CNET Editors' review
CanoScan Toolbox is a one-stop shop for all of your printing needs. Though it mostly works without a hitch, the lack of a workable Help feature could leave many users in the dark about some of its functions.
The user interface is about as basic and straightforward as it gets, with prominent buttons for functions like Copy, Print, Mail, and more positioned side-by-side in a small window. Each button is labeled, so there's no question about its purpose. Clicking a button opens a dialog box that walks you through each step. For example, drop-down boxes in the Copy dialog simplify selecting the source, scan mode, image quality, scale, and brightness as well as paper size and quantity. The program's other features work in much the same fashion, enabling quick configuration of each setting from a single dialog box. The Settings menu offers selections and button settings for a scanner as well as the capability to browse for items and choose where to save temporary files. We were left a little puzzled by three small buttons along the top of the interface. We tried to access the Help menu for clarification, but clicking on it returned nothing. Hovering the mouse over each button gave brief descriptions, but their functions remained a mystery. Still, we like the convenience of being able to configure and print our documents from one location.
CanoScan Toolbox is free to use. Despite the lack of a viable Help file, we recommend this program for all user levels.
Publisher's Description
From Canon:
Using CanoScan Toolbox you can scan, copy, fax, or open any application from on-screen buttons. CanoScan Toolbox is a software utility which will help make using your scanner easier. The CanoScan Toolbox application makes the buttons on the front panel works now too.
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All versions:
2.1 starsout of 103 votes
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Current version:
2.0 starsout of 97 votes
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My rating:
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"Canon scanner"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
Works well when new.
Cons
Lack of support. Equipment driver updates are not provided within a short time of a model being discontinued, which can be as little as two years.
As already stated, every time one upgrades computers or changes configuration it is complicated to get the machine working again, and then there is no driver provided on their site, without notice (their site often freezes too).Summary
I have just found this thread and agree that Canon support is dreadful and lacking in any concern for customer problems. Due to a lack of an up-to-date driver my scanner no longer functions. I had always used Canon but no longer. My cameras are already now Nikon's instead.
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"Can't get my Canon Scanner to work so can't say."
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
Looks exactly the same as the old version.
Cons
My CanoScan 5000F suddenly stopped working out of the blue about a month ago for no obvious reason and this version of Toolbox has made no difference. Canon software is generally lousy.
Summary
For no obvious reason, my CanoScan 5000F just stopped working about a month ago and I have not been able to get it working again. Nothing was changed (by me, at any rate; can't speak for Windows). So I have no idea whether version 5 of the CanoScan toolbox is any better than the old version. Canon support is pretty useless, as is their software on the whole. A decent installation programme (that checks everything)would be a help. Hewlett Packard is much better.
Glad to see that plenty of other people think that Canon sucks ! For a major manufacturer of generally quality gear (I think the Canon T90 is the best camera ever made) they should be ashamed of themselves (and they don't support the T90 anymore either). I will never touch Canon again and the only place for my Canon 5000F now is the dustbin! The internet is littered with people having insoluble problems with Canon scanners. Buy Hewlett Packard; they do the job properly.
Updated on Dec 1, 2011 -
"Great for scanning"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Need to create special files
Summary
I primarily use it for scanning.
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"Spent Hours Trying to Get this Bastard Program to Work"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
When it worked, I could hit the button on my 9950, get a quick PDF/Scan?whatever and it was seamless.
Cons
Every time I've upgraded computers or changed config, it has been a bastard to figure out and Canon is too big to fail but does on this one. No drivers...no notice that Canoscan 5.0 WON'T WORK, AND i have it hooked directly to my computer iMAC 27 with i5 duo and now I have no scanner until somebody can save my arse...next one will be an EPSON.
Summary
DON'T BUY A CANON, THEY DO NOT SUPPORT ANYTHING OLDER (DESPITE THE FACT THAT TWO YEARS AGO, WHEN I BOUGHT IT, THIS WAS HIGHLY RATED IN MACWORLD...WHICH IS WHY I BOUGHT IT)...FRUSTRATED AS HELL, AGAIN! CAN ANYONE HELP??? I DOUBT ANYONE FROM CANON READS THESE (ALTHOUGH IF IO OWNED A TECH COMPANY, I'D HAVE PEOPLE CONSTANTLY MONITORING WHAT C U S T O M E R S ARE THINKING...HELLO CANON...ANYONE THERE?
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"Works well"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
Easy to follow menu choice
Cons
You must always change title of scanned document.
Summary
With a simple click, you can add an image to email, save to a folder, or print right after scanning. Cannot ask for more.
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"EXCELLENT Software"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
Easy piece of software to use
Cons
Can't think of anything
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"Downloaded 4 supposedly updated drivers and all failed"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
NONE!! Not one downloaded driver out of 4 was the correct driver for my programs.
Cons
The updates for my drivers updated the old "free to try" versions - leaving every program disabled. I had to seek downloads to correct these errors myself and then re-install each program.
Summary
Horrible!! I would not recommend this program to anyone - except perhaps your worst enemy.
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"does not work"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
none if it does not work
Cons
did not work with my Canon scanner (LIDE 25)
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"still to rate it"
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
unknown yet
Cons
unknown yet
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"Scanner now works faster, better res."
Version: CanoScan Toolbox 5.0.1.2a
Pros
All good no problems
Cons
None that I can think of.
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