I have a visioneer 5800 USB flatbed scanner, that keeps reporting that the hardware is locked, and that I need to flip the physical switch supposedly located underneath the scanner box. I searched every inch of the scanner and there is no lock. Running W2k, 512ram, PIII 933. Please help.

Welcome to PCGuide!!

The scanner lock is usually a small plastic slide near one of the leg of the scanner. I used to have a Visioneer and it was really subtle to see. It probably has a picture of a padlock embossed on it, but it is in the same color as the scanner, so that also makes it hard to see. However, you can feel it even if you can't see it, so try feeling around the edges of the scanner near the legs.

Good luck,
Budfred

Hi omtheory-

If you haven't already done so, you may also want to look through their Support page HERE (http://www.visioneer.com/support/flatbed/troubleshooting/5800.stm) and
HERE. (http://www.visioneer.com/support/sara.stm)
Looks like there can be lock error messages that are software related too.

Thanks for the replies. Yeah I've tried all of the suggestions from the tech page from their website. Am using latest driver, etc. And I've pulled/pushed on every crevice/protrusion on the box, no switch. Will keep investigating...

I just looked at the Visioneer support site and I didn't see any mention of a physical lock on your scanner, so that means it is either a software problem or the thing is just broken. That leads to 3 choices. The first is to uninstall your software, unplug the scanner, Remove the driver from Device Manager and start over again installing it all to see if it works this time.:p

The second is to call Visioneer support and find out if it is some ridiculously simple fix that we aren't seeing.:rolleyes:

The third is to take it back and get one that works.;)

A couple of questions though. Did the problem start right after you installed or did it develop later? What is your Win version? What else have you tried to get it working? Are you using the PaperPort sofware or something else?

Budfred

Well I finally made it through tech support. And after they stepped me through the exact same troubleshooting I had already performed (deinstall/reinstall, current driver, is it plugged in), they concluded that it was defective. Another one is on the way. Note that for anyone considering a 5800, Visioneer hints that this is a widespread problem with this model. In any event, thanks for the help!

You know, I really hate calling tech support and that is why I like this forum.:cool:

But sometimes, it is the only thing left to do and it works.;) :D

Glad to hear a solution is on the way, assuming this one works.
Budfred