imageCLASS MF656Cdw will not scan via a wireless connection

[tommyboy39]

To save some time here and not have some of you ask me which printer, OS, etc, here they are:

• Windows 11 Pro 24H2 with all current updates
• Model of printer: Canon MF656Cdw
• Any firewall blocks have been removed, granting the printer / scanner full privileges over the network
• Printer firmware is up to date
• Have tried to uninstall an reinstall software and drivers several times

First off, I bought this printer back in January or February of 2024. I installed it along with the programs just fine on a Windows 10 Pro PC. Printer and scanner worked via a wireless connection without issue. No firewall exceptions were necessary and I did not have to troubleshoot anything.

Fast forward 8 or 9 months. I built a new PC running Windows 11 Pro. Installed printer and scanner software. Scanner cannot communicate with the pc while trying to scan. The printer portion works just fine as I was able to print a test page. When trying to scan via the Canon MF Scan Utility (or any other software for that matter), I get the following message:

• "Cannot communicate with the scanner. The cable may be disconnected, or the scanner may be turned off. Check the scanner status and try again. Scanner Driver will be terminated."

There is no cable as I use it via a wireless connection. Unless the printer came with a usb cable (I would have to check the box), I don't even have a cable to be able to print and scan via a usb cable. The printer and scanner are turned on. The scanner works as I printed a document directly from the scanner platen glass.

I'd like to know where to go from here. Why doesn't it work from my Windows 11 PC?

[tommyboy39]

I have now reached out to Microsoft. They were not able to find any issues on the Windows end and suggested I reach out to Canon support.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I have a MF656Cdw connected wirelessly to our network.  However, mine prints and scans without issue.. 

Can you please confirm the IP address of your printer?

I would suggest assigning a static IP for the printer on your router.  Next uninstall the printer and drivers from your PC and restart. 

Important. Install the device as an IP printer.  If you are unsure what this is, let us know.  

Run this first

[Windows 64bit] MF656Cdw/ MF654Cdw/ MF653Cdw/ MF652Cw MFDrivers (Generic Plus UFR II / Generic FAX / ScanGear)

And this one second

[Windows 32bit & 64bit] MF Scan Utility Ver.1.21.0.2

[tommyboy39]

Thanks for replying.

I have the printer set with a static IP already.

I have uninstalled all software, restarted the PC, and then installed the canon drivers and software again on several occasions. It still cannot communicate with the scanner. I did it again just for the sake of it and the result was the same. The printer will work but the scanner will not work through the MF Scan Utility.

I installed Windows scan and the scanner works with that without issue. However, the Windows scan utility is about as basic as can be and requires extra work from me in a photo editor like photoshop. I like using the scanners native interface in advanced mode to preview the item I am scanning and then select the area I want scanned. I cannot do that with Windows scan. It scans it in letter size, legal, or A4 only.

[tommyboy39]

Have any other suggestions as to why I can scan with other software and not the one that came with the actual printer?

[KaptainObveous]

Right behind you with the same problem @tommyboy39, same scenario including 24H2 except I am running an MF653Cdw flawlessly for over a year. Rebuilt the desktop (same HP Z2 hardware) due to a Windows Update issue and also upgraded to a larger SSD. Printer works fine, all other Canon utilities such as the toner status utility, scanner selector work fine as well. But ScanGear and Stitcher throw the same error as you've listed above.

I have also upgraded the firmware to v5.04, since it addressed several network vulnerability issues. 

Please note; Windows Fax and Scan works with the scanner, no problem at all. But it might not be using the same method as the MF Scan Utility (i.e. Twain Driver vs WIA) not sure at this point.

I'll monitor your thread and offer any help where I can to get this resolved. 

[tommyboy39]

Sure hope we can figure this out. I can scan through Windows scan and Acrobat without issue. I just prefer that Canon native interface with more options over Windows scan when wanting to scan and save to an image file (jpeg, png, etc.). I know we are not the only ones as I have read some other forum threads as well. All I know is that, right now, Canon or any of the others offering suggestions here, can't provide more, other than stating to uninstall, restart and reinstall the drivers and other software. One of these days I will have to see if Canon offers any support through a chat interface on here as I really hate phone support, especially when it can be hard to understand some of these tech support folk over the phone. If I ever figure it out on my own (or if you do), we can add to this thread.

[KaptainObveous]

Fyi; I tried applying KB5045934, the Cumulative Preview Update to 24H2, released on Oct 24th - but also, no luck. 

[shadowsports]

If it helps, I was working with another user who was running 24H2 and he's not having any problems (multiple systems), so the MF Scan Utility is compatible with W11 24H2.  (v1.21.0.2).

@tommyboy39.  In my first reply, I suggested that you uninstall the printer and driver, then restart.  You may have done this, but it's not clear.  Removing the printer is a separate step from uninstalling the software.  Then restart. 

3rd party anti--virus can also affect communication if you have this installed and running. This only applies to programs that are installed in addition to windows security.  (mentioning if applicable)

After the printer is removed, the software is uninstalled and the system is restarted, I would suggest installing the printer as a TCP/IP printer.  To ensure persistence and control assigning a static IP is recommended.  (you confirmed this was done).  

For install, I've done it both ways. You can install it using the Canon drivers specifying the IP, or from Advanced Properties and add it as a TCP/IP device.  This method is buried in Windows 11. Desired outcome below.  Mine uses 192.168.1.99

After you install the drivers, double click on the MF printer selector in the system tray.  Ensure only one device is present and that is check boxes selected.  Now open the MF Scan Utility and check the drop down (top right) corner.  

You should see only one device.  Now click the Scan Gear icon...what's the result?

If you continue to experience issues, run

>SFC /SCANNOW from an elevated command prompt.  Does Windows report any integrity violations?  If so, restart again and retest.

I have confirmation that the MF Scan Utility v1.21.0.2 runs under W11 24H2.  These are the drivers used for install

[Windows 64bit] MF656Cdw/ MF654Cdw/ MF653Cdw/ MF652Cw MFDrivers (Generic Plus UFR II / Generic FAX / ScanGear)

[Windows 32bit & 64bit] MF Scan Utility Ver.1.21.0.2

Hope this helps.

[KaptainObveous]

Hi @shadowsports, I followed your advice to @tommyboy39, to no success, but thank you for providing it as a possible solution. Hopefully, tommyboy39 will have better results.

Best