Because this has come up quite frequently recently, I figured I would share some of my tips to make things work properly.

Problem 1 - When you scan documents, they come up as individual JPEGs instead of PDF documents.

Solution – Go into ControlCenter3.  It’s the little blue square icon that says “CC3″ on it.  You may have to show inactive icons.  Once in, click on Configuration at the top, and choose Scan->File.

There will be two tabs – Software Button and Device Button.  The software button is the settings for when you choose “Scan” from the CC3 program.  Some people may want different settings depending on how they scan.  The device button is for when you press Scan on the Brother MFC and choose Scan to File.  Where it says File Type in the dropdown window, change it from *.JPG to *.PDF for both the software and the device button, assuming you want it that way.  That’s it! You’re done!

Problem 2 – The Scan To File feature is not working on your Brother MFC, or your PC isn’t listed, etc.

Solution – this one is a little more complex.  Sometimes, when installing the software people don’t click the box labeled “Add this computer to the Scan To” button.  Previously my fix had been to uninstall and reinstall the software, but there is an easier way that is a little bit hidden.

The first thing is to check your router configuration on your network to make sure it allows UDP ports 54925 and 54926 through.  As it is outside the scope of this article, I will leave instructions on that part out, as there are many router types, and to be honest, if you don’t know how to do it on your router, you should probably have your local IT Professional do it (Us!).

The second thing is to add an exception into Windows Firewall/Norton Internet Security/etc. – you need to allow ports 54925 and 54926 through.  I have Vista on this particular machine, so basically you just open up the windows firewall settings, do “Add Port” and add in those two specific ports.

The third thing is the “hidden” part – it took me quite a bit of digging to find this, so I figured I would share it and make your life easier.  Go into the Control Panel (generally off the start button) and choose Scanners and Cameras, and bring up the properties for your Brother MFC.  There are a few tabs – Start with the Events tab and make sure when you choose the scan button from the printer it starts Control Center 3.  Next go to the Network Setting tab.  I prefer personally to use a static IP for my printer and machine in my home office, and just specify the IP address of the printer here.  If you use DHCP or just don’t know the printers IP Address, choose Browse and you can use its NetBIOS name.  Next, on the Scan To tab you will see “Register your PC with the “Scan To” functions at the machine” and a display name for what you want to call your computer.  When having issues, and I’ve tried Windows Firewall and router settings for the ports, I uncheck this box, click OK, open the properties back up, and recheck the “Register your PC…” box.

After all of that, power cycle your Brother MFC, and give it a try!