Solved Can't connect to WiFi printer

dsscottage · Jan 16, 2024

Winuser said:
1.What printers are trying to install?

Brother MFC-J985DW

Winuser said:
2. Are you trying to connect the computers to the Wi-Fi on the printers?

Yes but my new computer doesn't see it on WiFi. I'm also trying to add it manually then selecting "Select a shared printer by name". I then see the printer on the network but get the error message when it attempts to install. I find that odd because the set up process finds my main printer on WiFi (located beside the new computer). The J985 isn't that far away and should be within WiFi range.

Winuser said:
3. If trying to connect to the Wi-Fi on the printers, have you tried connecting the printers to your routers Wi-Fi network?

I haven't done this and am not yet familiar with the process but I will investigate and try it once I'm finished setting up my new computer.

Winuser said:
4. Have you tried using USB to setup the printers to the computers?

The printer is in another room and it is connected to the computer in that room via USB and Wifi. I believe that attempting to connect it manually tries to connect it via USB.

Once I'm finished setting up the new computer, I'm going to temporarily move the printer to the location of the new computer and try to connect it there.

However, thank you for the suggestion in the meantime.

Winuser · Jan 16, 2024

Is this of any help? If you scroll down to the bottom there is instruction on how to use the Wi-Fi setup wizard. https://download.brother.com/welcome/doc100533/cv_mfc985dw_uke_qsg.pdf

dsscottage · Jan 16, 2024

Winuser said:
Is this of any help? If you scroll down to the bottom there is instruction on how to use the Wi-Fi setup wizard. https://download.brother.com/welcome/doc100533/cv_mfc985dw_uke_qsg.pdf

Thank you. I'll try it shortly

Winuser · Jan 16, 2024

dsscottage said:
Thank you. I'll try it shortly

If you get stuck just ask and we'll try to help.

dsscottage · Jan 17, 2024

OK. I'll admit to being stupid or at least forgetful.

I followed the instructions to set up the network printer on WiFi and it is now connected to my new computer.

I bought and installed the network printer a few years ago. It was connected to the other computer on my network with a USB cable. I thought that I had also set it up for Wifi. Obviously, I hadn't done that. Now that it is WiFi connected, all is well.

Thank you everyone who took time to offer suggestions. Sorry to have wasted your time.

Wisewiz · Jan 17, 2024

@dsscottage

It's NEVER a waste of time when the bottom line is that you took some of the suggestions and you got it working satisfactorily. That's what I call time well spent. :clap:

Dan

Ed Tittel · Jan 17, 2024

@dsscottage @Wisewiz Indeed, that's why all of us are here: to help each other out, and learn from our collective experience -- both good and bad. I've learned more here but I'd be hard-pressed to tell you whether that's from explaining my own mistakes or observing others working through issues and fixes. Cheers!
--Ed--

dsscottage · Jan 17, 2024

Wisewiz said:
@dsscottage

It's NEVER a waste of time when the bottom line is that you took some of the suggestions and you got it working satisfactorily. That's what I call time well spent.

Dan

You are very kind. Thank you.

dsscottage · Jan 17, 2024

Ed Tittel said:
@dsscottage @Wisewiz Indeed, that's why all of us are here: to help each other out, and learn from our collective experience -- both good and bad. I've learned more here but I'd be hard-pressed to tell you whether that's from explaining my own mistakes or observing others working through issues and fixes. Cheers!
--Ed--

I've found that this and the Win 10 forum are the most helpful forums that I have encountered.

Winuser · Jan 18, 2024

dsscottage said:
Thank you everyone who took time to offer suggestions. Sorry to have wasted your time.

We're glad we could help you get your printer working. You didn't waste our time. You had an actual problem and needed help. That's one of the reason why this forum exist.