20090108 HP Scanjet G4050 image

I was looking for a good scanner to digitalize my old slides and some negatives. Searching on the web, I first stumbled on a YouTube video imbedded on a tigerdirect.ca web page at http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3073326&Sku=H28-L1957A%20CA that was very complementary of the HP Scanjet G4050 model. Marked a bit expensive at over $200, I found it at amazon.ca's http://www.amazon.ca/HP-Scanjet-G4050-Scanner-L1957A/dp/B000LZIGIC web page at under $80 cut down from nearly $300! So I jumped on it. Too fast it seems. After ordering it, I continued my search on this model only to read all types of negative reviews! Next thing you know, I try to install the software and I get a couple of error warnings during istallation and when when I'm done the software does not dectect the presence of the machine even if Windows does and can used with it's simple scanning utility! I reasearch the web for a solution only to find that there is not a single simple one.

Next, I manage to get on an on-line chat with an HP support employee. The chat was a nice and very supportive experience. For the record, here's the transcript (scroll down to jump this and go to my conclusion):

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:00 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Hello Pierre,thank you for contacting HP and for your interest in our Active Chat online support. My name is Rebecca and I see you have a question regarding your HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner. I'm going to take a few moments to review your information and will message you back very soon.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:00 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:00 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Thank you.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:02 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
As I understand when you launch HP Solution center you receive an error message "No hp devices have been detected. HP solution center will close now". Is that correct?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:02 PM] -- Pierre says:
yes

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:03 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
May I know the operating system and Service Pack version installed in your computer?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:03 PM] -- Pierre says:
Windows XP and I'm not sure about the SP.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:04 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please press "Windows" + "Pause/Break" key on your keyboard. A window pops up, check the Service pack version under System option.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:06 PM] -- Pierre says:
SP3

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:06 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:06 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Is there any other USB devices (For Example: Printer) connected to the computer besides the mouse and the keyboard?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:07 PM] -- Pierre says:
I have a printer but it's not on now.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:08 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
May I know the model of the Printer?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:09 PM] -- Pierre says:
It's an old Canon S400

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:10 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:10 PM] -- Pierre says:
I'm blocking some pop-ups now. I hope that's not a problem.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:10 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
May I know if you have added/modified any hardware/software before the issue occurred?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:11 PM] -- Pierre says:
Not lately.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:12 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Is the scanner connected directly to the USB port at the back of the computer or through the USB hub?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:14 PM] -- Pierre says:
Back of the computer. Whindows has detected it. It's in the control panel under Scanners and Cameras and I can use the simple Windows utility to create an image with it but the HP software won't detect it.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:14 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:14 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
What other HP software is installed in your computer? To check the software installed in your computer, follow the below steps:

a. Click “Start” and then “Control Panel”.
b. Double-click “Add or Remove programs”. This opens up the Add/Remove program window where we can find all the software installed.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:15 PM] -- Pierre says:
done

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:15 PM] -- Pierre says:
the only HP listed is HP Scanjet G4000 series 8.0

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:16 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:16 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Thank you for the information.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:17 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
In order to troubleshoot the issue let us power cycle the scanner and check for the result.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:17 PM] -- Pierre says:
how do we do that?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:18 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Follow the steps below to power cycle the scanner, this will clear any communication error:

1. While the scanner is turned on, unplug the Power cord.
2. Disconnect the communication cable between the computer and the scanner.
3. Wait for thirty seconds.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:19 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
4. Re-plug the Power cord and turn the scanner on.
5. Reconnect the communication cable to the scanner end first, and then to the computer. Check if the scanner gets recognized on the computer (you should receive a Found new hardware message) and try scanning.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:20 PM] -- Pierre says:
during step 3 I guess I should swith the power button to 0?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:21 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Yes, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:25 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok, i followed the instructions to the letter. I did not get a Found new hardware message. The simple windows scanner utility still works with it and I still get the message that HP can't detect it.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:25 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:26 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Let us try scanning from HPQSCNVW.EXE file and check for the result.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:27 PM] -- Pierre says:
is that in the hp program files?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:28 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please follow the steps below:

1. Go to “Start” and the select “Run”
2. Type “C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqscnvw.exe” without quotes and click on “OK” .
3. This will Launch Preview window.
4. Click on “Scan” and then select “Original from Glass”.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:30 PM] -- Pierre says:
That file is not there.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:30 PM] -- Pierre says:
"Windows cannot find..."

