Using a scanner over LAN

[fk49]

We used to have our Epson CX5400 hooked up to a family computer and printing and scanning from this thing was just fine. However, printing over the network to this family computer was very laggy so I turned an old PC into a headless file/print server, which it does very well. It also freed up a significant amount of space on the family computer desk.

However, now I lose the scanning functions of the all-in-one printer/scanner and the only solution I have for now is temporarily plugging the USB directly into a laptop, then transferring the file from the laptop to wherever else in the house. Any suggestions on Windows tricks or software (preferably freeware) that will allow me to access the scanner over the network?

Thanks in advance

 

[Peter]

Try SANE. Backend (Linux only) onto the "print/scan server" machine, Windows or Linux frontends onto the stations.

The Windows frontend is a bit limited in installation (like, the system drive /must/ be C:, which isn't always the case), but other than for these minor quibbles, it's working quite nicely. Before you start, it's a good idea to check whether your scanner is supported at all.

 

[Old Hippie]

only solution I have for now is temporarily plugging the USB directly into a laptop,

I have never gotten the two way functions (scan, fax), to work on a USB connected AIO printer over a network. These were my home networks connected thru a router. I changed to a network ready printer, and it's good to go.

 

[TheFro]

You could install Windows 2000/XP on your headless print server and install the included software/drivers for the all-in-one machine. Share the printer on the network and when you need to use the scanner, remote into the print server. You could even set the destination folder for any scans as a shared folder. It's not the most elegent solution, but it will work.

 

[Aarondeep]

There has got to be a way to to this, I know our office scanner does this but it has a built in network card and uses the proprietary software.

 

[corkyg]

Take a look at this:

Scan

 

[Athena]

$60 per user