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Frequently Asked Questions

KODAK Snapshot Photo Scanner 1

Contents

These FAQs were last updated on 6 April 1999.

Availability and General Information

  1. Where can I buy the scanner?
    The KODAK Snapshot Photo Scanner 1 is a discontinued product and is no longer generally available for sale. However, the winning features of the scanner have extended its life. You may occasionally find it for sale, and find its features a good match for your imaging applications.

  2. What are the main features of the KODAK Snapshot Photo Scanner 1?
    This compact, motorized digital scanner can scan and display an image in under 40 seconds. The Plug-and-Play feature makes setup a snap. All the software you need to create one-of-a-kind images is included.

  3. How big is the scanner?
    The dimensions of the scanner are: Depth 6" (15 cm), Width 6 1/2" (16.3 cm), Height 2 5/16" (5.8 cm). The scanner weighs 1.8 lbs. (0.8 kg).

  4. Which computers can be used with the scanner?
    The scanner can be used with IBM PC or compatible computers. You need a computer with a CD-ROM drive to load the software.

    System requirements:

    • MICROSOFT WINDOWS Version 3.1x with DOS Version 5.0 or WINDOWS 95 Software
    • CD-ROM drive (for installation only)
    • 486 processor (66 MHz or higher)
    • Standard VGA monitor with 256-color (8-bit) display (16- or 24-bit preferred)
    • 8 MB RAM (better performance is achieved with higher memory)
    • 30 MB hard disk space for full installation


  5. Will Kodak offer a model that is compatible with APPLE MACINTOSH Computers?
    We have no plans at the present time to offer a model of the Snapshot Photo Scanner that is compatible with MACINTOSH Computers.

  6. Do I need to buy anything else to make the scanner work with WINDOWS Software?
    Everything you need is included, from hardware to software, including cables.

  7. What is the resolution of the scanner?
    This unit scans 800 x 1200 (color resolution) from a standard photograph (4" x 6"[4R]). This resolution is excellent quality for output from a color inkjet printer (600 dpi and up).

  8. What size prints does the unit scan?
    It scans common size prints, from 2" x 3 1/2" (51 x 89 mm) business cards up to 4" x 11 1/2" (102 x 292 mm) panoramic prints, from magazine-type paper to collectible-card stock.

  9. What software is included with the scanner?
    Software applications available on CD-ROM include:
    • PICTUREWORKS PHOTOENHANCER Special Fun Edition Software: This software lets you enhance your pictures and easily drop them into personalized templates, including greeting cards, party invitations, certificates, and awards.
    • META CREATIONS KAI'S POWER GOO Software: This software lets you stretch, stir, or smudge your pictures into fun shapes. You can also easily make movies with your pictures.
    • TWAIN acquire module from Kodak: This software allows you to download pictures to a TWAIN-compliant software application like ADOBE PHOTODELUXE, MICROSOFT PUBLISHER, COREL DRAW, or ALDUS PAGEMAKER Software.
    • STORM EASYPHOTO Software: This software quickly brings digital images to the computer for storing, editing, or rotating.


  10. What is the warranty for this scanner?
    A one-year warranty comes standard from Kodak in the United States.

  11. Is there a software developer's toolkit for this scanner?
    Yes. For more information go to http:/www.kodak.com/US/en/developers/transition/transDRG.shtml.

Installation

  1. Should I hook up the scanner with my PC off or on?
    We strongly advise that the PC, scanner, and printer, if you have one, be OFF.

  2. What is the box on the scanner connector cable?
    This box is what we call a pass-through port. Because most PCs only have one parallel port, our scanner provides another port to connect your parallel printer or one other parallel device.

  3. Can I use a parallel switch to hook up the scanner?
    Use only a switch box that switches all 25 signals in the parallel cable. Look for switch boxes like Premium Data Switch.

  4. If I need a power source what should I look for?
    For specifics regarding a power source, consult "Specifications" in the User's Guide for the scanner.

  5. Is a different power source available so I can use the scanner overseas?
    Not at this time.

  6. How do I close applications for scanner software installation?
    First, be sure that all applications are closed by going to the respective File menus and selecting Exit. A special note for users of MICROSOFT OFFICE Software who may be using the toolbar that appears on the desktop: The toolbar application runs in the background and does not always appear to be active. Make sure that you exit this launcher tool as well. There are other applications that behave similarly to this toolbar, for example, video display tools, screen-savers, and others. These typically have icons that appear in the WINDOWS 95 Start bar or other desktop location which are not always thought of as active applications. In WINDOWS Software v3.1x, you can identify them by using the ALT-TAB command sequence (see your WINDOWS Software documentation for details). These programs can be corrupted during the installation process if you do not exit them first. If they do interfere with installation, you most likely will need to re-install them from the original diskettes.