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:31 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:32 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Manually cheek if the hpqscnvw.exe file id listed:

1. Double click on “My Computer”.
2. Double click on “C” drive.
3. Double click on “Program Files”.
4. Double click on “HP”.
5. Double Click on “Digital Imaging”.
6. Double click on “Bin”.
7. Search for “hpqscnvw.exe”

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:33 PM] -- Pierre says:
I've looked and also did a search but it's just not there.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:33 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:35 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please check in the following path :C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqscnvw.exe.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:36 PM] -- Pierre says:
there is no Digital Imaging folder in that Hewlett-Packard folder.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:37 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Fine, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:37 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
This indicates the scanner software is not installed correctly.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:38 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Let us uninstall and reinstall the scanner software.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:39 PM] -- Pierre says:
Ok, I've done that before and rebooted many times, but let me do it again with you. Who knows. Do you use a Crossloop type of software?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:39 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Pierre, we are also experiencing an issue with the SP3 since it has many security features and we are working on it. However let us uninstall and reinstall the scanner software and check for the result.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:40 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Let us install the latest version 9.0 scanner software.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:41 PM] -- Pierre says:
Before uninstalling the old version?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:42 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Let us uninstall the old version (complete uninstallation) and reinstall the latest scanner software version 9.0.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:43 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok where do I get that?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:44 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
I will provide you a like to download and install the scanner software.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:44 PM] -- Pierre says:
a link, ok.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:45 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
First let us uninstall the scanner software. Please follow the steps below:

1. Click Start, and then Control Panel.
2. Click Add/Remove Programs. The Add/Remove Programs window opens.
3. Click the HP Photo & Imaging software, and then click Change (or Add/Remove), depending on the version of Windows.
4. Click Remove and then follow the instructions on the computer screen.



[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:46 PM] -- Pierre says:
seems like the 8.0 version is uninstalled yet it's still in the Add or Remove Programs list. There is no "HP Photo & Imaging" in that list. All I have is "HP Scanjet G400 series 8.0".

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:48 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Not a problem.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:49 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Now let us perform Level 1 to Level 4 uninstallation

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:50 PM] -- Pierre says:
okay

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:50 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please follow the steps below:

1. Insert the Scanner software CD into the disk drive of your computer.
2. If the Auto installation program launches, click Cancel or Exit to stop the installation process.
3. Browse to the Starter CD and navigate to the following folder: util\ccc\.
4. Please run all four utilities: ”Uninstall_L1.bat” through “Uninstall_L4.bat” to scrub the software completely from your computer.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:50 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:52 PM] -- Pierre says:
L1 & 2 done. Doing L3.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:52 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Fine, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:52 PM] -- Pierre says:
No simple solution, eh?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:53 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
If you receive a message to restart the computer, please ignore it.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:53 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:53 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
I apologize for the inconvenience caused.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:54 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok, at least we're trying.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:55 PM] -- Pierre says:
L3 is long.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:55 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Since there is SP3 installed in your computer, it is recommended to perform complete uninstallation.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:56 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
That's right, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:56 PM] -- Pierre says:
L3 done. Doing L4.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:57 PM] -- Pierre says:
L4 done.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:58 PM] -- Pierre says:
I still have some HP stuff on my computer.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:58 PM] -- Pierre says:
HP Photosmart Essential icon on my desktop.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:58 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Fine, now let us install the windows clean up utility.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:58 PM] -- Pierre says:
HP Scanjet G4000 Series 8.0 on my add/remove list.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:59 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Not to worry. Please click on the link below to run “Windows Installer clean up utility”.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

Note:
By using this link you are leaving the Hewlett-Packard Website. HP assumes no responsibility for information outside of the HP Website.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:59 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Once you click on the link, select the option “Download the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility package now“,
Click on “Save” and save it on the Desktop.
Click on Run – Next – Select “I Accept” – Next – Finish.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:01 PM] -- Pierre says:
I did that earlyer today but havent used it yet.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:01 PM] -- Pierre says:
there is one HP in that list

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:02 PM] -- Pierre says:
should I clik on it and click on Remove?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:02 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Click on “Start” – All Programs – Select “Windows Install Clean up”.

