Flatbed scanner software won't load on W11, possible options or dump?

Cluster

Cluster

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Dave
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Hi, I mentioned my flatbed scanner/Windows problem in a thread about a different subject.
Several helpful posts were added, suggesting possible routes to overcome the issue, which risked overwhelming the original post. So I have moved it here..

I've been using my "Epson Perfection 4180 Photo" flatbed scanner since I bought it as new. The Epson software I had was reloaded onto successive desktop PCs as I upgraded my hardware (Note: for me, an upgrade is to buy a used business machine which can be around 8-10yrs old).
It's worked well, the last machine ran Windows 10 and ran the Epson software well. The "new-to-me" PC is a Dell Optiplex of some description (maybe an i5 quad core if that means much). This came with a W11 license and W11 loaded.

But, here's the thing.. I have run a version of Linux (Ububtu) for many years and very much prefer it to the Windows environment (Ubuntu users will know about this). Regrettably, some software that I use is available only on the Windows platform. The Epson software is one of several such and is the most frequently used.
I was unable to load the Epson software to the W11 system and was unable to find much help on the Epson website (it's very old hardware). I often get the strong sense that I am aging quickly when dealing with Windows issues, so this activity didn't suit me.
I'm doing my 35mm scanning using my Samsung NX3000 camera and 16-50 zoom lens which is pretty good IMO. The scanning process is of course very flexible, there are many variables involved which can each have an impact on the IQ. After a steep learning curve, I am pretty happy with it but still have a little way to go to finesse my setup.

It would be nice if I could still use the flatbed scanner now and then, but it is no longer a big issue. (it was a big issue when I bought one of those phone stands to scan my images and saw what the image quality was... down to my phone of course).

My PC is set up to boot either W11 or Ubuntu. As I have a license for W11, this is what I will keep. My old PC is here, but swapping screens etc around is not practical. I'm not keen to delve into setup issues on W11 without someone to hold my hand, so one workable solution might be to use my old laptop (dunno what Window version it has), once I find it and get it repaired, so maybe it's not such an issue at all....
 
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VueScan lists your 4180 as compatible on both Windows and Linux and you can install the free trial to check if it works on your preferred setup before committing to a purchase. I've used it for years with an old Canon 9000F flatbed, the only issues I've had are when I've played around with the advanced settings and can't remember what I'd done to reset them without starting again. :)
 
Vuescan downloaded. It ran on my Ubuntu 24.04 system and "saw" the scanner, reporting that it couldn't find a plug-in for it. It suggested a source for the plug-in, so that link was followed where more than one choice was available and no instructions as to what to do with it once downloaded....
Downloaded the required "iscan" file (tried the latest), unpacked it into the same directory as Vuescan. Clearly it's not as simple as this. There seems to be some command line actions to install the driver.
 
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That's a shame, I've only used it on Windows and haven't used Linux for years so can't suggest anything that might help.
 
Oh that's OK... thanks for your help. With a couple of hours spare, I can find instructions on how to do it, that is one of the strengths of Linux. I just need time, patience and £99.
 
You can use it quite easily on windows 11 - you just need to disable the digital signature.

Google how to do hat and you will be fine.
 
Cluster said:
Hi, I mentioned my flatbed scanner/Windows problem in a thread about a different subject.
Several helpful posts were added, suggesting possible routes to overcome the issue, which risked overwhelming the original post. So I have moved it here..

I've been using my "Epson Perfection 4180 Photo" flatbed scanner since I bought it as new. The Epson software I had was reloaded onto successive desktop PCs as I upgraded my hardware (Note: for me, an upgrade is to buy a used business machine which can be around 8-10yrs old).
It's worked well, the last machine ran Windows 10 and ran the Epson software well. The "new-to-me" PC is a Dell Optiplex of some description (maybe an i5 quad core if that means much). This came with a W11 license and W11 loaded.

But, here's the thing.. I have run a version of Linux (Ububtu) for many years and very much prefer it to the Windows environment (Ubuntu users will know about this). Regrettably, some software that I use is available only on the Windows platform. The Epson software is one of several such and is the most frequently used.
I was unable to load the Epson software to the W11 system and was unable to find much help on the Epson website (it's very old hardware). I often get the strong sense that I am aging quickly when dealing with Windows issues, so this activity didn't suit me.
I'm doing my 35mm scanning using my Samsung NX3000 camera and 16-50 zoom lens which is pretty good IMO. The scanning process is of course very flexible, there are many variables involved which can each have an impact on the IQ. After a steep learning curve, I am pretty happy with it but still have a little way to go to finesse my setup.

It would be nice if I could still use the flatbed scanner now and then, but it is no longer a big issue. (it was a big issue when I bought one of those phone stands to scan my images and saw what the image quality was... down to my phone of course).

My PC is set up to boot either W11 or Ubuntu. As I have a license for W11, this is what I will keep. My old PC is here, but swapping screens etc around is not practical. I'm not keen to delve into setup issues on W11 without someone to hold my hand, so one workable solution might be to use my old laptop (dunno what Window version it has), once I find it and get it repaired, so maybe it's not such an issue at all....
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#####It's worked well, the last machine ran Windows 10 and ran the Epson software well. The "new-to-me" PC is a Dell Optiplex of some description (maybe an i5 quad core if that means much). This came with a W11 license and W11 loaded. ####

Probably because win 10 was 32bits, win 11 is 64bits and unless Epson supply 64bit software for all scanners then they wont work. I had a partition for win 10 32bits for my 4280? scanner but gave it to my son, so upgraded all my drives/partitions to win 11 as I have the V750.
Another solution if your computer is not a keyhole surgery type is to fit another hard drive (about £62 for 2tb), so handy for backup and e.g. use it for say only banking......to boot into another hard drive is so useful if problems with your first drive.
 
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I believe that W10, on my old machine, runs 64 bit, but there may be an option to load it as 32 bit.

As you say, adding another hard drive can be super easy. I unplugged my DVD/CD device and put in a second SSD (a piggy-back power supply cable was needed on the Dell). W11 on one and Ubuntu on the other, boot choice made via bios. It would be possible to add W10 or whatever as a third boot choice, but then the whole thing is getting messy just to support one scanner.
I do fancy the laptop option as, from time to time, I need a PC in the field (literally) to program several devices on my Radio Control equipment. At the moment, I rely on other people to help out. That also needs to be Windows. As the camera scanning is working so well for me, this may be one of those jobs that is delayed for a good while.
 
Jammy Dodger said:
You are overcomplicating it massively! Just do as I say and it will work fine
Click to expand...
Is the digital signature on the Epson software or W11?

EDIT: I understand, inhibit the checking of the digital signature of the Epson software by W11.
 
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It W11; it requires a digital signature on all drivers to install them but there is a way you can disable on windows start up.

you also have a compatibility mode with Windows 11.

I went through all of this to get Nikon Scan working
 
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