2050 Printer not scanning

[musicator]

It seems that my question posted a couple of days ago has disappeared, at least I can't find it now, and I would still like some help so I'll try again:
I have bought an HP 2050 printer and it prints very well but every time I try to scan in a docuiment, which the printer is supposed to be able to do, a message appears saying communication with the printer cannot be established which is nonsense since, as I say, it prints very well.
The installation process,via a CD, puts 2 icons on my desktop one of which is specificaly for scanning and when I click on it the printer starts clonking away but then this message appears.
I'm running XP SP3 and all available updates are installed as far as I can tell so anyone any idea what I can try next before I run out of my fast disappearing hair?
Thank you
musicator

[Wak]

Have you had a previous HP printer?
If so then if you look in Windows Explorer under C/program files/HP you will probably have two folders called setup.
In the lower one, look for a folder called SCAN containing a file called "SCAN.MSI and copy this SCAN folder to the upper SETUP folder.
When you ask it to SCAN, it searches for a file called SCAN.MSI which it cannot find in the first setup folder.
I had this problem with my HP F4580 and Win XP SP3 and the above action solved the problem.
The file it is looking for could be slightly different but the above will give you some idea of what to look for.
Hope this helps.

[musicator]

Thank you Wak, I really thought that you had hit the proverbial nail on the head but alas no, although I do have an older HP printer now party defunct, that one isn't shown at all only the 2050.
I'll have a go at diching the older one altogether as soon as I can find my way through the mess of cabling to see if that helps but since nothing about it appears in the folder you suggested it probably wont.
Although I'm running SP3 my XP is, like me, getting on a bit, it came new with the computer just over 3 years ago so maybe your suggestion will only work with a later version.
I've recently had a similar experience with 'Word' but buying the latest version of XP (which is about to be de-supported by Microsoft anyway) isn't really an option and I can't justify buying the latest version of Microsoft's almost constant stream of OPS. maybe someone will come up with a solution that will work on the older version.
Thank you very much for your suggestion though.
musicator

[Buenchico]

Step 1:
Download and install the latest driver. (NB: Unplug your printer's USB cable at the computer before installing):
http://h10025.www1.hp...duct=5068690&sw_lang=
Then reboot your computer and try again.

If that doesn't work . . .

Step 2:
Try scanning using the Windows Image Acquisition driver. Click on 'Windows XP' here for instructions:
http://h10025.www1.hp...n&product=5068690#N56

Chris

[hawths4]

are you worki wireless or USB connection? I found with this model (I think it is) scanning works best with USB

[Wak]

Hi, My XP is quite old (version 2002) and my old HP printer wasn't listed by name in Win EXP but part of its program (for the old one) is still listed above the name and program for the new HP printer. Just check that you haven't got two Scan or Setup folders listed anywhere under HP.
When mine refused to scan, it used to tell me which file was missing.
Best of luck and sorry I couldn't help.
Wak.

[boxtops]

We just use the Scan button on the printer, not from the desktop, and it works fine....?

[musicator]

Thank you all for taking the time to try and help with my printer/scanner problem.
I got fed up with all time I was wasting over trying different ideas without any success that I phone the company who supplied the printer only to find that despite HP advertising this printer as a printer/scanner and saying it was compatible with XP I actually needed to down load a 'special' piece of software if I wanted it to actually scan anything, which seemed to be a closely guarded secret for some reason, why the devil don't they tell people these things or better still add this software to the installation programme?
This didn't please me one bit, bordering on fraudulent claims by HP really but never-the-less I did download this 'special' software and guess what? It still didn't scan so I've now sent the whole lot back where it came from and I've been promised a full refund.
I'm now without a printer or scanner so if any of you kind people have a tried and tested printer/scanner of long and faithful service I'd like to know about it, just one thing though it must be able to print musical staves, that's the the 5 lines & 4 spaces for those not familiar with written music.
I really am impressed with the level of support I've received over this question so thank you all very much.
musicator

[Wak]

Hi, I think you will find that any printer will print musical notes, etc, it will just depend on the program you are using on the computer.
With regard to music? I think you might be interested in the following, always assuming that you don't already know about it.
http://www.musettemusic.com/

My printer list, (if it's any help?)
Canon 1999 - Oct 2002
Lexmark Oct 2002 - Sept 2007
HP F380 Sept 2007 - Aug 2010
HP F4580 Aug 2010 - Still OK.

Some makes of Cartridge can be very expensive (as you are probably aware) but I've always re-filled mine for over 12 years.
Last 12 months, the total ink cost was about £2-00, the required cartridges, if bought new, would have cost between £140 & £160 depending upon supplier.
Hope the above helps.