Hi guys,

nattarious - the old scanner is HP OfficeJet G55.  (Steam driven!).  Yes have tried auto levels, auto colours, and auto contrast in photoshop cs. 

Have come to the conclusion that the answer is to buy the Cannon 4200F, and have added it to my wish list! along with new computer, my old Dell is celebrating it's 6th birthday this year and doesnot support USB2, poor old thing. Old age creeps up so fast in the world of computers

thanks for all your help, regards aramina

peace and bright blessings