Using the HP S20 Scanner (HP PhotoSmart C5101A - S20) with Windows 10

[Dennis_F]

There is no driver for the HP S20 Scanner available from HP for an OS later than Windows XP.  However, the Microsoft USB Scanner Device (6/21/2006 10.0.19041.264) will work.  To install this driver in Windows 10:

1. With the scanner connected to a USB port, Use the Device Manager to find the scanner.  It should be found under Other devices. 
2. Right click on the HP PhotoSmart C5101A - S20 scanner and select Update Driver. Then select Browse my computer for drivers, followed by Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
3. Select Imaging devices/Microsoft/USB Scanner Device
4. When you click Next, you will get an Update Diver Warning.  Click Yes.
5. Windows will install the S20 as a USB Scanner Device under Imaging devices in the Device Manager.
6. Install the HP software ps804.  After installation, a browser screen will open stating:

Error opening Help in Windows-based programs: "Feature not included" or "Help not supported (This is due to the software using an older – no longer supported – Help program.)

Close the window.

Setup will be complete.  When the window asking you if you want to restart, select the YES selector and click Finish

After restarting, the HP S20 software should recognize the scanner and allow scanning from it.

The settings for the scanner can be modified using RegEdit at the following location:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Hewlett-Packard\PhotoSmart\S20 Scanner

If, for any reason, you lose communications with the scanner, close the scanner software and re-select the scanner driver, using the Device Manager as described above.  There is no need to re-install the software.

I have been using my S20 scanner with Windows 10 using this method for several months now without any problems.