MFC-J985DW

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

I'm trying to install the driver with network settings, but I cannot locate a network connected Brother machine and complete the driver installation (for Windows).

 

Step 1: Check the connection

  • Verify that the LAN cable and the power cord of the Brother machine are connected. If the power cord is connected to a surge protector or power switch, remove the cord from the device and connect it directly to the outlet.
  • Verify that the Brother machine and your PC are connected in a Peer-to-Peer environment. There is no central server controlling file access or printer sharing.


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  • Verify that the Link light of the router or the hub is ON.

 

Step 2: Check the IP Address

Verify that both the IP addresses of your PC and the Brother machine are correct and located in the same segmentation following the instructions below:

 

A: How to check the IP address of your PC

 

  1. (Windows 11)
    Click Start, (All apps,) Windows Tools then launch Command Prompt.

    (Windows 10)
    Click Start, (All apps,) Windows System then select Command Prompt.

    (Windows 8)
    1. On the Start screen, click DownArrow.
      If DownArrow is not on the Start screen, right-click somewhere on an empty spot, and then click All Apps from the bar.
    2. Click Command Prompt.

    (Windows 7)
    Click Start, All Programs, Accessories then select Command Prompt.
     

  2. Enter ipconfig (C:\>ipconfig) and press Enter.
  3. Check the IP address and Subnet Mask.

    Command

     

  4. Enter exit (C:\>exit) and press Enter to close Command Prompt.

Make sure that the Subnet Mask is "255.255.255.0".
If your Subnet Mask is different, consult a network administrator to solve the issue (this FAQ is not applicable for your network environment).
If your Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0, continue to the following instructions below.

 
B: How to check the IP address of your Brother machine


If your Brother machine was purchased Network Ready, then the IP address can be determined via the control panel of the Brother machine or by printing a Report Page which is called User Settings report or Network Configuration report. For more information on how to find the IP address on the control panel of the machine or print a Report Page, refer to the Online User's Guide for your machine.

> The latest Online User's Guide is available in the Manuals section.

 

 

C: How to verify that both the IP addresses of your PC and the Brother machine are correct and located in the same segmentation.


C-1: Make sure all the following points from a to c are applicable for both the IP addresses of your PC and your Brother machine.

 

  1. The addresses (bold texts) are the same as below:
    PC IP address: 192.168.1.2
    Brother machine IP address: 192.168.1.199
  2. The end addresses are different and the address is within 2-254.
  3. The addresses are unique amongst all connected devices on your network environment.

C-2: Check the chart listed below.

If both the IP addresses are following all the above points, check Case A
If either IP address is not following one of the above points, check Case B.

You can check the Boot Method or IP Config listed in the User Settings report or Network Configuration report.

Case A: IP addresses are correct

Case B: IP addresses are incorrect

Boot Method or IP Config : Auto

Boot Method or IP Config : Static

Boot Method or IP Config : Auto

Boot Method  or IP Config : Static

Reset all network settings of your Brother machine. Reset all network settings of your Brother machine and reset the IP address manually. Reset all network settings of your Brother machine.
If the IP address is still incorrect, set the IP address manually (this changes Boot Method or IP Config to "Static").
Reset the IP address manually.
 
  • If you don't know what the static IP address is, consult a network administrator.
  • To see how to reset the network setting of the Brother machine, refer to the Related FAQ's at the end of this page.
    You can also check the instructions in the Online User's Guide.
    > The latest Online User's Guide is available in the Manuals section.
  • Before resetting, make sure the machine is not operating, then disconnect all the cables from the machine (except power cable).

Step 3: Restart the router or hub

Try restarting the router or hub.

After following all the above three Steps (Step 1 to Step 3), retry the driver installation. If you still have issues, continue to the following  Step 4.

If you configure the IP address manually, click Enter IP Address when your Brother machine could not be found over the network and enter the IP address for search.

Click Enter IP Address

Enter IP Address

 

Step 4: Check the Firewall setting

If a Firewall on your computer is active, it may be rejecting the necessary network connection. Disable the Firewall on your computer and try re-installing the drivers.
Temporarily change your firewall/security settings to allow network connection

Your computer's firewall/security software may be preventing the network connection from being established. If you receive firewall-related notifications, we recommend temporarily changing the security settings on your computer to establish the connection.

 

Customize Settings

 

IMPORTANT

  • Before disabling the firewall, make sure the changes you want to make are suitable for your network. Brother will not take any responsibility for any consequences of disabling the firewall.
  • When finished, make sure to turn the firewall on again.

If you still have issues after changing the Firewall settings, contact Brother Customer Service from "Contact Us".

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:

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