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?

[Bumscanner]

My MF654CDW started the exact same problem a few days ago Tommy.  Worked OK the first 18 months I owned it- now this.  Windows 11 on a Dell desktop.  Prints fine from my pc and will scan and print - same error message using the MF Scan Utility.  Did a hard reset - initialize of the printer back to 'language' choice, re-entered ann data, no help. 

Jim

[tommyboy39]

@Bumscanner,

Try the solution presented on page 4 of this topic from stan2841. Read the short reply and follow the link that was supplied. Select downloads and keep loading more till you reach the bottom. It is the one entitled "DR_RegistryFix.exe_download.xml". It worked for me, stan2841, and hopefully others.

[LTY2610]

It is very bad that I tried every methods mentioned in this thread but still no luck to resolve my scanner problem.  But I really can't find how to add IP printer on Windows 11, dunno why such a scanning function will cause so much trouble!!!

Did Canon try to do anything for us?

[KaptainObveous]

Canon has done nothing that I can see from the perspective of the MF650C series.

[shadowsports]

Not sure what Canon needs to "do" here. It was Microsoft that broke the functionality, not Canon. My 644 and 656 are both printing and scanning under Windows 11 24H2. I used the driver update workaround under Imaging Devices in device manager.  Not pretty but it does work.  

[ewiatr]

The problem lies both with Microsoft AND Canon.  Users should not be required to have a Ph.D in technical proficiency.  When Canon started manufacturing printers, they included a CD to install ALL necessary software onto the laptop or base station.  The CD was user friendly and my three year-old grandson could make it happen.  I blame Canon’s CEO/COO for substituting SYMBOLS onto their printers in lieu of how they were presented on former models, even the simple PIXMA MX 922’s bought (5) for $49/each from HSN.  If it was not broken, why eliminate these features?  Canon needs to rethink this, sooner rather than later!  UPSET with Canon is an UNDERSTATEMENT!  Canon, please re-engineer your printers eliminating symbols and remake printers with screens with words and examples AND go back to giving prospective buyers COMMON SENSE!  Just Saying…

[KaptainObveous]

I agree, Rick, 100% - Microsoft broke it and it is not "directly" Canon's issue.

What I expect from Canon is a bulletin posted front and center on the product support/drivers page for my model series device. They have not done this which leaves us guessing and searching for a solution. I feel bad for the user who spent hours (if not days when this first occurred months ago), troubleshooting until they finally discovered this functionality was broken by an OS update. And here we are, 5 months later, no fix, no mention of it at all (at least not for my MFC), by Canon.

Canon has fallen short and I will think twice when faced with a purchase decision in the future and Canon is among the choices.

And although the driver update workaround has worked for some, it does not work for all. I gave up, relocated the MFC near my desk and hooked up a USB cable.

Best,

John