question about scanning cards (need help)

[bravesfan22]

I got a nice scanner/printer last year for christmas (hp7520) and it was scanning my cards great. Now im getting a blurry look to the bottom of my cards when i scan them and doesnt look as crisp in general. Wanted to see if any of the expert scan guys on here have any ideas what may be causing that?

heres a before (mathewson) and after (marquard)

thanks
-adam

[Jobu]

Did the scan quality get changed from high (large size or high dpi) to low?

[bravesfan22]

been trying different dpis. which would you suggest?

[Tedski_TX]

For sharpest scans, be sure, also, to deselect "Descreen." Descreening is used to minimize the moire pattern you get when scanning halftone images (any image made up of dots). Descreening works by blurring the image.
For best results, when scanning a halftone image, scan at a very high resolution (600 dpi or higher), resize the image to the smaller size you desire, then sharpen the image using the "unsharp mask," not the "sharpen" function.

[Stetson_1883]

Some claim that scanning with the lid UP helps.

[the 'stache]

You might want to consider an uninstall and reinstall the scanner software, and the twain driver. Doing so should reset the printer to default settings.

[bravesfan22]

Thank you guys for the help. I'm gonna try these tips today!