[Big Snip]
OK, I've vaguely recalled having to upload a firmware file to the scanner to make it work. I googled it before but failed to find anything. When you've read this, have a google yourself and see if you can find more info.
Anyway, I've just found a result, but it's in French of which I parlez rein.
See: http://www.queret.net/blog/post/2007/10/02/103-linux-debian-scanner-usb-agfa...
Scroll down to "Commentaires" "1 Le jeudi, 13 décembre 2007"
This mentions a config file /etc/sane.d/snapscan.conf, which I have. It says <Quote> # Change to the fully qualified filename of your firmware file, if # firmware upload is needed by the scanner #firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/your-firmwarefile.bin firmware /usr/share/sane/snapscan/SnapScan_1212U_2.bin </Quote>
And this is how my config file reads, and I have the bin file present. If you/anyone finds English instructions on this, please share them with me via the list, so if I need to rebuild my machine I've got a clue! :-)
I will email Bev the bin file direct.
An Explanation: I think this scanner is quite "dumb". It can do things, process stuff etc, but it doesn't have any firmware, i.e. instructions on how to do stuff. It relies on the operating system to transfer the firmware to it before it does anything. That is what the .bin file is, and I recall finding it inside the windows setup file or package for the scanner. XSane can upload the info to the scanner, if it's been told what to do, and where the file is. The reason why it works after using the other scanner program, is because presumably that uploads some firmware to the scanner, and it stays there until the scanner's switched off.
I hope that makes sense!
Regards Steve