General Use

  1. I'd like different templates to use with PHOTOENHANCER Special Fun Edition Software, any plans to add more?
    We may add templates in the future; check for update information on our Snapshot Photo Scanner site.

    Also, it's easy for you to make your own templates in addition to the ones included with the software. To do that, follow these simple steps within the software:

    1. From Creative Corner, select Card, Calendars, etc.
    2. Select Blank Page or Blank Card from the template styles listed.
    3. Create your own design by pasting pictures from your scanner (or other image files from disk). You can also add and customize text.
    4. Save your design as a new template style. Your template is now ready for you to use.


  2. Why can't I scan when printing?
    Your pass-through port allows you to attach both the scanner and printer to the single parallel port on your computer. However, you cannot scan and print at the same time.

  3. Why do I have to wait for the lamp to warm up before each scan?
    It takes up to 40 seconds to warm up the scanner lamp. This warm-up time is necessary to stabilize the lamp output and color temperature for optimum image quality. The warm-up time will vary based upon the frequency of scanning according to the following table.

    If the lamp has been off for: Lamp warm-up time is about:
    more than 4 minutes 40 seconds
    3 to 4 minutes 30 seconds
    2 to 3 minutes 20 seconds
    1 to 2 minutes 10 seconds
    less than 1 minute 0 seconds




Troubleshooting

  1. My pictures don't look right on the monitor. Why?
    This is likely a function of the kind of monitor you have: 256, 16-bit, or 24-bit. Some applications, such as KAI'S POWER GOO Software, don't support 256-color video displays. Believe it or not, the human eye can distinguish between 12 and 13 million colors. Typical photos contain information equal to millions of colors. Computer monitors are usually capable of displaying either 256 colors, thousands or millions of colors. In the past, many color video monitors for PC home computers were sold with just 256-color capability. However, most of today's PCs for the home come with far more video memory (VRAM) installed on the video card inside the computer. In most cases, 16-bit capability is sufficient for excellent display of photographic pictures on your computer. However, in some instances even a PC equipped with high-power video display cards may not be able to show the millions of colors possible from a digitized print. This would most likely be the result of improper display setup or software installation (see your video display card manual for details).

  2. Why do I have problems printing scanned pictures?
    Make sure that the power supply is connected to the scanner and that it is plugged into an electrical outlet, because the pass-through port must have power in order for your printer to work properly.

  3. Why is my scanned picture streaky?
    The streaks may be on the original photo; check it first. If the streaks in the scanned picture run in the same direction as the scan path, try cleaning the scanner glass (see "Maintenance" in the User's Guide). If streaks still appear, you will have to run the diagnostics software and recalibrate your scanner (see "Troubleshooting, Calibrating Your Scanner" in the User's Guide). Also, keep in mind that your scanned picture may appear streaky on your monitor but print just fine on a desktop printer. This is because the printer creates the image with halftone dots which can, in most cases, minimize the condition.

  4. Why doesn't the photo feed when the scan starts?
    Try gently pushing the picture under the scanner top. If you still have a problem, open the top to check whether rollers are moving. If feeding problems continue, run the diagnostics program to check the scanner operation further (See "Troubleshooting, Testing Your Scanner" in the User's Guide).

    Also see Troubleshooting FAQ for Snapshot Scanner

  5. I am using the new version of Snapshot Scanner Software, V2.0.1, and after scanning, the Twain locks-up and I can't rotate, scan, crop, or save my images. What should I do?
    This problem can occur if you install the new version of Snapshot Scanner Software on some WINDOWS 3.1 systems and some WINDOWS 95 systems running on 486 computers. First, un-install Snapshot Scanner Version 2.0.1 software and reinstall the previous version (1.1 or 2.0) This will replace the files in the twain_32/snapshot folder with the previous versions' files and resolve the problem.

