imageCLASS MF656Cdw Scanner Won't Connect, Cannot communicate with scanner error

[ZO]

Hey. I just got the model listed in the subject for a new job that'll require a lot of scanning. I had a less expensive, smaller Canon printer before this, for my last job, and it scanned just fine. With this new printer, I got it set up, connected to wifi, it prints no problem, but won't scan files to my computer. I need this scanner to work. As a temporary work-around, I'm scanning to a USB drive, removing it, connecting it to my computer, getting the files, sticking the USB drive back into the printer...it works, but it's annoying and I didn't get a nice Canon printer/scanner/copier expecting to be dealing with this sort of inconvenience, you know? 

I've seen stuff about this online, with people having the same problems. Their solutions haven't worked for me so far. Just today I uninstalled all Canon apps from my computer and reinstalled them. Same error. Can anyone help? I installed the three recommended software packages/drivers. Let me know what other info you need. I'm decent at poking around till I figure out how to make things work, but I'm no tech expert. 

[Chrisan]

Yes, I am having the same issue with my Imageclass MF455dw.  I have installed, uninstalled and re-installed my drivers and cannot scan at all.  I Googled and YouTubed it and it just states to make sure you download your drivers which I have already.  Hoping someone answers you so I, too, can find the answer. Very frustrating.

[TeddyDaBear]

I also have the same problem with the same model.  I cannot scan from Windows, yet my Mac doesn't have a problem.  This is frustrating because I need a working printer for tax season

[Chrisan]

I couldn't find a way to make it work for us.  We just downloaded "canon business print" on our cellphones. It has the word "business" on the left-hand side.  Ironically, it works using that app from the phone, but I cannot get my desktop with Windows 11 to work. I can print normally.  I can scan from the app but cannot scan directly from the printer.  I also downloaded the windows scan app on my desktop.  That just takes a couple more steps.  Seems to work fine using my cellphone app.  

[ZO]

There are many threads about this issue. Try this one. I went back and read it again, and noticed that some people were having luck with the Windows Scan app. I had tried this and it didn't work. But after uninstalling then reinstalling the printer and all drivers this morning, I'm getting it to scan to my computer using Windows Scan. Not ideal, but at least I'm not having to use a USB removable drive anymore...

And for what it's worth, I also downloaded the 'R50 registry fix' to try that option, talked about in the thread I linked. No luck. 

I'd still really like to hear a solution to this. 

[Chrisan]

Thank you.  I did add the Windows Scan appt.  I the interim, I had loaded the Canon Scan Business app on my phone and was able to scan from the printer to my cell phone.  With the Windows scan app, it should cut out a step.  I guess there is no simple solution so that we can just walk up and scan something.  

[ZO]

I also tried the "fix" in this thread. Was hopeful...but still no luck. I was able to run through the suggested process for the printer itself. But on my computer, the printer only showed up once in the devices dropdown, with MF Scan below it. Like I said I was able to do what he recommends for the printer, but when I try it for MF Scan, I get this:

Oh well. I was hopeful for a bit there...Still a possibility I'm just missing a step somewhere. I think I'm following the directions exactly, but who knows. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I suggest the following steps.  

First, decide on a connection method.  Ethernet, wireless or USB cable.  (Pick One)

The wireless option is usually the most popular, and the most flexible.  No wires are needed,  and it allows any device that connects to the same network to print.  Next, (optional) I recommend assigning a static IP to the printer.  This is done on your router.  Once the printer is connected, log into the router and review the list of attached devices.  Then reserve the IP the router has assigned.  Once done, restart the printer and confirm it using the IP you assigned previously.

If you are installing under Windows, you only need 2 installer packages.  

The 2nd and 3rd from ZO's image above.  MF Printer diver /Generic UFRII and ScanGear installer.

And 

The MF Scan Utility v1.21.0.2

The master setup is not needed, (Its optional)

If you are running windows 11 with feature release 24H2, there is a known communication issue with the scanner.  Microsoft has yet to release a fix for this.  However, there is a work around that solves the issue and allows the MF Scan Utility v1.21.0.2 to work as intended.  

Updating the driver using the entry or entries under Imaging Devices is correct.  You'll have more than one listing if you have used more than one connection method (one could be wireless, one ethernet) are examples.  To windows these are separate interfaces.  I have only used wireless, so I only have one entry.

Note you have to right-click and disable the device before performing the update step.

In cases where multiple installs were attempted and failed, it may be wise to remove the printer, uninstall its software and restart the PC before installing again.  I have used the Device Manager update method with Windows 11 24H2 successfully.  Its not needed for Windows 10 or with an earlier feature release (like) 23H2 (Windows 11).    

[ZO]

Thank you for this. I'm able to navigate most of what you describe, but I'm stumbling on the static IP. I did some google searching for tutorials but so far they seem to assume a higher level of tech proficiency than I possess...🙂

Do you know of a clear, step-by-step guide? I don't even know if it's something I'm doing from the printer lcd itself, or from my computer in printer settings. Or from the router? I've never even logged in my router before, or known it was something I could do. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Its done on your router.  What is the brand/model, maybe I can find instructions for you.