Brother MFC-790CW Manual

The Brother MFC-790CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless and wired network connectivity, PictBridge for direct photo printing, a color LCD display, automatic document feeder (ADF), and PC-FAX functionality. It uses individual ink cartridges (LC-37 series) and is designed for home or small office use. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with ADF, control panel with LCD, ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), power adapter, phone cable, setup CD-ROM, and documentation.

FeatureDescription
MultifunctionPrint, copy, scan, fax
ConnectivityWireless (802.11b/g), Ethernet, USB 2.0
DisplayColor LCD with navigation buttons
Paper HandlingAutomatic Document Feeder (ADF), rear feed tray
Ink SystemIndividual LC-37 cartridges
PictBridgeDirect photo printing from digital cameras
PC-FAXSend/receive faxes from computer
Memory Card SlotsSupports SD, Memory Stick, etc.
Duplex PrintingManual (driver support)
Phone FeaturesHandset, speed dial, call waiting

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface near power outlet and phone jack if using fax.

  1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots until they click.
  2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in rear tray, load plain paper.
  3. Connect power: Plug power adapter into unit and wall outlet.
  4. Connect phone line: For fax, connect phone cable from wall jack to LINE port on printer.
  5. Turn on printer: Press POWER button; LCD will initialize.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink contacts. Keep cartridges out of reach of children.

First-Time Configuration

Follow on-screen prompts on LCD or use setup software on CD.

  1. Language/Country: Select on LCD or during software installation.
  2. Date & Time: Set for fax header and logs.
  3. Network setup: For wireless, use WPS button or manual configuration via LCD menu.
  4. Install drivers: Run setup CD on computer or download from Brother website.
  5. Test print: Print a test page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Do not interrupt power during initial setup.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Control Panel: POWER, LCD with navigation (Up/Down/OK/Back), numeric keypad, START/STOP, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU/SETTINGS.

LCD Menu: Fax settings, network setup, reports, maintenance, device settings. Copy: Number of copies, darkness, paper size, reduce/enlarge. Scan: Scan to PC, email, memory card. Fax: Dial, redial, speed dial, fax/telephone switch.

Software: Brother ControlCenter for scanning, Printer Settings for configuration, driver utilities for print quality and maintenance.

Connecting to Network

For wireless or wired network access.

  1. Wireless (WPS): Press WPS button on router, then navigate on printer LCD to Network > WLAN > WPS.
  2. Wireless (manual): Use LCD to select SSID and enter password.
  3. Wired: Connect Ethernet cable from router to printer's LAN port.
  4. Verify connection: Print network configuration report from menu.

Tip: Ensure printer and router are within range for wireless.

Printing & Copying

Supports documents, photos, envelopes.

  1. Print from PC: Select Brother printer in application, adjust settings in print dialog.
  2. Copy: Place document in ADF or on glass, press COPY, set options on LCD, press START.
  3. Photo printing: Insert memory card or connect PictBridge camera, select photos on LCD.
  4. Adjust settings: Darkness, paper type, quality (draft, normal, best).
  5. Cancel job: Press STOP/COPY or cancel from computer.

WARNING! Do not touch glass or ADF rollers; keep them clean.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to PC, email, memory card. Send/receive faxes.

  1. Scan: Place document, press SCAN, select destination (PC, etc.), adjust settings.
  2. PC-FAX: Install Brother software, send fax from computer applications.
  3. Fax from printer: Dial number using keypad, press START/FAX.
  4. Receive fax: Set to FAX mode or AUTO answer; received faxes print automatically.
  5. Fax reports: Print activity report from menu for sent/received log.

Note: For fax, ensure correct phone line connection and tone/pulse setting.

Maintenance & Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean print head: Use utility in driver or LCD menu (MAINTENANCE > CLEAN PRINT HEAD).
  2. Align print head: Run alignment from software or LCD.
  3. Clean exterior: Unplug, use dry soft cloth; for glass, use lint-free cloth with mild cleaner.
  4. Replace ink: LCD alerts when low; replace individual cartridges as needed.
  5. Clear paper jams: Follow guide in manual; turn off power first.

CAUTION! Use only Brother LC-37 cartridges. Do not refill.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Class B digital apparatus. Energy Star qualified. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not printingConnection/ink/powerCheck USB/network cable; ensure power on; replace empty ink cartridges.
Poor print qualityClogged head/settingsRun head cleaning utility; align print head; check paper type setting.
Wireless not connectingSignal/passwordMove closer to router; re-enter password; restart printer and router.
Paper jamPaper misloadedTurn off, remove paper from all paths; reload correctly.
Fax not sending/receivingPhone line/ settingsCheck line connection; verify dial mode (tone/pulse); check for dial tone.
Scanner not workingDriver/softwareReinstall Brother software; ensure scanner driver is installed.

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

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

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