MG3620 Generating duplicate printers despite single one

[harrisr]

Anyone ever seen one printer generate so many detected printers?

I'm connected by wire and this list of growing "duplicates" keeps getting larger.

[DerrickL]

What operating system are you using? If it is windows you may have a print spooler error. My printer is the MG3620, I use Windows 11 and I don't see anything like this. 

Steps to Reset the Windows Print Spooler

Resetting the print spooler can help resolve printing issues by clearing any stuck print jobs. Follow these steps to reset the print spooler service in Windows:

Method 1: Using the Services Console

1. Open the Run Dialog
   • Press Windows + R on your keyboard.

2. Access Services

   • Type services.msc and press Enter.

3. Locate Print Spooler

   • In the Services window, scroll down to find Print Spooler.

4. Restart the Service

   • Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Search for "Command Prompt," right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

2. Stop the Print Spooler

   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     net stop spooler

3. Clear the Print Queue

   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     DEL /F /S /Q %systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*

4. Start the Print Spooler

   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     net start spooler

[harrisr]

MacOS Tahoe 26.4

[DerrickL]

Steps to Resolve Duplicate MG3620 Printers

• Remove Existing Printers: Navigate to System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Select every instance of your Canon MG3620 and click Remove Printer.
• Restart Network Equipment: Power off your Wi-Fi router, the MG3620 printer, and your Mac. Turn the router back on and wait for it to fully connect, then power on the printer and Mac.
• Add via Bonjour: Go back to Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax..., select the printer under the Default tab (using Bonjour) to ensure the latest network protocol is used.
• Select Correct Driver: Ensure the "Use" menu indicates AirPrint or the correct Canon driver.
• Resolve IP Conflicts (If issues persist): If the Mac assigns new names (e.g., MG3620_2, MG3620_3), the router might be changing the printer's IP address. Consider setting a static IP address for the printer. 

[harrisr]

Thanks Derrick!

Removing was tedious because it's one by one and there are over 50 generated instances. In any case, I've done this a few times including printer restarts (power cable removed included).

Note that I'm not using WiFi for this printer and using a hard line (direct USB connection). I don't think the IP conflicts and Network equipment suggestions are relevant as a result?

I installed the latest driver as well but no dice.

[DerrickL]

No,  IP conflicts and Network equipment suggestions should not be relevant. I know the MG3620 cannot have wifi and usb active at the same time. Do you power the printer down when not in use? The same for your Mac? I do not, I leave all my equipment powered on except for my monitors which sleep until I hit my keyboard spacebar. If powered down a new instance could be created every time it comes back online so to speak. I am curious about the code under the printer name in each appearance. 

One other question, is your printer connected directly to your Mac or is it connected to a USB hub? My printer is connected to a four port non powered hub. I know that if I were to move the connection to a different port on the hub or the computer it would perform a new install, as if I were installing a second MG3620. It could do the same if i had a powered hub and turned it off and on. 

[harrisr]

I power it down from time-to-time but generally leave it on. I indeed use a four-port hub but do not disconnect it from the hub. That being said, I do disconnect the hub when I remove my laptop to travel away from my desk. I believe... it's non-powered. As you mention that, it seems like that is the likely culprit/smell but seems hard to defend against and seems like an obvious... bug.

> I am curious about the code under the printer name in each appearance. 

Which code are you referring to exactly?

[DerrickL]

 You may want to consider an inexpensive USB hub just to travel with. This is a very good one, I use three of them:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JX1ZS5O?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1

The code I was referring to is the name and digit string under the printer name in the screenshot you posted. 

[harrisr]

As yes, that code is just my device name (static).

Ah my main issue is more personal RE: desk setup at workplace has an inbuilt hub. Either I use it or not at all. Is the guess that switching between the two hubs triggers it to be recognized as a new device each time? This is a relatively newer issue with this printer (I had the exact same model printer before but had to buy a replacement and this only correlates with the newer one).

[DerrickL]

I think switching between hub ports is what is generating the new install. Do you have an separate USB hub from your Laptop you travel with? When you say your desk setup has an inbuilt hub, I don't understand exactly what you mean. I think there is a definite port change at some point that generates a new auto install and appearance of the printer on your laptop. If you can design a way to always use the same pc USB port travel or home this should stop. Is a second usb hub that you can leave connected to the same port on your PC and take with you a feasible idea?

 First thing however is to test this as the possible cause, by simulating what sequence you do when you take your laptop for travel, power down etc and  if this causes a new install of your printer.