HL-3040CN

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

The printer prints unexpectedly or it prints random data

Check the following points.

  1. Make sure that the printer cable is not too long. We recommend that you use a USB cable that is no longer than 2 metres (6.5 feet). If you use a USB cable that is longer than 2 metres (6.5 feet), change it to a shorter USB cable and try again.

  2. Make sure that the printer cable is not damaged or broken. If so, change it to a new one and try again.

  3. If you are using an interface-switching device, remove it. Connect your computer directly to your printer and then try again.

  4. Check if the correct printer driver is chosen.

    For Windows users:
    * This instruction is both for the Printer Driver and BR-Script printer driver.

    1. Open Printing Preferences. (Click here to see the details of how to open Printing Preferences.)

    2. Check the printer driver name.
      If your printer name appears in the Printing Preferences window, the correct printer driver is chosen.
      If not, reinstall the correct printer driver referring to Quick Setup Guide that is available on the Manuals section. To go to the Manuals section, click the "Manuals" link on this page.

      [Printer Driver]
      Printer Driver Name

      [BR-Script printer driver]
      Printer Driver Name


    For Macintosh users:
    * This instruction is both for the Printer Driver and BR-Script printer driver.
     
    1. Click the Apple icon and open "System Preferences".

    2. Click the "Print & Fax" or "Print & Scan" icon.
      The Print & Fax or Print & Scan window will be displayed.

    3. [Mac OS X 10.3.9 - 10.4.x users]

      1. Choose your printer name in the left section. Make sure your printer name appears next to the Selected Printer in Print Dialogue. If not, choose your printer name.

      2. Click "Printer Setup".
        Print & Fax Dialogue

      3. Choose "Printer Model" from the pull-down menu and check the printer driver name.
        If the printer driver name matches your printer name, the correct printer driver is chosen.
        If not, reinstall the correct printer driver referring to Quick Setup Guide that is available on the Manuals section. To go to the Manuals section, click the "Manuals" link on this page.
        Printer Driver Name


      [Mac OS X 10.5.x or later users]

      1. Choose your printer in the left section. Make sure your printer name appears next to the Default Printer. If not, choose your printer name.

        Print & Fax or Print & Scan Dialogue

      2. Compare the printer driver name as per the red boxes below.
        If the printer driver name matches your printer name, the correct printer driver is chosen. If not, reinstall the correct printer driver. Go to the Downloads section of this website to install the latest drivers.

        Printer Driver Name

  5. Make sure that the printer is not connected to the same port that is also connected to a storage device or scanner. Take away all other devices and only connect the printer to the port, then try again.

  6. Turn off the Status Monitor as follows:

    For Windows users:

    1. If the Status Monitor is displayed on the desktop, right click on the Status Monitor Window.
      If the Status Monitor is displayed on the taskbar, right click on the Status Monitor icon.

    2. Click Exit.
      The status monitor is turned off.
      Status Monitor


    For Macintosh users:

    Click on the X button on the top section of the Status Monitor window. 
    The status monitor is turned off.
    Status Monitor


    --OR--
    Go to the menu bar and click Brother Status Monitor => Quit Brother Status Monitor.
    The status monitor is turned off.
    Status Monitor

If your question was not answered, have you checked other FAQs?

Have you checked the manuals?

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

Related Models

HL-3040CN, HL-3070CW

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