The Brother MFCJ995DW-XL is a versatile all-in-one printer that offers wireless printing capabilities. However, some users have encountered issues where the printer goes offline and cannot reconnect wirelessly, despite being connected to the same WLAN as the PC. This article will provide a detailed step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue based on a real-world experience.

Problem Identification

1. Printer was initially set up for wireless printing and functioned without issues.
2. Printer goes offline on a Windows 11 PC despite being connected to the same wifi network.
3. Unable to reset the printer wirelessly without the installation CD-ROM.
4. Windows unable to detect the printer in the WLAN network after uninstallation and reinstallation.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Initial Checks:
   • Ensure the printer is powered on.
   • Verify that the printer is connected to the WLAN.
   • Confirm that the PC is on the same wifi network as the printer.
   • Check for Windows updates to ensure you have the latest version.
2. Setup Assistant & Wizard:
   • Utilize the printer's Setup Assistant to troubleshoot.
   • Try to reset the printer using the Setup Wizard. Note: If you don't have the installation CD-ROM, you might need to obtain a digital copy from Brother's website.
3. USB Cable Setup:
   • Temporarily connect the printer to the PC using a USB cable to see if it prints. This will help determine if the issue is strictly with wireless connectivity.
4. Uninstalling and Reinstalling:
   • Use Brother's official driver uninstall tool to remove all printer-related software from the PC.
   • Reboot both the PC and the printer.
   • Download and install the latest printer driver and software package from Brother's support website.
   • Attempt to connect the printer to the PC wirelessly.
5. Network Connection Repair:
   • Run the Brother Network Connection Repair tool.
   • Take note of any error messages. For instance, "the machine could not be found on the network" suggests a connectivity issue.
6. Manual Folder Removal:
   • Some residual files might remain after uninstallation, which could interfere with a fresh installation.
   • Navigate to Program Files and locate the Brother folder.
   • If the folder cannot be deleted due to a file being open, use third-party software like IOBit Unlocker to forcibly remove it. This will ensure any corrupted or lingering files are completely removed.

Recommendations

For those experiencing difficulties with wireless printer setups, it's essential to follow a systematic approach to troubleshooting, as described above. Always refer to the manufacturer's official documentation or support channels when unsure.

Furthermore, always ensure that all software and drivers are up-to-date. Occasional glitches might occur, but with patience and persistence, most issues can be resolved.

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