help scanning slides

[QueBert]

I have a lot of 35mm slides to scan, I borrowed an Epson 3170 from a neighbor. Hooked it up installed the Vista drivers and loaded up Photoshop CS1.

now if I scan in auto mode they come out big, which is what I want, but if I scan in professional mode no matter what I set the output size as they come out very small. I guess I don't need professional mode as I can do all the corrections post scanning in PS. But does anyone know why professional mode is scanning small? like 300x500 or something tiny. I am not sure if any of these will ever be printed, I know my mom wants to make a dvd slideshow with them but I figured I would scan them all high resolution incase anyone ever wants to print them out.

2nd question, these are all from the 60-70's so they're old. Some are a bit dusty, PS's built in filters are ok but what would be a good dust remover plugin to buy? I'm scanning about 1,000 slides and would like something that can do a good job and automate it.

thanks

 

[magomago]

buy a few air duster cans

 

[Fardringle]

That's probably a good idea, but if you do try to get cans that are actually just compressed air and don't have a liquid propellant because that propellant might damage the slides.

 

[QueBert]

good idea, I know slides are very easy to damage with water, even a single drop can ruin one. I will look for one that doesn't shoot out the liquid. Better suggestion than a probably $100+ plugin. Thanks magomago & Fardringle