WIndows XP had a generic driver that operated this scanner just fine. I used it instead of the driver that came with the Astra because I liked it better actually. Is there any way to get an updated version of that driver for Windows 7?

You said the magic word in your question I'm afraid which was 'OLD', unfortunately Umax won't be producing any windows 7 drivers for this device as it's old technology and they'd prefer you bought one of their new ones

Windows 7 support for the scanner is a UMAX responsibility. Most hardware vendors do not create new drivers for LEGACY items such as parallel port scanners. That scanner is likely 8 to 10 years old and it is unlikely any drivers will be written for it in WIN7