LexMark X83 Dead in Vista

Dyre Straits

When we were beta testing Vista last year, I had no problem at all getting my Windows XP drivers working under Vista RC1 and RC2 to make my X83 work.

However, since installing Vista Home Premium a couple of days ago, the OS refuses to install the drivers.

I've done a bit of research online and have found others in the same boat. It's also been reported that LexMark has no plans to provide drivers, either.

This is the same situation I have with my UMAX 4800U legal size scanner.

So far, everything else I need is work. I can use my HP printer over the LAN, but, at present I have NO SCANNER to work with under Vista. In order to access it, I have to change boot drives and boot back into XP.

This, to me, is something I find so aggravating since both of these devices are USB. USB = Universal Serial Bus

So, if it's UNIVERSAL, why can't they be required to provide working drivers for them? Otherwise, I think there should be a new designation: LUSB = Limited Universal Serial Bus

But, seriously, is there a way to make Vista go ahead and install the drivers that were working last year under the beta versions?

PangingJr

any success with what you tried to do so far Dyre?

Dyre Straits

No, not under Vista, sadly. But, I've made some rearrangements in my computer studio and have connected the UMAX scanner to my second PC that's using XP Pro SP2. I also have a nice HP Printer on that PC for printing.

Now, once I got my UMAX set up on that system, I discovered I had to do some 'repair' work on it. It first startd working and then the scanner portion got 'hung up' on the gear that has the drivebelt attached to it. In other words, once it got to the far end, it snagged on this gear.

So, what I had to do was take the lid off, detach the glass cover and investigate the problem. What I found was quite appalling! The drivebelt gear was held in place by some very, very thin plastic and a very tense spring was pushing against it and caused this thin plastic to break.

I had to cut some pieces of flat aluminum and use Super Glue to make some 'hold downs' to keep this gear in place and also keep the tension on the drivebelt.

I left that overnight and the UMAX is working flawlessly now.

I'll have to see if the LexMark X83 can be accessed via the Network once I get it connected to the XP rig. I've not tried that as yet since I do have scanner and printer now.