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byoungberg

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How can I set the default Twain Device in Windows XP?

Hello all,

I have (2) scanners that I need to get working with (2) different applications to deploy to over 500 workstations. Unfortunately I had no control over the selection of scanners, I'm just left with the task of getting them to work. Hopefully someone from this great community can assist.

Hardware: Fujitsu fi-5120 scanner, Fujitsu fi-5000n network adapter, ScanShell 800n card scanner

Application 'A' (Specialty EHR program) uses ISIS drivers for scanning Documents using the fi-5120.
Application 'A' uses TWAIN drivers for scanning IDs using the 800n card scanner. TWAIN source CANNOT be selected through software - it uses the default TWAIN device.

Application 'B' (Microsoft Office Document Scanning) uses TWAIN for scanning documents for copying/faxing. TWAIN source CAN be selected through software.

All computers run XP SP2

I have no issues with MODS. Everything works fine and I can set/keep the defaults.
Its Application 'A' that has the issues

Scenario 1 -
Fujitsu fi-5120 plugged in USB
ScanShell Plugged in USB
Result: Everything works fine. Application 'A' recognizes the 5120 for ISIS scanning and the 800n for TWAIN ID scanning.

Scenario 2 -
Fujitsu fi-5120 plugged into Fujitsu fi-5000n network adapter
ScanShell plugged in USB
Result: Application 'A' always recognizes fi-5000n as TWAIN and will not let me select the 800n


I know I can use a 3rd program to select a TWAIN source as the 800n. This will allow App 'A' to work until they need to use the 5000N/5120 with MODS. Once this scanner is used, App 'A' now recognizes the 5120 instead of the 800n in TWAIN. The 5000n software always turns the 5120 into the default Twain device.

I have searched all over for a registry or ini setting that Windows uses for its Default Twain device, and can't find anything.
Application 'A' has no such setting in registry or config file for a default scanner. And their support team says 'We dont support more than 1 twain device attached to the computer'
Fujitsu was worthless and wasn't even aware their product worked with ISIS.

What I need to accomplish is to tell windows to Always use the Scanshell 800n as the default Twain Device. (I can set the MODS default through registry settings, so this program won't be affected)

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Jeff
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byoungberg

ASKER

So I found the solution in case others run into a similar problem:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Twain is the location of the Windows Default Twain Device

String name 'Default Source'  and the value is the path of the the .ds file for the scanner (ex. C:\WINDOWS\Twain_32\CSSN800N\CSSN800N.DS)

This key only seems to appear if there is more than 1 twain device connected.

To prevent one scanner from 'overwriting' this value and thus replacing the default, set permissions on the key. I did a deny to everyone (you can still modify permissions of the key to change it when needed).

Windows will now always recognize the scanner of your choice as Default, and a new scanner installed or used will not overwrite it.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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EE_AutoDeleter

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