MFC733CDW Waiting File Name

[printerplease]

Our MFC 733CDW will not print anything.  We have tried from multiple devices, and we get the message "waiting file name:..." every time.  How do I fix this?

The firmware is up to date

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the printer on every computer.  Some times it will print if I only send 1 page at a time, but it will not print if I send a document with 2 or more pages.  

[Darius]

Hi printerplease.

I can recommend a few possible solutions to the "Waiting file name" message.

Since you've already updated the printer's firmware, we can skip that step.

First, check the printer's wifi signal strength.  Ensure it's at Normal or better.  If it's listed as Bad, try moving it closer to the router.  If the router is right beside the printer, try giving them at least ~ 2 ft separation.

If that doesn't correct the issue, initialize all of the printer's settings.  This will clear any settings that may be conflicting with the network communication.  Reconnect the printer to the wifi and try printing once more.

If, after the above steps, the problem persists, ensure the printer is installed on the computers using Canon's drivers.  The Canon-produced drivers may be found, free of charge, on the MF733Cdw Drivers & Downloads page, on the Canon U.S.A. website.

If you need immediate assistance with this issue, please call us at 1-800-OK-CANON (652-2666), Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET (excluding holidays).

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[printerplease]

This did not help.  Strong wifi signal, initialized printer settings, have uninstalled and reinstalled all drivers from the canon website multiple times on both computers.  It printed one time, then when I tried to print from a different computer, the dispaly said "waiting on file" for the entire day until I turned the printer off and turned it back on.  Now it will not print from either computer.  

[dbeauch1]

I use ChromeOS...same issue and my printer has native ChromeOS support. "Solutions" don't work...printer appears to need a firmware update as this issue is affecting many people

[sarahbelle808]

Has anyone figured this out? I am having the exact same issues. It is so frustrating as I have had no problems for the last 2 years. I cannot print from either chrome book or my phone. please help

[printerplease]

I finally found someone that figured it out when I called canon customer service. It took over 2 hours to fix. They found an old file that was hidden in the program files of my computer that they said was “stuck”. He said that it was preventing any other files from printing and then deleted it. Then he Initialized the settings on the printer. It prints from any device now (but the color is horrible and it has streaks on everything I print). I can not explain how he found the “stuck file” and would never have been able to find that solution by myself.  This printer has been the worst printer I have ever owned. I will never buy another canon printer. 

[Bosshog7_2000]

Ok....it is mind blowing to me that Canon has not addressed this issue.  I am having the exact same problem and after tonnes of googling I found a (partial) fix. First the good news...the 'waiting file name' problem can be fixed by resetting the copier as per this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOhFyqYO9-8

It's a different model number but the procedure works.  The problem....as soon as my printer goes to sleep or is turned off I get the 'waiting file name' problem and the only way to clear it is once again resetting the printer which is a major pain in the butt. 

I'm super irritated because this printer worked perfectly for 2 years or so and out of the blue this problem started.  I'm at the point I am going to get rid of this printer and buy a new one, but zero chance i will buy Canon.

[nyuk]

My MFC733Cdw began doing this two days ago after two or so years of no problems.  Resetting the printer/settings is only temporary until the printer restarts.  Firmware is up to date, as are drivers on my PC.  It not only prevents the machine from printing, it prevents it from sleeping unless I clear the phantom pending print job each time.  This is very frustrating.

Edit: I noticed tonight that when my PC awoke from sleep, the printer also left sleep.  Could a Windows update or file be sending a phantom print job to the printer, causing this?