I did-in fact- talk to HP this morning (4:00 A.M.) and it was decided that I might have received a faulty machine. Sooo, back to CompUSA to see if they will not charge me a 15% restocking fee for an exchange or another scanner--probably Cannon, as was recommented by two people in an earlier post.

Will keep yo all informed. And thanx to everyone who tried to help.

Watch your mail box