Brother MFC 290C User Manual

							
Safety and Legal87
A
CAUTION 
Lightning and power surges can damage this product! We recommend that you use a quality 
surge protection device on the AC power line and on the telephone line, or unplug the cords 
during a lightning storm.
 
WARNING 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
When using your telephone equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to 
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to people, including the following:
1 DO NOT use this product near water, for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink  or washing machine, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.
2 Avoid using this product during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric  shock from lightning. 
3 DO NOT use this product to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
4 DO NOT dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with local codes for possible  special disposal instructions.
5 Use only the power cord provided with the machine.
 
 
						

							
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Important safety instructionsA
1 Read all of these instructions.
2 Save them for later reference.
3 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
4 DO NOT use this product near water.
5 DO NOT place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
6 Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation. To  ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings 
must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product 
on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over 
a radiator or heater. This product should never be placed in a built-in installation unless proper 
ventilation is provided.
7 DO NOT allow anything to rest on the power cord. DO NOT place this product where people  can walk on the cord.
8 If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere ratings of the  products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. 
Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the AC power outlet does not exceed 
15 amperes (USA only).
9 DO NOT place anything in front of the machine that will block received faxes. DO NOT place  anything in the path of received faxes.
10 Wait until pages have exited the machine before picking them up.
11 Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots, since they may touch  dangerous voltage points or short out parts resulting in the risk of fire or electric shock. Never 
spill liquid of any kind on the product. DO NOT attempt to service this product yourself because 
opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points and other risks and 
may void your warranty. Refer all servicing to a Brother Authorized Service Center. For the 
location of your nearest Brother Authorized Service Center, please call the following:
In USA:  1-877-BROTHER (1-877-276-8437) 
In Canada:  1-877-BROTHER
(See  Brother numbers  on page i.)
12 Unplug this product from the AC power outlet and refer all servicing to Brother Authorized  Service Personnel under the following conditions: 
„ When the power cord is damaged or frayed.
„ If liquid has been spilled into the product.
„ If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
„ If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed, 
adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper 
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by 
a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.
„ If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
„ If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
 
						

							
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13 To protect your product against power surges, we recommend the use of a power protection device (Surge Protector).
14 To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to people, note the following:
„DO NOT use this product near appliances that use water, a swimming pool, or in a wet 
basement.
„ DO NOT use the machine during an electrical storm (there is the remote possibility of an 
electrical shock) or to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
15 Caution - To reduce the risk of fire, use only No.26 AWG or larger telecommunication line cord.
Standard telephone and FCC Notices (These notices are in effect 
on models sold and used in the United States only.)A
When programming emergency numbers or making test calls to emergency numbers: „ Remain on the line and briefly explain to the dispatcher the reason for the call before hanging 
up.
„ Perform these activities in the off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening.
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules and the requirements adopted by the 
ACTA. On the backside of this equipment is a label that contains, among other information, a 
product identifier in the format US: AAAEQ##TXXXX.  If requested, this number must be provided 
to the telephone company.
You may safely connect this equipment to the telephone line by means of a standard modular jack, 
USOC RJ11C.
A plug and jack used to connect this equipment to the premises wiring and telephone network 
must comply with the applicable FCC Part 68 rules and requirements adopted by the ACTA. A 
compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided with this product. It is designed to be 
connected to a compatible modular jack that is also compliant. See installation instructions for 
details.
The REN is used to determine the number of devices that may be connected to a telephone line. 
Excessive RENs on a telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an 
incoming call. In most but not all areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five (5.0). To be 
certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as determined by the total RENs, 
contact the local telephone company. For products approved after July 23, 2001, the REN for this 
product is part of the product identifier th at has the format US:AAAEQ##TXXXX.The digits 
represented by ## are the REN without a decimal point (e.g., 06 is a REN of 0.6). For earlier 
products, the REN is separately shown on the label.
If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in 
advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice isnt 
practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be 
advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures 
that could affect the operation of the equipment. If this happens the telephone company will 
provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted 
service.
 
						

							
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If trouble is experienced with this equipment, for repair or warranty information, please contact 
Brother Customer Service. (See Brother numbers on page i.) If the equipment is causing harm to 
the telephone network, the telephone company may request that you disconnect the equipment 
until the problem is resolved.
Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility 
commission, public service commission or corporation commission for information.
If your home has specially wired alarm equipment connected to the telephone line, ensure the 
installation of this equipment does not disable your alarm equipment. If you have questions about 
what will disable alarm equipment, call your telephone company or a qualified installer.
If you are not able to solve a problem with your machine, call Brother Customer Service. (See 
Brother numbers  on page i.)
WARNING 
For protection against the risk of electrical shock, always disconnect all cables from the wall 
outlet before servicing, modifying or installing the equipment.
  
This equipment may not be used on coin service lines provided by the telephone company or 
connected to party lines.
 
