Why can't I access my scanner interface from PDF-XChange Editor or PDF Tools in a 64-bit version of Windows?
Why doesn't my system identify the scanner when I try to create PDF documents from it? I am using a 64-bit version of Windows and this process works when I use other applications, but not when I use PDF-XChange Editor or PDF Tools.
True 64-bit applications in Windows cannot access 32-bit scanner drivers. N.b. in most cases these are TWAIN drivers.
Note that in recent versions of the Editor, it is now possible to use many 32-bit scanners within the 64-bit version of the Editor. If you find you are unable to use your 32-bit scanner, please update the Editor to the latest version, and then follow the below instructions.
There are two resolutions for this issue:
The first option is to install 64-bit scanner drivers. Check the website of the scanner's manufacturer. If a 64-bit scanner driver is available then download and install it. (Usually this installs a 64-bit driver that is reported as a WIA driver). The 64-bit applications on the local computer should be able to use this driver and interface.
The second option is to use a 32-bit instance of PDF-XChange Editor. The portable version of PDF-XChange Editor is 32-bit and can be downloaded here. Extract the content of the ZIP file and then double-click the PDFXEdit.exe executable to launch a 32-bit instance of PDF-XChange Editor.
If neither of these options works, please write an email to support@pdf-xchange.com. Be sure to include the Version and Build numbers of the Editor you have running currently, as well as the download link for your scanner drivers.
PDF-Tools
The best option in PDF-Tools, in cases where 64-bit scanner drivers are not available, is to perform the desired scanning operations in PDF-XChange Editor. The documents can then be saved and used in PDF-Tools in the standard manner. (Please note that if you have purchased a PDF-Tools license then you qualify automatically for a PDF-XChange Editor license).
If the installed version of the Editor does not help, please try the Portable version, available here.
Instructions on how to scan documents in PDF-XChange Editor are available here.
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