Experiencing issues with your Canon Printer Scanner communicating with your computer can be frustrating. Many users encounter error messages indicating a failure to connect, preventing them from scanning documents or photos. This article explores common reasons behind these Canon printer scanner communication problems and offers troubleshooting steps to resolve them.
One frequent error message users might see is: “Cannot communicate with scanner for these reasons: Scanner is turned off, USB cable is disconnected. Please check and try again. Scanner driver will be closed. Code: 5,156,69”. This message, while seemingly direct, can sometimes be misleading, as the actual cause might be different from what’s stated.
Here are several potential solutions to address Canon printer scanner communication errors:
1. Verify Physical Connections:
The error message often points to USB cable issues. Even if you believe the connection is secure, it’s crucial to double-check:
- USB Cable: Ensure the USB cable is firmly plugged into both the Canon printer scanner and your computer. Try disconnecting and reconnecting both ends.
- USB Port: Test different USB ports on your computer. A faulty USB port can prevent proper communication.
- Cable Integrity: Inspect the USB cable for any signs of damage, such as bends, kinks, or frays. If damage is visible, try using a different USB cable.
2. Power Cycle Your Devices:
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that interfere with communication:
- Printer Scanner: Turn off your Canon printer scanner completely. Unplug it from the power outlet and wait for about 30 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on.
- Computer: Restart your computer. This ensures that both devices are refreshed and can re-establish a connection.
3. Examine Scanner Drivers:
Outdated or corrupted scanner drivers are a common cause of communication problems.
- Driver Reinstallation: Uninstall the current Canon printer scanner drivers from your computer. You can typically do this through the Device Manager in Windows or the Printers & Scanners settings in macOS. After uninstalling, download the latest drivers specifically for your Canon printer scanner model and operating system from the official Canon support website. Install the downloaded drivers.
- Driver Update: Alternatively, instead of reinstalling, try updating the driver through Device Manager. Right-click on your scanner in Device Manager and select “Update driver”. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
4. Software Conflicts:
In some cases, other software or applications running on your computer might conflict with the Canon printer scanner software.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any programs that are not essential, especially those that might interact with imaging devices or USB connections.
- Check for Conflicting Software: Consider if any recently installed software could be causing a conflict. You might try temporarily uninstalling recently installed programs to see if it resolves the issue.
5. Consult Canon Support Resources:
If the problem persists after trying these steps, further assistance from Canon support might be necessary.
- Online Support: Visit the official Canon support website. They often have troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and driver downloads specific to your Canon printer scanner model.
- Contact Support: While phone support options might have changed, explore Canon’s website for current contact methods, which may include online chat or email support, depending on your region and product.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve “cannot communicate with scanner” errors for your Canon printer scanner and restore its functionality. Remember to always refer to your specific Canon printer model’s manual or the official Canon support website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