Brother cannot accept any financial or other responsibilities that may be the result of your 
use of this information, including direct, special or consequential damages. There are no 
warranties extended or granted by this document.
This machine has been certified to comply with FCC standards, which are applied to the 
USA only.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
Declaration of Conformity (USA only)A
declares, that the products
Product Name: MFC-290C
comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This 
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation
100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA
TEL: (908) 704-1700
 
						

							
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This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection 
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can 
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, 
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment 
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following 
measures:„ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
„ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 
„ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is 
connected. 
„ Call the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 
IMPORTANT
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Brother Industries, Ltd. could void the 
users authority to operate the equipment.
 
Industry Canada Compliance Statement (Canada only)A
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
International ENERGY STAR® Compliance StatementA
The purpose of the International ENERGY STAR® Program is to promote the development and 
popularization of energy-efficient office equipment.
As an ENERGY STAR
® Partner, Brother Industries, Ltd. has determined that this product meets 
the ENERGY STAR
® guidelines for energy efficiency.
 
 
						

							
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Legal limitations for copyingA
Color reproductions of certain documents are illegal and may result in either criminal or civil 
liability. This memorandum is intended to be a guide rather than a complete listing of every 
possible prohibition. In case of doubt, we suggest that you check with counsel as to any particular 
questionable documents.
The following documents issued by the United States/Canadian Government or any of its 
Agencies may not be copied:„ Money
„ Bonds or other certificates of indebtedness
„ Certificates of Deposit
„ Internal Revenue Stamps (canceled or uncanceled)
„ Selective Service or draft papers
„ Passports
„ United States/Canadian Postage Stamps (canceled or uncanceled)
„ Food Stamps
„ Immigration Papers
„ Checks or drafts drawn by Governmental agencies
„ Identifying badges or insignias
Copyrighted works cannot be copied. Sections of a copyrighted work can be copied for ‘fair use’. 
Multiple copies would indicate improper use.
Works of art should be considered the equivalent of copyrighted works.
Licenses and Certificates of Title to motor vehicles may not be copied under certain 
state/provincial laws.
 
						

							
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TrademarksA
The Brother logo is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Multi-Function Link is a registered trademark of Brother International Corporation.
© 2008 Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the 
United States and other countries.
Microsoft, Windows and Windows Server are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in 
the United States and/or other countries.
Macintosh and TrueType are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Nuance, the Nuance logo, PaperPort and ScanSoft are trademarks or registered trademarks of 
Nuance Communications, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.
Presto! PageManager is a registered trademark of NewSoft Technology Corporation.
Microdrive is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Memory Stick is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
SanDisk is a licensee of the SD and miniSD trademarks.
xD-Picture Card is a trademark of Fujifilm Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation and Olympus Optical Co. 
Ltd.
PictBridge is a trademark.
Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Duo and MagicGate are trademarks of 
Sony Corporation.
FaceFilter Studio is a trademark of Reallusion, Inc.
Each company whose software title is mentioned in this manual has a Software License 
Agreement specific to its proprietary programs.
All other brand and product names mentioned in this Users Guide are registered 
trademarks of their respective companies.
 
						

							
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B
TroubleshootingB
IMPORTANT
For technical help, you must call the country where you bought the machine. Calls must be 
made from within  that country.
 
If you think there is a problem with your machine, check the chart below and follow the 
troubleshooting tips. 
Most problems can be easily resolved by yourself. If you need additional help, the Brother 
Solutions Center offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting tips. Visit us at 
http://solutions.brother.com
.
If you are having difficulty with your machineB
Troubleshooting and Routine 
Maintenance
B
Printing
DifficultySuggestions
No printout Check the interface cable connection on both the machine and your computer.  (See the Quick Setup Guide .)
Check that the machine is plugged in and that the  On/Off key is on.
Check to see if the LCD is showing an error message. (See  Error and 
maintenance messages  on page 101.)
If the LCD says  Cannot Print  and Replace XX Ink  (where XX is an 
abbreviation of the empty color), see  Replacing the ink cartridges on page 110.
Check that the correct printer driver has been installed and chosen.
Make sure the machine is online. Click  Start and then  Printers and Faxes . 
Choose ‘ Brother MFC-XXXX  (where XXXX is your model name)’, and make sure 
that ‘Use Printer Offline’ is unchecked.
When you choose the  Print Odd Pages and Print Even Pages  settings, you may 
see a print error message on your computer, as the machine pauses during the 
printing process. The error message will disappear after the machine re-starts 
printing.
 
