Encountering issues with refillable cartridges in your Brother MFC-J4700W printer can be frustrating, especially when they previously worked without problems. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the "Cannot Detect" error you're experiencing.

Understanding the Problem

You have been using refillable cartridges with resettable chips in your Brother MFC-J4700W printer. These chips reset automatically when you refill the cartridges. However, after the recent refill of the black cartridge, the printer displayed a "Cannot Detect" error. Attempts to replace and reset the cartridge were unsuccessful, and now all colors are showing the same issue.

Potential Causes

1. Finite Reset Cycles: Some resettable chips have a limited number of reset cycles. If your cartridges have been reset approximately six times over the past 18 months, it's possible that the chips have reached their reset limit.
2. Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause communication errors between the printer and the cartridges.
3. Chip Malfunction: The chips on the cartridges may have malfunctioned or been damaged.
4. Firmware Updates: Recent firmware updates from Brother might affect the compatibility with third-party cartridges.

Steps to Troubleshoot

1. Check for Finite Resets: Contact the seller or manufacturer of the cartridges to confirm if there is a limit to the number of resets for the chips. If there is no response, consider the possibility that the chips have reached their maximum number of resets.
2. Update Printer Drivers:
   • Go to the Brother official website.
   • Download the latest driver for the Brother MFC-J4700W for Windows 7.
   • Install the updated driver and restart your computer and printer.
   • Try installing the cartridges again and check if the issue persists.
3. Inspect Cartridge Chips:
   • Remove the cartridges and inspect the chips for any visible damage or dirt.
   • Clean the chips gently with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
   • Reinstall the cartridges and check if the printer detects them.
4. Check Firmware Version:
   • Access your printer's menu and navigate to the firmware information section.
   • Compare the firmware version with the latest available on the Brother website.
   • If an update is available, consider the implications for third-party cartridges before proceeding.
5. Reset Printer Settings:
   • Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
   • Wait for a few minutes and then plug it back in.
   • Power on the printer and check if it recognizes the cartridges.

Alternative Solutions

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider the following alternatives:

• Purchase New Chips or Cartridges: If the resettable chips have reached their limit, purchasing new chips or cartridges might be necessary.
• Consult a Professional: Visit a local printer repair shop in Greensboro, North Carolina, or consult a professional technician for further assistance.

Additional Resources

For more troubleshooting tips and technical advice, follow our YouTube Channel and our Tech Blog. Stay updated with the latest solutions and tutorials to keep your devices running smoothly.

By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the "Cannot Detect" error with your Brother MFC-J4700W printer, ensuring continued use of your refillable cartridges.