Old scanner, new computer - won't communicate

winger · 2025-09-12T16:41:24-0400

So I've had my Epson 4870 flatbed since about 2004. It's not great with 35mm and has accumulated some dust over the years, but it does function. But if I try to use it with my 2022 MacBook Pro, the computer can see that it's there, but the scanner won't respond to commands to scan things. The scanner does still work with a MacAir from 2015.
Thinking it could be the cable, I bought one with the correct end for the scanner and a USB-C. Didn't change anything.
Neither computer has the original Epson software. Before the MacBook Pro there was an iMac and I had VueScan on that. Before I buy that again, will that help or is the scanner just too old?

F4U · 2025-09-12T16:58:33-0400

Since your dealing with Apple, what I say may or may not apply. But if it was windows I wouldn't expect it to work, as there are no drivers. In 2004 Apple was still using the Power PC chip. But since by 2015 they had switched to Intel. All the same, I bet it's a lack of the correct drivers. 2004 was a long time ago. nothing much is compatible with anytihng from these days.

4season · 2025-09-12T17:08:11-0400

Scanner technology has scarcely changed in many years, but make sure you are using scanning software appropriate for your version of Mac OS.

USB cables can be fussy, because many of the ones which come bundled with a device have only enough conductors wired to allow charging, and they'll work partially, or not at all when you try to do something else, like transfer data. This cost-cutting measure may only save the manufacturer a fraction of a penny per, but I guess these things add up. You don't need to go crazy here: $10 ought to get you a perfectly fine USB-C to USB-B cable, such as one of these:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/ci/16340?filters=fct_for-use-with_1967:computer,fct_a_side-a-type_1970:usb-c-male|usb-b-male

Also, have you tried using a different USB port on your computer? I don't have access to a modern Mac right now, but IIRC, some of the ports double as Thunderbolt ports, and I don't if that could be an issue.

winger · 2025-09-12T17:09:11-0400

Yeah, I figure it's a long shot. And the new MBP has an M1 Max chip so it's another generation newer, too. I'm just kinda hoping since the computer can tell what the scanner is.

winger · 2025-09-12T17:13:09-0400

4season said:
Also, have you tried using a different USB port on your computer? I don't have access to a modern Mac right now, but IIRC, some of the ports double as Thunderbolt ports, and I don't if that could be an issue.

Hmm, hadn't thought of that. They don't say, but it's probably worth trying the others.

And I did get that type of cable. I had thought maybe the original one didn't like sending info through an adapter. Didn't work.

plummerl · 2025-09-12T17:30:24-0400

At least on Windows (up to Win 11), Vuescan contains all the driver interface sw to connect with just about any scanner. I'm using my Epson 4870 on Win 11 with Vuescan and it works perfectly. Looking at his Hamrick's release notes, he has kept Vuescan synced up with the latest Mac OS releases.

If you purchased Vuescan as a one-time purchase, you can upgrade it forever!

Alan Edward Klein · 2025-09-12T17:32:58-0400

i FOUND THESE UPDATES. mAYBE ONE OF THEM WORK.

Epson Perfection 4870 PHOTO Scanners > Downloads Drivers, Utilities and Manual

Downloads 21 Drivers, Utilities and Manual for Epson Perfection 4870 PHOTO Scanners. Here's where you can download the newest software for your Perfection 4870 PHOTO.

www.helpdrivers.com

runswithsizzers · 2025-09-12T17:38:15-0400

winger said:
Before the MacBook Pro there was an iMac and I had VueScan on that. Before I buy that again, will that help or is the scanner just too old?

I am guessing the scanner will work fine with VueScan. Do you still have you license key from when you used it before? You may still have the right to use the software without needing to buy it again?

Alan Edward Klein · 2025-09-12T17:38:32-0400

Here are other links. Select the right one than click on downloads and select the correct link to download there. There are also advisories listed. Check it out.

Search 4870 | Epson US

Search results for 4870 on Epson US

epson.com

_T_ · 2025-09-12T18:07:28-0400

To use epson scanners on recent models of apple computers you have to install the epson software that corresponds to your scanner in the correct version for your os otherwise it won’t work.

They’re available in the download section of this page:

Epson Perfection 4870 Photo | Support | Epson US

epson.com

Or I believe they should be. I can’t see them as I’m on a phone so there’s nothing available in that section for my os and so nothing is listed

ntenny · 2025-09-12T18:22:59-0400

_T_ said:
To use epson scanners on recent models of apple computers you have to install the epson software that corresponds to your scanner in the correct version for your os otherwise it won’t work.

This hasn’t been my experience with (several generations of) new Macs and my old 4990–not quite as old as the OP’s scanner, but certainly not a device that was built with Apple Silicon in mind. I’ve found that Vuescan just makes it work.

-NT

_T_ · 2025-09-12T18:27:16-0400

I believe you’re right about that. Vuescan will work without the epson software. However the epson software is free and very easy to try. If that doesn’t work then op could always pay for a license for vuescan

Lew_B · 2025-09-12T21:35:38-0400

Either use Vuescan, or you need a driver from Epson that works with Apple Silicon (M series chips). Completely different architecture versus your 2015 which is Intel chip.

F4U · 2025-09-12T21:49:26-0400

Lew_B said:
Either use Vuescan, or you need a driver from Epson that works with Apple Silicon (M series chips). Completely different architecture versus your 2015 which is Intel chip.

There's the best answer, right there. And I can add with near-absolute certainty that Epsom wrote no drivers for a 2004 device for that computer. I've gotten around these problems by using Linux Mint. I can use whatever device I want. The menus aren't as nice, but they work and I an use them. Right now I'm on a Windows 7 laptop from god knows what year. Runs Linux perfect. Best solution is to get an old used laptop and load linux on it for situations like this.

Nopo · 2025-09-12T22:15:31-0400

I would say that there is a 99% chance that it won't work on your new Mac. I have an Intel Mac with Monterey and those systems no longer work, let alone the M1.
Perhaps you could try installing Parallels with Windows, and then you wouldn't have to change the scanner.

blee1996 · 2025-09-12T22:20:48-0400

I have to install VueScan to get latest drivers for Epson and Nikon scanners. VueScan has excellent upgrade policy, so you might want to check your original license purchase receipt and check with their support (basically the owner and developer himself).

Wallendo · 2025-09-13T09:42:10-0400

This link might answer your question:

Epson Perfection 4990 Scanner Driver & Software | VueScan Scanner Software

Want to keep using your Epson Perfection 4990 on macOS Sonoma, Windows 10, and more? VueScan has a built in Epson Scanner Driver - so it works even without a driver.

www.hamrick.com

Download the newest version. Even without a login and password, the software will let you try it out (It just prints a watermark on top of the saved image).

If you purchased this in the past, the registration format has likely changed, but you can email them and they can give you a new code.

Old scanner, new computer - won't communicate

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