Virtual XP in Windows 7; possible to get scanner working?

Number29 · 26 May 2013 at 11:42

Hi all

I have an old Epson scanner (a good high quality one with slide scanner) that only works in Windows XP. However, since reinstalling all of my versions of Windows (I had a triple boot thing going on), I couldn't get XP to install at all, so I've now ditched it in favour of Windows 7 and 8 only.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get a scanner that doesn't work at all in Windows 7 to work within Virtual XP, or does the host OS need to support the device before the virtual machine can use it?

Many thanks

#29.

CaptainCrash · 26 May 2013 at 11:58

I once had exactly the same problem with an old Canon scanner (Lide20, no Win7 x64 drivers), and it worked like a champ in a VMware XP virtual machine. I never tried it in Virtual XP, although I guess there's no reason it wouldn't work as long as it supports USB passthrough reliably.

edit: you could also check out VueScan and see if your model is supported - it's not free, but it's a very nice program with some useful features over and above most scanners' native drivers.

flippant · 26 May 2013 at 12:18

I use a canon Lide 30 in windows XP mode under widows 7, it works fine, just use the attach USB menu & install drivers if needed.

inogen · 26 May 2013 at 12:58

I've used vuescan with a Epson scanner on win764. There's also a new homebrew 64 bit driver kicking about.

Number29 · 26 May 2013 at 13:50

Seems to be working well in Virtual XP