Brother printers are common in both work and home offices. While the printer out of the box comes with everything you need to install the printer’s driver on your computer, not everyone can use the CD-ROM for installation.
Many of today’s sleek computer models don’t have a CD-ROM drive at all. Even if you’re installing an existing printer on a new computer but you no longer have the CD-ROM, don’t worry.
You can install the Brother printer driver through online methods.
Find the Driver at the Brother Support Solutions Center
Brother has a comprehensive support center website with driver downloads for most of its printers. You’ll need the model number of your printer before you begin.
Search the support center, locating the exact model. The site provides instructions specifically for your printer. It will first ask if you need the Windows or Macintosh driver. Select the pertinent option.
The driver usually downloads into your computer’s “Downloads” folder, and you’ll need to open it and move it to the “Printers” folder.
Fortunately, setup prompts will keep you moving to the next step; just know that the “Printers” folder is in the Control Panel on the hard drive of your system.
If the driver doesn’t make it there initially, the printer and computer might have trouble finding each other, even though the drivers are installed. Drag-and-drop it into the right location if needed.
Through the various setup prompts, choose the appropriate operating system.
Most people choose the full package setup so they can access all functions and features of the Brother printer, though you can choose a custom setting. Read and agree to the user agreement when prompted to continue through the setup.
Configure the Printer to Your Network
Having the drivers installed is really only step one. Most printers are on wireless networks these days, working with multiple computers or devices that simply don’t plug into the printer, and the printer is not always hard-wired into the wireless router.
Configuring the Brother printer to your network is essential for proper functioning.
Gather the wireless network information, including the network name and passwords. The network name is also referred to as the SSID.
Passwords are sometimes referred to as network keys or encryption keys. This information is located on a sticker at the base of the wireless router. You will also need a USB cable for the installation process.
Connect the Brother printer to power but don’t connect the USB cable yet. Turn on your computer if it isn’t already on.
You should already have installed the printer drivers. Open the printer network driver and select the configure option, choosing the “Brother Peer-to-Peer Network.”
Connect the USB cable to the printer and computer. The prompts will ask to change the firewall settings and potentially make adjustments to the antivirus software.
These changes are needed to give the printer access to the network. Be sure to select “Wireless Setup” to ensure the printer will work over the network rather than the USB hard wire.
The driver setup should recognize your network, select it and follow the remaining prompts for setup. Unplug the USB and test the setup.
Contact Brother Support
If after following all prompts, you still cannot print, contact Brother Printer Support. The phone number is 877-276-8437. You can also go to Brother-USA.com to start a customer support ticket to get help.