's try to fix the problem. I assume (you didn't state) that
both scanners are SCSI. I also assume that each scanner works properly when
each are connected without the other scanner connected. Make sure both
scanners work when connected to the machine without the other connected.
Both scanners are HP, that's good. What's bad is that they may have
different SCSI configurations. I know this may sound like a lot of work,
but you have discovered a unique problem with SCSI devices. NOt all SCSI
devices are indentically the same. One device may have internal
termination, the other may have external termination. I assume you
understand SCSI termination rules, ie: the last SCSI device in the chain
must be terminated. While this is a rule, it can be bent a little; it is
not a hard and fast rule. I believe this rule (SCSI termination
procedures) is what is causing your problem.
First, check that each device has a different SCSI ID number, usually 1-7.
Do not use #1 (usually your computer hard drive), #3, or number 7 (usually
your computer designation). If using two number close together (5&6)
doesn't work, try separating the devices further down the chain, ie: #2 and
#6. This may work. Some SCSI cards don't like two of the same type of
devices so close together. MAKE SURE WINDOWS 95 REFLECTS THE SAME NUMBERS
FOR EACH. THE NUMBER MUST MATCH. Windows 95 is a piece of junk in
determining SCSI ID numbers. It does really stupid stuff. I could write a
book on the stupidity of Windows 95 and ID allocations. ALL THESE NUMBERS
MUST MATCH, Both, in Windoze and on the device.
Determine which device (through documentation) how the devices are
terminated. If you determine that one device is internally terminated (IT)
and the other is externally terminated (ET), then the ET device must be the
first in the chain. If you have been terminating a device that is already
ternimated, then you will have problems.
If that is correct, but the devices still don't work, then you just have to
use trial and error: Place the older unit last in chain, then first in
chain. Still doesn't work? Then look to Windows 95.
Remove the software for all devices. Reload the software for one device
only. See if it works with both devices connected, but with the software
for only one. If it works, then remove the software and load the other
software. If it works then you may have a prob with Windows 95, or an
incompatibility problem with the HP software. Sometimes manufacturers
don't test all their software with all their devices (it is mathematically
impossible to do so. It would take years). Most manufacturers never stop
to think that someone may want two scanners. So, it could be a software
incompatibility problem.
The only way to test for device software incompatibilities is to get a
better scanner software package. There are sveral, they are several
hundred dollars though. I am assuming that PhotoSmart is HP's scanner
software. If it is, a thrid party software package will work better, and
will possibly solve the problem. If it does not solve the prob, then you
have discovered a Windows 95 error. I have discovered that Windows 95 does
not like two of the same devices loaded at the same time, in my case,
modems. I have thanked Billy by not purchasing any more of his junk.
Hope this helps. Fixing SCSI problems without physically being there is
difficult, if not nearly impossible. I've been doing SCSI since 1985. This
is good information, however, some inexperienced users may not agree with
my advice or observations. HP may even disagree with one piece (software
incompatibility), but after hundreds of installations with Macs, Windoze
and Unix, I know this procedure works. You will find the problem, it will
take time, and yes, you may never ever trust hardware or software
manufacturers again. Good Luck.
PS: If you are oding photo manipulations in PhotoShop or the like, I
beleive 60+ meg of RAM is a little light. I recommend 90+ meg minimum,
preferably 160+ meg. You can never be too thin, too rich, or have too much
RAM.
David P. Milton
>
>I have a PC and Windows 95 and 64MB RAM so that is NOT the problem. The
>PhotoSmart is
>working and the software for the 5P is loaded OK, but I cannot load the
>Driver disc for the 5P.
>Scanners are linked in chain. SCSI board in HP.
>
>Any help gratefully received. Please reply to me personally and don't gum
>up the list! Thanks
>
>Richard Morris