Now select the HP scanner software and click on “Remove”.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:02 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Which is the HP scanner software listed?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:02 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok done

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:03 PM] -- Pierre says:
too late, it's gone.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:03 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
No issues.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:03 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please save the chat in the Favorites.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:04 PM] -- Pierre says:
done.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:04 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Let us restart the computer, once you restart the computer, go to Favorites and resume the chat session.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:04 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
I will stand by while you restart the computer.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:04 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok, we will rehook Rebecca?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:05 PM] -- Pierre says:
brb then

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:06 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:10 PM] -- Pierre says:
Well this works well. I'm back.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:10 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Welcome back, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:11 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Now let us install the scanner software.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:11 PM] -- Pierre says:
The two items I mentioned above are still there. Not a problem I presume.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:11 PM] -- Pierre says:
?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:12 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Fine, Pierre, it should not be a problem.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:13 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please make sure the scanner is disconnected and also disable the Anti Virus and Firewall.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:13 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Once the installation is completed, we can enable the Anti Virus and Firewall.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:14 PM] -- Pierre says:
I'm working on it.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:15 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please let me know once you have disabled the Anti Virus and Firewall.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:16 PM] -- Pierre says:
I've got AVG and whatever Windows has by default.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:17 PM] -- Pierre says:
can you tell me where the Windows firewall is?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:17 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Sure, Please follow the steps below:

1. Go to "Start" and then "Run".
2. Type "Firewall.cpl" (without quotes) and click on OK.
3. Select “OFF (not recommended) and click on OK.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:20 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please let me know once you have performed the above steps.



[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:22 PM] -- Pierre says:
Hello Rebecca?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:23 PM] -- Pierre says:
To be sure, I've uninstalled a free version of Norton and AVG and that rebooted me without propting. Sorry.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:23 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
No issue.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:24 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok so now I'm totally vulnerable, no anti-virus, no firewall. Let's do this quick.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:24 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Now let us download and install the scanner software.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:24 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please click on the link below to download and install the scanner software:

Note: Once you click on the link select "Save" and save it on your desktop.

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software8/COL17370/sj-50004-1/setup_full_G4000.exe


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:25 PM] -- Pierre says:
Downloading. ETA 10 minutes or less.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:26 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:30 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please let me know if you are experiencing any issue while downloading.


[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:31 PM] -- Pierre says:
Doing fine for now. 335KB/Sec.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:32 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:33 PM] -- Pierre says:
I presume you're doing more than one chat at once?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:34 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
At this time I have only one chat.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:34 PM] -- Pierre says:
ok not too busy then. I like this type of client service.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:35 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
That's right and thank you, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:35 PM] -- Pierre says:
Download done.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:36 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Great!

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:36 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Now double click on the downloaded file.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:36 PM] -- Pierre says:
I'll run it now.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:36 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:38 PM] -- Pierre says:
I chose the custom install will check everyting except HP Update.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:40 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:40 PM] -- Pierre says:
You doing phone work too?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:41 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
No, Pierre. We handle only chats.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:42 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
We do have a HP Customer care for phone support.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:43 PM] -- Pierre says:
I see. Ok then, installation is complete and I dint get a "HP need to close installation now" or something like that like I did with the disc version. The icon is diffrent. I'll plug in the scanner now.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:44 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Okay.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:44 PM] -- Pierre says:
I did not get a propting to plug in the scanner as in the disc version.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:44 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Once the scanner software is installed, just connect the scanner and try scanning.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:44 PM] -- Pierre says:
"found new hardware" bubble.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:46 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Fine, now launch HP solution center and try scanning.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:46 PM] -- Pierre says:
It wants to.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:47 PM] -- Pierre says:
It scanned!

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:47 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Great! Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:47 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Please try scanning once again and check if everything works fine.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:48 PM] -- Pierre says:
Well thank you. I at least want to give it a shot! Can I check back here if there is anything else?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:49 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
You are welcome.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:49 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
Sure, Pierre.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:49 PM] -- Pierre says:
Thanks Rebecca. Bye for now.

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:51 PM] -- Rebecca R says:
You are welcome and is there anything else I may assist you with at this point of time?

[Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:52 PM] -- Pierre says:
I'll explore the software and hardware and will get back if nessesary. Thanks.


So anyway, this two hours chat got the HP software to recognize the presence of the scanner in my computer's preriferals. Finally, I get a chance to try it and see what all the negative reviews are all about. There was a lot of talk about the unreliable software, now is time to check on the hardware. Well, the result you see above, a cropped detail of the 300dpi jpg image, is as good as it gets with a slide. On a print, things are not too bad. But for a slide at least (I dint even try a negative after this), the results are very bad, full of black or white dots or lots of "noise" as we say (as all images on Blogger, click on it to enlage it more or less depending on the pic). Same on jpg, gif or any other format created by the G4050 from slides. So I'm sending it back. What a waste of time. But at least from the looks of it, amazon.ca will refund me fully and return shipping is even prepaid! Just on the basis of that and the fact that I could save on gas shopping costs for the car, I may do business with them again for another scanner, one that I'd have read at least some of the reviews before buying it!