  6. What does the error message "Twain Manager Not Valid / Manager Not Found" mean? What should I do?
    This message means that the computer attempted to communicate with the scanner using the Twain layer and one of the files required to complete this task is either corrupted or missing. This message will usually appear on 3.1x systems when you try to do a scan, a test, or a calibration. Another indication is if you try to select twain source under an application, and there is no twain data source to select. The probable cause is that a file was corrupted during the installation process. In this case, it will not help to re-install the software because the installer will not overwrite files on the system that have the same date, so the corrupted file will remain. We recommend that you do the following:
    1. Delete the following files from your WINDOWS directory:
      twain.dll
      twain_32.dll
      twunk_16.exe
      twunk_32.exe
    2. Delete the following files from your /windows/system directory:
      vshare.386
      mfc40.dll
      msvcrt40.dll
    3. Delete the windows/twain_32/snapshot folder.
    4. Shutdown and re-start the system.
    5. Either re-install the software using the installer (make sure load= and run=are remarked out and no other applications are running) OR - copy over the files in steps 1, 2, and 3 from the in_case directory on the CD. You will have to create the twain_32/snapshot folder.
    6. Verify that "share" is running on the system. To do this, exit WINDOWS and from the C: > prompt, type: share, then press Enter. Then, type: win to start WINDOWS
    7. Try the software application to obtain a scan.
    8. If this does not work, check the following:
    1. Look in the system.ini for a line in the [386Enh] section that is "device=vshare.386", or an entry in the autoexec.bat or config.sys that refers to share or share.exe. If there isn't one, then in the system.ini under the [386Enh] section type a line that states: "device=vshare.386." Save the file, then reboot the system. Launch the application to see if the error is still present.
    2. If the problem still exists, then go under Control Panel, and double-click on the 386 Enhanced icon. Click on the virtual memory button. Check to see if the swap file is permanent and verify that the size is the same as the recommended size. If it is not permanent, then go to Change and under Type, change it to permanent. After these changes are made, reboot your system. Go back into the application and check to see if it is working properly.
    3. As a last option, try upgrading to WINDOWS 95


  7. Why am I getting WIN32 errors when I install the scanner software and what should I do about them?
    MICROSOFT WIN32S enables the scanner software, which is a 32 bit software application, to run in a 16 bit operating system.The scanner software will automatically install Win32s on a WINDOWS 3.1x system unless the latest version of Win32s is already installed. After you install Win32, you will reboot the system to affect the changes and load Win32s. Sometimes during this operation, the system will not restart properly.

    If a previous version of Win32s exists on the system, and there is a problem during the software installation that prevents the system from booting into WINDOWS, you must edit from DOS to resolve the problem. If it is possible to access WINDOWS, then you can use sysedit.

    WINDOWS SOLUTION

    To access WINDOWS it may be necessary to do the following: during System Bootup when the statement "Starting MS-DOS" appears on the monitor, Press the F5 key to get to the c:\ > prompt. At the c:\ > prompt type: win to access WINDOWS.

    1. Locate the c:\windows\system.ini file and make a copy of the system.ini. For example, from the file > copy window, type: system.kod in the to: portion.
    2. Access the system.ini file from either Notepad or sysedit.
    3. Go to the [386enh] section and look for this statement: Device=c:\windows\win32s\w32s.386.
    4. Look to see if there are two lines with the same information; often this is the cause of the problem. If there are, then remark out one of the lines, save the file, and reboot.
      NOTE: To remark (rem) out a line, place a semicolon(;) at the left of the line. For example:
      Before: Device=c:\windows\win32s\w32s.386
      After: ;Device=c:\windows\win32s\w32s.386
    5. If there is only one device= line then rem out that line and go to the [boot] section of the system.ini file and remove in the drivers= line the reference to winmm16.dll and mmsystem.dll.
    6. Exit system.ini, saving the changes.
    7. Delete the following files from the c:\windows\system folder:
      winmm16.dll*
      w32sys.dll
      win32s16.dll*
      win32s.ini
      winhlp32.exe
      winhlp32.hlp
      winhlp32.cnt

      *You can only delete these files from the DOS prompt.
    8. Delete the c:\windows\system\Win32s folder on the computer.
    9. Reboot the system. Make sure that share is running on the system
    10. Run Setup from the Win32s folder on the Snapshot CD to re-install Win32s. d:\in_case\win31x\win32s\setup.exe, where d:\ refers to your CD-ROM drive.
    11. Check to ensure that Freecell runs properly.

    DOS Solution:

    If you cannot access WINDOWS and can only get to a DOS prompt:

    To get to a DOS prompt - it may be necessary to press the F5 key during the boot-up process. Press the F5 key as soon as the "Starting MS-DOS" statement appears on the monitor.

    1. At the c:\ > prompt type in cd\ windows.
    2. At the c:\windows > prompt type: copy system.ini system.kod.
    3. Type: edit system.ini.(Type: E system.ini for computers running IBM DOS) and press Enter
    4. There should now be a file editor shell up and you will see the system.ini file data.
    5. Go to the [386enh] section and rem out the line that includes the Device=c:\windows\win32s\w32s.386 line, and go to the pull-down menu to select File save.
    6. Reboot the system. This should get you back into WINDOWS so that you can complete the rest of the editing.


