Brother MFC-5100C Manual

The Brother MFC-5100C is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It offers high-resolution color printing, PC-FAX functionality, a flatbed scanner, and a built-in telephone handset. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Flatbed scanner, Built-in telephone handset, Paper tray, Control panel with LCD display.

Feature	Description
Print Resolution	Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi color printing
Scan Resolution	Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi optical
Copy Speed	Up to 12 ppm black, 10 ppm color
Fax Memory	Up to 100 pages
Paper Handling	150-sheet input capacity
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Parallel port
PC-FAX	Send/receive faxes directly from computer
Telephone Handset	Built-in for fax/phone operations
LCD Display	2-line backlit display for menu navigation
Ink Cartridges	Separate black and color (cyan, magenta, yellow)

Installation

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

1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots.
2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper.
3. Connect power: Plug power cord into rear of unit and into AC outlet.
4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect to computer USB port.
5. Connect telephone line: Plug telephone line into LINE jack on rear of unit.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink contacts. Keep unit away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow on-screen prompts from installation software.

1. Install software: Insert driver CD, follow installation wizard for printer drivers and utilities.
2. Align print head: Use control panel menu to perform automatic print head alignment.
3. Test print: Print test page to verify installation and print quality.
4. Configure fax settings: Set date/time, station ID, and dialing mode through fax menu.
5. Register product: Optional online registration for support updates.

CAUTION! Do not interrupt power during initial setup. Ensure all protective materials are removed.

Specifications

• Print Technology: Inkjet (4-color separate cartridges).
• Print Speed: Up to 17 ppm black, 12 ppm color.
• Scanner Type: Flatbed color scanner with CIS sensor.
• Copy Features: Reduce/Enlarge (25-400%), Photo mode, Multiple copies (1-99).
• Fax Features: Super Fine mode, 33.6 Kbps modem speed, Auto redial, Delayed transmission.
• Media Types: Plain paper, envelopes, labels, transparencies, photo paper.
• Operating Systems: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP, Mac OS 8.6-9.x, OS X.
• Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
• Dimensions: 18.7" W x 16.5" D x 10.2" H.
• Weight: Approx. 17.6 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and 2-line LCD display.

Control Panel: POWER, COPY, FAX, SCAN, MENU, SET, UP/DOWN arrows, START/STOP, Numeric keypad.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper type, Color adjustment. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge ratio, Photo mode. Fax Settings: Resolution (Standard, Fine, Super Fine), Redial settings, Station ID. Scanner Settings: Resolution, Scan mode (Color, Grayscale, B/W), Destination. Maintenance: Print head cleaning, Alignment, Ink level check.

Connecting Devices

Computer: USB or Parallel cable. Telephone: LINE jack for wall outlet, EXT jack for additional telephone.

1. Turn off device and computer before connecting cables.
2. Connect USB cable to computer and USB port on rear of unit.
3. Connect telephone line from wall outlet to LINE jack.
4. Connect telephone handset to HANDSET jack if using separate phone.
5. Power on device and computer; install drivers if prompted.

Tip: Use surge protector for power and telephone lines to protect against electrical spikes.

Printing & Copying

Supports various media types and print qualities.

1. Printing from computer: Select Brother MFC-5100C as printer, adjust settings in print dialog.
2. Direct copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press COPY, adjust settings, press START.
3. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad to enter number of copies (1-99).
4. Enlarge/Reduce: Press MENU during copy setup, select zoom percentage.
5. Photo copying: Use Photo mode for better image quality on photo paper.
6. Ink conservation: Use Draft mode for everyday documents.
7. Paper selection: Adjust paper guides for different media sizes.

WARNING! Do not use wrinkled or damaged paper. Keep scanner glass clean for best copy quality.

Scanning & Faxing

Flatbed scanner for documents and photos; Fax with memory and PC-FAX capability.

Scanning: Place item face down on glass, press SCAN, select destination (Computer, Memory card), choose settings. Use Brother software for advanced scanning options.

Faxing: Dial number using keypad or speed dial, press START. For PC-FAX, use included software to send/receive faxes directly from computer. Receive modes: FAX ONLY, TEL/FAX, TEL/ANS FAX. Memory reception: Stores faxes when paper runs out.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior; clean scanner glass with glass cleaner on lint-free cloth.

1. Regular cleaning: Wipe exterior weekly; clean scanner glass when dirty.
2. Print head cleaning: Use utility software or control panel menu to clean clogged nozzles.
3. Ink replacement: Replace cartridges when low ink warning appears. Use genuine Brother cartridges.
4. Paper path cleaning: Remove any paper fragments or dust from paper feed area.
5. Roller cleaning: Clean paper feed rollers with damp cloth if paper feeding issues occur.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol or abrasive cleaners. Never spray liquids directly on unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437. This product may be protected by one or more U.S. patents.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord/outlet	Ensure power cord securely connected; try different outlet; check power switch.
Poor print quality	Clogged nozzles/ink	Run print head cleaning utility; replace low ink cartridges; align print head.
Paper jams	Paper loading/rollers	Clear jammed paper; ensure paper guides set correctly; clean rollers.
Scanner not working	Connections/software	Check USB connection; reinstall scanner drivers; restart computer.
Fax transmission fails	Line connection/busy signal	Check telephone line connection; ensure receiving fax is not busy; verify number.
PC not recognizing device	USB cable/drivers	Try different USB cable; reinstall drivers; check Device Manager for errors.

Reset: Turn off device, wait 30 seconds, turn back on. For factory reset: MENU > 9 > 8 > 7 > 6.

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