Brother MFC-250C Manual

The Brother MFC-250C is a compact, all-in-one monochrome laser printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine designed for home or small office use. It features high-speed printing, flatbed scanning, PC-Fax capability, and automatic document feeding. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Laser printer engine, Flatbed scanner, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Control panel with LCD, Paper tray, Toner cartridge.

Feature	Description
Print Speed	Up to 21 pages per minute (ppm)
Print Resolution	Up to 2400 x 600 dpi
Scanner Type	Flatbed with ADF
Copy Speed	Up to 21 cpm (black & white)
Fax Memory	Up to 100 pages
Paper Capacity	Up to 250 sheets (standard)
Connectivity	USB 2.0
Control Panel	LCD display, navigation buttons, numeric keypad
Supported Media	Plain paper, envelopes, labels, transparencies
Compatibility	Windows, macOS

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a stable, level surface near a power outlet and computer.

1. Remove all packaging tape and protective materials from inside and outside the machine.
2. Install the toner cartridge: Open front cover, remove cartridge from packaging, shake gently, and insert until it clicks.
3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load paper print-side down.
4. Connect power cord to the machine and plug into a grounded outlet.
5. Connect USB cable to computer (for initial setup).

WARNING! Do not touch the green surface of the drum inside the toner cartridge. Avoid placing in direct sunlight or humid environments.

First-Time Setup

Power on the machine; follow on-screen prompts from the installation software.

1. Install software: Insert the provided CD or download drivers from Brother website. Follow the installation wizard.
2. Select connection type: Choose USB when prompted.
3. Configure basic settings: Set language, date/time via control panel menu.
4. Print a test page: From printer properties or by pressing certain buttons to verify installation.
5. Register your product online for support updates.

CAUTION! Ensure the machine is on a flat surface to prevent paper jams or uneven operation.

Specifications

• Type: Monochrome Laser Multi-Function Center.
• Functions: Print, Scan, Copy, Fax.
• Print Technology: Laser electrophotography.
• Scanner Resolution: Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi (optical).
• Copy Resolution: Up to 600 x 600 dpi.
• Fax Transmission Speed: Approx. 3 seconds per page (standard).
• Modem Speed: 33.6 kbps.
• Power Consumption: Approx. 370W (printing), 65W (ready), 2W (sleep).
• Dimensions (W x D x H): Approx. 16.1" x 15.9" x 12.6".
• Weight: Approx. 22 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Access menus and functions via the control panel LCD and buttons.

Control Panel: POWER, START (for copy/scan), STOP/EXIT, numeric keypad, MENU, arrows, OK, FAX START, MONO/COLOR (for copy).

LCD Menu Navigation: Use MENU button to access: 1. Fax settings (station ID, redial). 2. Copy settings (density, zoom). 3. Scan settings (format, destination). 4. System settings (language, reports). 5. Maintenance (cleaning, drum life).

Software Settings: Printer properties for print quality, paper type, duplex (if supported). Scanner software for resolution, file format.

Connecting to Computer

Primary connection via USB 2.0. For fax, connect phone line to LINE port.

1. Ensure machine and computer are off.
2. Connect USB cable from machine to computer's USB port.
3. Connect telephone line from wall jack to machine's LINE port (for fax).
4. Power on machine, then start computer.
5. Install drivers as prompted or from CD.

Tip: Use a surge protector for power and phone line connections.

Printing & Copying

Supports standard and custom media sizes.

1. Printing from PC: Select 'Brother MFC-250C' as printer in application, adjust settings in print dialog, click Print.
2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF. Use control panel to set number of copies, density, zoom. Press START.
3. Special Modes: N-up printing (multiple pages per sheet), poster printing, watermark, fit-to-page.
4. Envelopes/Labels: Adjust paper guides, select correct media type in settings before printing.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or wrinkled paper to avoid jams. Allow printed pages to cool before handling.

Scanning & Faxing

Scanning: Place document, press SCAN button or use PC software. Choose destination (PC, email, file). Adjust resolution (dpi) and format (PDF, JPEG).

Faxing: 1. Dial number using keypad or speed dial. 2. Place document. 3. Press FAX START. Use memory fax if line is busy. Configure station ID (your fax number/name) in menu.

PC-Fax: Send/receive faxes directly from computer using installed software.

Maintenance & Supplies

Toner Replacement: When toner low message appears or print quality fades. Open front cover, remove old cartridge, install new Brother TN-360 cartridge. Reset toner counter in menu if required.

Cleaning: Unplug machine. Wipe exterior with dry, soft cloth. Clean scanner glass with lint-free cloth and mild glass cleaner. Do not use alcohol or abrasive cleaners on plastic.

Drum Unit: Replace DR-360 drum unit periodically (approx. every 12,000 pages). Follow instructions in manual.

CAUTION! Dispose of used toner cartridges according to local regulations. Do not incinerate.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15, Class B: Complies with limits for digital devices in residential environments. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. Energy Star® qualified. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, outlet	Ensure power cord is securely connected; try different outlet; check power switch.
Paper jam	Misloaded paper, debris	Open covers, carefully remove jammed paper in tray, feed path, or fuser area.
Poor print quality	Low toner, dirty drum	Replace toner cartridge; clean corona wire inside cartridge; run printer cleaning utility.
Scanner not working	Driver, connection	Reinstall scanner driver; ensure USB cable is secure; restart machine and PC.
Fax not sending/receiving	Phone line, settings	Check phone line connection; verify dialing mode (tone/pulse); check station ID settings.
Machine not recognized by PC	USB, driver	Try different USB port/cable; reinstall drivers; check Device Manager.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings (if needed).

Service: 1-877-276-8437; support.brother.com