Technical Support

  1. Where is PHOTOENHANCER Special Fun Edition Software support available?
    Visit the World Wide Web site of PICTUREWORKS, the maker of PHOTOENHANCER Special Fun Edition Software (software is included with the scanner), or call them at 1-510-855-2009 or fax at 1-510-855-2019 for software support.

  2. Where is KAI'S POWER GOO Software support available?
    Contact Meta Creations Corp., the maker of KAI'S POWER GOO Software (software is included with the scanner), by phone at 1-805-566-6200 (Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM PST) or by fax at 1-805-566-6359.

  3. Where is EASYPHOTO Software support available?
    In the U.S. call STORM toll-free at 1-800-275-5734.

  4. Where is support available for the TWAIN acquire module or Snapshot Photo Scanner?
    The following resources may help you resolve a problem:
    • The place you purchased the Snapshot Photo Scanner 1.
    • In the U.S. call toll-free 1-888-375-6325.


Appendix A - Modifying Computer Files and Closing Background Applications - Windows 95 System

  1. Introduction
    Application programs and device drivers can start up at boot-up and run in the background without the computer user's knowledge. Some of these programs or device drivers running in the background can interfere with the installation of software and should be closed down before software installation begins. You can start these application programs and device drivers from either line entries in the Win.ini file or from the Startup folder.

    The following procedures will help you prevent these applications or drivers from starting at boot-up, and close down any item that started through the Startup folder. Usually you can use the Close Program window to close applications that start at boot-up by the Startup folder. However, you must edit the Win.ini file to prevent the applications started by the Win.ini entries from starting. We recommend that you prevent the Win.ini entries from loading first, then close down the remaining items.

    When editing a configuration file to prevent a device driver from being started, we put a semi-colon (;) to the left of that statement in the file. This semi-colon is referred to as "remarking" (commenting) out the entry. Basically what happens is the computer "sees" the semicolon and ignores everything on the line to the right of it.

  2. Before Editing a Configuration (.ini) File
    Making incorrect changes to any configuration (.ini) file can cause that application to function incorrectly. Making an improper change to the system.ini or win.ini can cause fatal errors, which would prevent your system from booting up. Therefore, it is important to make a backup copy of the file before you attempt to make any changes. If you are not comfortable with editing files, consult a computer expert for assistance.

  3. Making a Backup Copy
    In the following examples we are using the Win.ini file. If you are backing up some other file, substitute its name where 'win' appears in this example.
    1. Go to the MS-DOS prompt, Start > Programs > MS-DOS Prompt
    2. At the C:\ > prompt, type: cd windows and press Enter.
    3. At the C:\Windows > prompt type: copy win.ini win.kod and press Enter. (In this example, we made a backup of the Win.ini file and called it a .kod file.)
    4. Type: exit and press Enter to return to Windows 95.


  4. Editing the Win.ini File
    In the following example we are using the win.ini file. If you are editing a different configuration file, substitute its name where win.ini appears.
    1. Make a backup copy of the Win.ini file; refer to 'Making a Backup Copy.'
    2. From Win95 Desktop select Start > Run > and type: notepad c:\windows\win.ini and click on OK.
    3. Locate the [windows] section of the win.ini file.
    4. Type a semi-colon (;) to the left of the lines that start with load= or run=
      Examples:

      Before
      [windows]
      load= C:\afterdrk\adk30.exe
      run=LXDBOXCP.EXE
      NullPort=None
      ScreenSaveActive=1
      device=HP Laserjet 4 Plus,HPPCL5MS,LPT1:
      After
      [windows]
      ; load= C:\afterdrk\adk30.exe
      ; run=LXDBOXCP.EXE
      NullPort=None
      ScreenSaveActive=1
      device=HP Laserjet 4 Plus,HPPCL5MS,LPT1:
      NOTE: One or both of the lines may be blank after the equal (=) sign; if so, you do not need to remark out that statement. If you feel that you have done something incorrectly, immediately exit without saving the changes.
    5. Select File > Save
    6. Select File > Exit
    7. To make these changes effective, you have to re-boot your computer.
    8. Exit from the Win95 Desktop, Select Start > Shutdown > Restart the Computer?
    9. Proceed to 'Closing Down the Background Applications.'


