Hi Jim,
To answer your questions, yes indeed I have always uninstalled the Canon
drivers before trying another solution. I have also always exited ALL
application software running on my computer including the windows firewall
and AV program (Trend Micro Internet Security 2007). The only thing I
haven't disabled is my Internet connection and that goes through a Router to
my DSL connection. There could be a hardware firewall on the Router that I
haven't taken into consideration though. Hum ... maybe I should think about
that.
I was told (or read in a forum) if the system accepts the Enhanced USB
Controller when drivers are loaded for the PCI to USB Controller Card
(4-external USB Ports) then there is no problem with the MB communicating
with the USB 2.0 controller. My Device Manager shows me that the Enhanced
USB Controller driver is present and reports that it is running without
problems. Ha !!
This freeware that you mentioned, is the name of it "IIRC" ? If so, then
I'll use Google to find a download for me.
Yesterday I downloaded 5 flash BIOS updates from Dell and have performed all
5 updates. My BIOS was at version A03 (never updated since I bought the
computer in 2002) and I saw that the latest version offered by Dell was A09.
They warned me not to try to update from 03 directly to 09 because it can
cause some serious problems. I went through each flash update one step at a
time. Haven't had a chance to see if these updates make any difference in
being able to access my printer but will try to get to this in a few days. I
really doubt seriously that the BIOS updates will make any difference.
As far as the Scanner working and the Printer not, this doesn't strike me as
strange at all. The scanner has it's own device driver and is not using the
same driver as the printer installs. Besides that, the two problem printer
driver files that MS admits is causing the problems due to "Enhanced USB
Controller specification violations" (described in MS Knowledge Base article:
KB892050), have nothing to do with the scanner drivers (or at least I think
not).
Jim, unfortunately I don't think that MS is going to be coming up with a fix
for this WinXP-SP2 problem anytime in the near future. They suggested that I
wait until Service Pack 3 is released but that can be a long, long wait. In
the meantime this Canon device is just sitting on my desktop occupying space.
At least I can use it as a copy machine and a scanner. I haven't even tried
the Fax capabilities yet.
I can understand your frustrations with MicroSoft because I share your
opinion; however, having said that all of the reviews from beta testers as
well as computer resellers and journalists have been very positive for the
Vista product. Sure, there will be a few bugs that have to be patched
however I've read that Vista protects it's kernel much better than any of
it's previous operating systems. It's safe to say that WinXP (Home Edition
anyway) had little or no protection of the kernel and that's why we all got
hundreds of "critical security updates" from MS since it's inception. Hell,
I still get two or three per week and I doubt if it's going to get any better.
As far a Vista goes, I'm really not interested one bit in the new bells and
whistles, 3-D user interfaces and/or the media enhancements. I watch media
programs on my TV, not on my computer. All I want is an O/S that is stable,
has "graceful degradation" error handling built in and is capable of handling
"new" products and devices being introduced to the public as we speak.
Regarding the price of Vista, I will attempt to get it in the Update version
(some $ less expensive than the full, blown - standalone version) and also
I'll try to get it at the "Student/Teacher Discount" (many more $ cheaper).
Honestly, I don't understand why anyone would pay the full price for this
product. Sooner or later (not in the near future but it'll come) MS will
stop supporting the WinXP platforms and one will have to update their O/S.
Come to think of it, it would appear that they're not putting a great amount
of effort into supporting WinXP right now !!! Wouldn't you agree ??
I'll let you know if my BIOS updates fix the USB printer problem but I'm not
holding my breath. Also, I'll keep watching this thread to see if you get
any satisfaction from your PC gurus !! Have a nice day, Jim and try to smile
even if it hurts a bit.
P.S. Pardon my ignorance but you mentioned "Oz" in your post. Where
exactly in the world is this ? I moved over here to Munich, Germany from
California almost 23 years ago so I'm a bit out-of-it when it comes to
abbreviations for world-wide locations.
Best regards,
