Umax Astra 6400/6450

[Jamie]

I have Vista ultimate 64 and need a way to get my Umax Astra 6450 scanner
working. Anyone have a way to do this? It is connected via firewire.

Does Microsoft have a canned driver for maybe a different scanner that will
provide usability for this scanner?

 

[Dominic Payer]

Try VueScan from http://www.hamrick.com/. It's not free to keep but you can
try it for free.

It may be time to get a modern Vista compatible scanner.

 

[Jamie]

I'm really looking for a free answer. If I have to spend $40 I think I will
just look at a new scanner.

One thing they don't answer at the site is if their drivers that I would use
are signed.

 

[Dominic Payer]

The only free option would be a Umax driver and it doesn't look as though
there will be one.

I understand VueScan does work with 64-bit Vista, so the drivers must be
signed.
Another, more expensive, option is SilverFast
http://www.silverfast.com/product/Umax/257/en.html

I think you would do best to buy a new USB2 scanner. Both quality and speed
would almost certainly be better than your Astra 6450.