Minolta 5400 on Windows Vista64

I am just posting this in case it helps anybody.

After much frustration with my Epson V700 I have taken the plunge and purchased a Minolta Scan Elite 5400. I used to have one of these but gave up finding that the scans had a lot of grain and were very slow.

Before buying my scanner I had seen a few reports that the scanner wouldn't work on Windows Vista64 as the driver was incompatible. My solution to the problem was to load the VueScan software before the Minolta software and all works fine. I can even use the Minolta software.

The other point I have learned from this is the the 5400 is capable of making great scans and that my poor results seem to have been down to the Minolta software. Vuescan is doing a great job.

Hope this helps others in the future.

Thanks!
That info does help. I have a Minolta 5400 that hasn't been used for a long time because the software is so awful. I'd been thinking of getting Vuescan but have just got a new computer with Vista 64 and wasn't sure if it would be compatible. Now I know! Excellent! (And the unexpected benefit of being able to use the 5400 again even makes the hassles of moving over to Vista 64 seem worthwhile... )

Pleased to have helped. I'm sure you will find the Vuescan software much better than Minoltas bundle.

One thing I forgot to mention in my note is that when you install Viewscan, it will ask if you "are using and old scanner or want to install a driver that works with most scanners". You need to answer yes to this the scan driver won't be installed. I don't think the exiting Minolta driver works on Vista 64.

As for Vista 64, it winds me up every day.

Well, so far I've installed Vuescan and it appears to be working with my Epson 3200. (Just as well, since Epson don't seem to have a Vista 64 driver for it.) However, the Minolta isn't yet working with it, Vuescan just hangs - but at least the slide holder went in OK, so I'll try again.
I'm intrigued that you were able to load the Minolta software on Vista 64 and I'll probably give that a try, but only when I'm feeling really patient. (Vista 64 is driving me nuts too!)