						

							
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B
Poor print quality Check the print quality. (See  Checking the print quality on page 115.) 
Make sure that the Printer Driver or Paper Type setting in the menu matches the 
type of paper you are using. (See  Printing for Windows
® or Printing and Faxing  for 
Macintosh
® in the Software Users Guide on the CD-ROM and  Paper Type 
on page 20.)
Make sure that your ink cartridges are fresh. The following may cause ink to clog:
„ The expiration date written on the cartridge package has passed. (Cartridges 
stay usable for up to two years if kept in their original packaging.)
„ The ink cartridge was in your machine over six months.
„ The ink cartridge may not have been stored properly before use.
If you are using generic ink, use Genuine Brother Innobella™ Ink.
Try using the recommended types of paper. (See  Acceptable paper and other print 
media  on page 13.) 
The recommended environment for your machine is between 68 ° F to 91 ° F (20 °C 
to 33 °C).
White horizontal lines appear in text 
or graphics. Clean the print head. (See 
Cleaning the print head on page 115.)
Make sure you are using Brother Original ink cartridges.
Try using the recommended types of paper. (See  Acceptable paper and other print 
media  on page 13.) 
The machine prints blank pages. Clean the print head. (See  Cleaning the print head on page 115.)
Make sure you are using Brother Original ink cartridges.
Characters and lines are stacked. Check the printing alignment. (See  Checking the print alignment on page 116.)
Printed  text  or  images  are  skewed. Make sure the paper is loaded properly in the paper tray and the paper side guides  are adjusted correctly. (See Loading paper and other print media  on page 8.)
Make sure the Jam Clear Cover is closed properly.
Smudged stain at the top center of 
the printed page. Make sure the paper is not too thick or curled. (See 
Acceptable paper and other 
print media  on page 13.) 
Smudged stain at the right or left 
corner of the printed page. Make sure the paper is not curled when you print on the back side of the paper 
with the 
Print Odd Pages  and Print Even Pages  settings.
Printing appears dirty or ink seems 
to run. Make sure you are using the proper types of paper. (See 
Acceptable paper and 
other print media  on page 13.) Dont handle the paper until the ink is dry.
If you are using photo paper, make sure that you have set the correct paper type. 
If you are printing a photo from your PC, set the  Media Type in the Basic tab of 
the printer driver.
Make sure you are using Brother Original ink cartridges.
Stains appear on the reverse side 
or at the bottom of the page. Make sure the printer platen is not dirty with ink. (See 
Cleaning the machine printer 
platen  on page 114.)
Make sure you are using Brother Original ink cartridges.
Make sure you are using the paper support flap. (See  Loading paper and other 
print media  on page 8.)
The machine prints dense lines on 
the page. Check 
Reverse Order  in the Basic tab of the printer driver.
Printing (continued)
DifficultySuggestions
 
						

							
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The printouts are wrinkled. In the printer driver Basic tab, click  Color Settings , and uncheck Bi-Directional 
Printing  for Windows
® or Bi-Directional Printing  for Macintosh®.
Make sure you are using Brother Original ink cartridges.
Cannot perform ‘Page Layout’ 
printing. Check that the paper size setting in the application and in the printer driver are the 
same.
Print speed is too slow.  Try changing the printer driver setting. The highest resolution needs longer data  processing, sending and printing time. Try the other quality settings in the printer 
driver Basic tab.
Turn the borderless feature off. Borderless printing is slower than normal printing. 
(See  Printing  for Windows
® or Printing and Faxing  for Macintosh® in the Software 
Users Guide on the CD-ROM.)
Photo paper does not feed 
properly. When you print on Brother Photo paper, load one extra sheet of the same photo 
paper in the paper tray. An extra sheet has been included in the paper package 
for this purpose.
Clean the paper pick-up roller. (See 
Cleaning the paper pick-up roller 
on page 114.)
Machine  feeds  multiple  pages Make sure the paper is loaded properly in the paper tray. (See  Loading paper and 
other print media  on page 8.)
Check that more than two types of paper are not loaded in the paper tray at any 
one time.
Printed pages are not stacked 
neatly. Make sure you are using the paper support flap. (See 
Loading paper and other 
print media  on page 8.)
Machine does not print from Adobe 
Illustrator. Try to reduce the print resolution. (See 
Printing for Windows
® or Printing and 
Faxing  for Macintosh
® in the Software Users Guide on the CD-ROM.)
Printing Received Faxes
DifficultySuggestions
Condensed print and white streaks 
across the page or the top and 
bottom of sentences are cut off. You probably had a bad connection, with static or interference on the telephone 
line. Ask the other party to send the fax again.
Vertical black lines when receiving. The senders scanner may be dirty. Ask the sender to make a copy to see if the  problem is with the sending machine. Try receiving from another fax machine.
Received color fax prints only in 
black & white. Replace the color ink cartridges that are empty or nearly empty, and then ask the 
other person to send the color fax again. (See 
Replacing the ink cartridges 
on page 110.)
Left and Right margins are cut off or 
a single page is printed on two 
pages. Turn on Auto Reduction. (See 
Printing a reduced incoming fax  on page 37.)
Printing (continued)
DifficultySuggestions