Brother MFC-420CN Manual

The Brother MFC-420CN is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports USB and network connectivity, offers automatic document feeder (ADF), color LCD display, and comes with PC-FAX and color photo printing functions. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing & Copying 8. Scanning & Faxing 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet printhead, Flatbed scanner, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD control panel, Paper trays, USB/Network ports.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 6000 x 1200 dpi optimized
Print SpeedUp to 20 ppm black, 15 ppm color
Scanner ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400 dpi optical
Copy SpeedUp to 20 cpm black, 15 cpm color
Fax MemoryUp to 100 pages
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100 Base-TX
Paper Handling150-sheet input tray, 50-sheet output tray
Display2.5-inch color LCD
Supported MediaPlain paper, photo paper, envelopes, labels
Ink Cartridges4-color individual (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)

Installation

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

  1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots.
  2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in input tray, load paper print-side down.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into rear of printer and into AC outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect to PC, or connect Ethernet cable for network.

WARNING! Do not touch printhead or ink cartridge contacts. Keep printer horizontal during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts on LCD display.

  1. Install software: Insert driver CD or download from Brother website, follow installation wizard.
  2. Align printhead: Use printer control panel to perform automatic printhead alignment.
  3. Network setup: For network models, configure TCP/IP settings via control panel or software.
  4. Test print: Print a test page to verify installation and print quality.

CAUTION! Do not interrupt power during initial setup or firmware updates.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Control Panel: Power, Copy, Scan, Fax, Menu, Navigation arrows, OK, Stop/Exit.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper Type, Color Mode. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge. Scan Settings: Resolution, File Format, Destination. Fax Settings: Dialing (manual/auto), Resolution, Contrast. Maintenance: Printhead cleaning, Nozzle check, Align printhead. Network: TCP/IP configuration, Wired/wireless setup.

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Network: Ethernet to router/switch.

  1. Turn off printer and computer before connecting USB cable.
  2. For network, connect Ethernet cable to router and printer.
  3. Install drivers and software from CD or website.
  4. Configure network settings via control panel if needed.

Tip: Use shielded USB cables under 3 meters for reliable connection.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

  1. Printing: Select document, choose Brother printer in print dialog, adjust settings as needed.
  2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press Copy, set copies and options on panel.
  3. Photo Printing: Use photo paper, select "Photo" paper type in print settings for best quality.
  4. Envelope Printing: Adjust paper guides for envelopes, select "Envelope" in paper type.
  5. Cancel Job: Press Stop/Exit button to cancel current print/copy job.

WARNING! Do not open covers or remove paper during printing. Allow prints to dry before handling.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer, email, or network folder. Send/receive faxes.

  1. Scanning: Place document, press Scan button, select destination (PC, Email, Network).
  2. Faxing: Dial number manually or use speed dial, press Start to send. Receive mode can be auto or manual.
  3. PC-FAX: Send fax directly from computer using installed software.
  4. Memory Fax: Stores received faxes in memory if paper runs out.

Note: For scanning, ensure scanner glass is clean for best results.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean exterior with dry, soft cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.
  2. Clean scanner glass with lint-free cloth and glass cleaner if needed.
  3. Run printhead cleaning utility from maintenance menu if print quality declines.
  4. Replace ink cartridges when low or empty (LCD will alert).

CAUTION! Unplug power before cleaning. Do not touch ink nozzles.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15 Class B: Complies with limits for digital devices. Energy Star qualified. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive compliant.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not respondingConnection/powerCheck USB/network cable; ensure power is on; restart printer and computer.
Poor print qualityClogged nozzles/low inkRun printhead cleaning utility; check ink levels; align printhead.
Paper jamsMisloaded paperTurn off, open covers, remove jammed paper carefully; reload paper correctly.
Scanner not workingDriver/softwareReinstall scanner driver; check connection; restart devices.
Fax transmission failsPhone line/ settingsCheck phone line connection; verify recipient number; ensure correct mode.

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

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

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