Brother MFC-990CW Manual

The Brother MFC-990CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless and wired network connectivity, has a built-in color scanner and copier, automatic document feeder, color LCD display, PC-FAX functionality, and supports various media types. 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 print engine, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD control panel, Network interfaces (Ethernet, Wi-Fi), USB port, Handset for fax, Paper trays.

FeatureDescription
Print Technology4-color inkjet (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Print SpeedUp to 33 ppm black, 27 ppm color
Scanner TypeColor flatbed with ADF
Fax CapabilitySuper G3, PC-FAX, up to 33.6 kbps
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
Display2.5-inch color LCD
Paper Handling250-sheet input capacity, automatic duplex printing
Media SupportPlain paper, envelopes, labels, photo paper
Operating SystemsWindows, Mac OS
Power Requirements120V AC, 60Hz

Installation

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

  1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges in correct slots, close cover.
  2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load plain paper.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable or set up network connection.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink contacts. Keep printer upright during installation.

First-Time Setup

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

  1. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website, follow installation wizard.
  2. Network setup: For wireless, use WPS or manual configuration via control panel.
  3. Align print head: Run automatic alignment from maintenance menu.
  4. Test print: Print a test page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Ensure protective tapes and materials are removed from printer interior.

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.

LCD Menu: Setup (Network, Fax, System), Maintenance (Clean Head, Align), Reports (Print List, Configuration).

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Best), Paper Type, Color Mode. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge. Fax Settings: Dial mode, Station ID, Redial. Network Settings: IP configuration, Wi-Fi setup, security.

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Network: Ethernet cable to router. Wireless: Wi-Fi setup via control panel or WPS.

  1. Turn off printer before connecting cables.
  2. For network, connect Ethernet cable to router and printer.
  3. For wireless, select network from list and enter password.
  4. Install printer software on all computers that will use the printer.

Tip: Use Brother's software for easy network configuration and driver installation.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

  1. Printing: Select printer in application, adjust settings as needed, click Print.
  2. Copying: Place document on glass or in ADF, press COPY, adjust settings, press Start.
  3. Duplex printing: Enable in print driver or control panel for two-sided printing.
  4. Photo printing: Use photo paper, select appropriate paper type in settings.
  5. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad on control panel or software setting.

WARNING! Do not touch printed pages until ink is dry. Use recommended paper types.

Scanning & Faxing

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

  1. Scanning: Place document, press SCAN, select destination (PC, Email, etc.), press Start.
  2. Faxing: Dial number using keypad, press Start to send. For reception, ensure auto-answer is on.
  3. PC-FAX: Send fax directly from computer using installed software.
  4. Fax memory: Stores received faxes when out of paper or ink.

Note: For scanning, ensure Brother software is installed on connected computer.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean print head: Use maintenance menu on printer or driver utility.
  2. Replace ink cartridges: When low ink warning appears, replace with genuine Brother cartridges.
  3. Clean exterior: Unplug, use soft dry cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.
  4. Clean scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth and glass cleaner if needed.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Do not touch electrical contacts.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. Energy Star: Meets energy efficiency guidelines. 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, paper jamCheck cables/network; ensure ink cartridges installed; clear any paper jam.
Poor print qualityClogged print head, low inkRun head cleaning utility; replace low ink cartridges; align print head.
Scanner not workingDriver, connectionReinstall scanner driver; check USB/network connection.
Fax not sending/receivingPhone line, settingsCheck phone line connection; verify fax settings and station ID.
Wireless connection lostRouter, distance, interferenceRestart router and printer; move closer to router; check for interference.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset to restore factory defaults if needed.

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

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