HP Scanner fails when Avast Standard Shield is running

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I have a pentium 2/266MHz system running Windows 98SE and a HP PSC1315 Printer/Scanner. The printer works fine but when I attempt to use the scanner I get two errors: (1) Unable to communicate with HP scanning software and (2) An error occurred communicating with the scanning device.

After two days of troubleshooting I reached the HP suggestion to use MSCONFIG and disable all startup items. The scanner works as expected. After adding back each program one at a time, the scanner errors occur when Avast 4 Home is loaded.

The scanner errors go away if I prevent Avast from loading.

Further testing allows the scanner to function properly if Outlook/Exchange and Internet Mail, and Web Shield are running. Once the Standard Shield is turned on the scanner errors re-appear.

Would you suggest leaving the Standard Shield service turned OFF? Is there an advanced setting that would allow the HP Scanning software to work while maintaining security on other apps.

2

Although I have XP, I have an HP Printer too. No problems at all.
Seems a drive conflict. If you search the board for the word ‘printer’ or ‘HP’ you could find something.
I realy do not recommend disabling Standard Shield but trying to find a solution.
Do you use any firewall?
If you uninstall your printer, boot, repair avast! installation, install the printer again, will it work?

3

I have uninstalled, cleaned up, and re-installed the HP software multiple times thinking the problem was with the HP software.

I’ve searched for HP, scanner, psc1315, etc in the forum but have come up blank. I’ve Googled the net for two days now and nothing.

I’m still testing and so far the scanner is happy as long as the Standard Shield if Off.

I’ll keep looking.

Thanks.

4

What is this? The driver file name?
What about adding this file name into the avast! exclusions lists for on-demand and on-access scanning?

5

Does it help if you only Pause Standard Shield, instead of stopping it?

6

Thanks folks for the input.

Igor, the pausing of the Standard Shield works sporatically and my client (a senior lady) is not comfortable with hassle.

My client has opted to go with the AVG AntiVirus which does not cause the same scanner problems.

Thanks again.

P.S. I’m currently using Avast Pro on my two SOHO PC’s and have had no problems with my Canon printer and scanner.