  5. Closing Down the Background Applications
    1. From the Win95 Desktop press the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys at the same time to open the Close Program window.
    2. Highlight the desired item and select 'End Task.'
    3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until everything but the Explorer entry is closed down.
    4. A second window may appear stating that a program is not responding, etc. Go ahead and select 'End Task' on this window also.
    5. If closing out a particular entry causes your computer to shutdown and re-boot itself, leave that item running the next time.


  6. Re-Starting the Background Applications or Device Drivers
    After installing the software and checking it out successfully, do the following to return your system to its normal state:
    1. Edit the win.ini file and remove any semi-colons (;) placed to the left of the Load= or Run= statements.
    2. Shutdown and re-boot your computer.


Appendix B -Modifying Computer Files and Closing Background Applications - Windows 3.1X Systems

  1. Introduction
    Applications and device drivers can be started up at bootup and run in the background without the computer user's knowledge. Some of these applications or device drivers can interfere with the installation of software and need to be closed down before software installation is started. These application and/or device drivers can be started from either line entries in the Win.ini file or from the Startup group icon.

    The following procedures will help you prevent these applications or drivers from starting at bootup, and close down any item started through the Startup folder. Applications that start at bootup by the Startup folder can usually be closed through the Close Program window. To prevent the applications started by the Win.ini entries from starting you must edit the Win.ni file. We recommend that you prevent the Win.ini entries from loading first, then close down the remaining items.

    When editing a configuration file to prevent a device driver from being started, we put a semi-colon (;) to the left of that statement. This semi-colon is referred to as "remarking" (commenting) out the entry. Basically what happens is the computer "sees" the semicolon and ignores everything on the line to the right of it.

  2. Before Editing a Configuration (.ini) File
    Making incorrect changes to any configuration (.ini) file can cause that application to function incorrectly. Making an improper change to the system.ini or win.ini can cause fatal errors, which would prevent your system from booting up. Therefore, make a backup copy of the file before you attempt to make any changes. If you are not comfortable with editing files, consult a computer expert for assistance.

  3. Making a Backup Copy
    In the following example we are using the Win.ini file. If you are backing up some other file, substitute its name where 'win' appears in this example.
    1. Exit Windows. To do this, from Program Manager, select File > Exit Windows
    2. At the C:\ > prompt, type: cd windows and press Enter.
    3. At the C:\Windows > prompt type: copy win.ini win.kod and press Enter. (In this example, we made a backup of the Win.ini file and called it a .kod file.)
    4. Type: win and press Enter to get back to WINDOWS.


  4. Editing the Win.ini File
    In the following example we are using the win.ini file. If you are editing a different configuration file, substitute its name where win.ini appears.
    1. Make a backup copy of the Win.ini file; refer to 'Making a Backup Copy.'
    2. From Win95 Desktop select Start > Run > and type: notepad c:\windows\win.ini and click on OK.
    3. Locate the [windows] section of the win.ini file.
    4. Type a semi-colon (;) to the left of the lines that start with load= or run=
      Examples:
      Before
      [windows]
      load= C:\afterdrk\adk30.exe
      run=LXDBOXCP.EXE
      NullPort=None
      ScreenSaveActive=1
      device=HP Laserjet 4 Plus,HPPCL5MS,LPT1:
      After
      [windows]
      ; load= C:\afterdrk\adk30.exe
      ; run=LXDBOXCP.EXE
      NullPort=None
      ScreenSaveActive=1
      device=HP Laserjet 4 Plus,HPPCL5MS,LPT1:
      NOTE: One or both of the lines may be blank after the equal (=) sign; if so, you do not need to remark out that statement. If you feel that you have done something incorrectly, immediately exit without saving the changes.
    5. Select File > Save
    6. Select File > Exit
    7. To make these changes effective, you have to re-boot your computer.
    8. Exit from WINDOWS, Select File > Exit WINDOWS
    9. At the C:\ > prompt, press the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys at the same time.
    10. Proceed to 'Closing Down the Background Applications.'


  5. Closing Down the Background Applications
    1. From the Program Manager press the Ctrl, and Esc keys at the same time to open the Task List window.
    2. Highlight the desired item and select 'End Task.'
    3. Close down everything but the Program Manager.


  6. Re-Starting the Background Applications or Device Drivers
    After installing the software and checking it out successfully, do the following to return your system to its normal state:
    1. Edit the win.ini file and remove any semi-colons (;) placed to the left of the Load= or Run= statements.
    2. Shutdown and re-boot your computer.


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Frequently Asked Questions provide information of limited or specific application. Responsibility for judging the applicability of the information for a specific use rests with the end user.

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