How do I get my CanoScan to work (extra)?

Thanks for that BD - I've downloaded VueScan (actually version 9, accessed via my scanner in their list) and yes it works with my scanner! Unfortunately, the scan appears with watermarks all over it, rendering it useless. It may be free, and it may work, but I can't use it unless I stump up the full price! I actually don't do enough scanning to make it worth paying for, but I do need it this weekend. If VueScan had a free trial period, that would solve my problem.

a brody - I had the scanner working last year on a G5 iMac, after I got Leopard on it. This was by downloading the driver from Canon's website and installing into Photoshop CS, same as I just tried on this still very capable G4 PB. So it really ought to work. But I will have a look at that list of possible solutions you posted a link for - thanks for that.

I tried absolutely everything with that SANE backends installation. I have downloaded the TWAIN backend which at installation told me I needed the SANE package first. So I found my way to that,and downloaded the right version. The installation told me I had to have the SANE backend package installed and libusb. So I found those. I managed to install the libusb ok, but each time I try to install the SANE backend, the initial check says it cannot be installed on my computer - I need the "MAC OS X 10.5 SDK package" first. Yet I have downloaded all the relevant SDK packages on the SANE site, so I really don't know what to do next. I'm going to have give up on that solution.

BD, I didn't see a free version. You click on your scanner and it takes you to a page with a download button, which is for the normal version. You can use it, i.e. do a Preview for each scan, but the scan itself is watermarked.

I suppose I could do previews, then take screenprints of the previews - which means I can only have what fits in their preview window, but I guess that's better than nothing.

I'll have another look at their site tomorrow, but I didn't see a free version.

Edit : there's a free mobile app, but not for the main computer app it seems.

The download is free, and is Basic (you get the Advanced version with bells and whistles when you pay), but even so it is all watermarked. Version 9.

You must have an earlier version BD, which is not watermarked. Unfortunately it's no longer available. I'd sound you out about getting hold of a copy of the version you have, but it's probably illegal even to suggest it in these forums.

BDAqua wrote:

... as Apple breaks scanning at every turn, & manufacturers may never catch up before the next great OSX version that does nothing useful. 😢😠

I know exactly what you mean. IMO the great versions of the OS have been :

• OS 9 - on the G3
• OS X Tiger - on PPC Macs
• OS X Snow Leopard - on Intel Macs

Instead of merging the Mac with iOS I think Apple should make the iPad more powerful and merge it towards the Mac so it can run proper grown-up apps.

Oh God I hope not 😟 Though what would be really cool is if they eventually replaced the current iMac line with a giant iPad (21.5" Retina display) that would not only run serious software like Adobe CS, Aperture, FileMaker Pro, Logic, Final Cut, etc, but would act as a flat screen TV; would sense when it's at a 45º angle or flatter and have touch screen options, but would lose them when it's more vertical, or on its stand; would contain its own broadband router with 3G option; could be swivelled through portrait or landscape modes with its own built-in accelerometer. That would be a wonderful thing. And if it did all that, I'd be perfectly content with a sophisticated version of iOS on it. H*ll, they could even call it OS XI.