How to Reset Brother Printer Dcp-t420w
Resetting your Brother DCP-T420W printer is a fundamental troubleshooting step that can resolve a wide range of issues, from connectivity problems to persistent error messages. Whether you are preparing your printer for a new user, troubleshooting errors, or simply wanting a fresh start, understanding the reset process is essential.
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of all reset options available for the Brother DCP-T420W, including machine reset, network reset, factory reset, and advanced maintenance procedures.
Why Reset Your Brother DCP-T420W?
Resetting your printer is a powerful tool for returning your device to a stable state or preparing it for a new user. When you reset your Brother DCP-T420W, you can resolve errors and glitches that might otherwise be difficult to diagnose. It is also a vital step for security, ensuring that any sensitive data or network settings are cleared before you sell or dispose of the printer.
Additionally, resetting can help with connectivity issues by removing old network configurations and can be part of regular maintenance routines, such as clearing error messages related to ink pads or cartridges. Understanding the specific reset options available will empower you to restore your printer’s functionality efficiently and safely.
Types of Resets Available
The Brother DCP-T420W is equipped with several reset functions, each designed to address a unique set of needs. These include the machine reset, which restores user settings to their defaults; the network reset, which clears all networking configurations; and the factory reset, which returns the printer to its original state as if it were brand new.
There are also advanced resets for maintenance tasks, such as resetting the ink pad counter or the ink cartridge recognition after a refill. Familiarizing yourself with these options ensures you can quickly and effectively address any issues that arise with your printer.
Machine Reset
A machine reset is the simplest form of reset available on the Brother DCP-T420W. This process restores all user-changed settings—such as date, time, and language—to their default values. It does not erase network settings or stored data, making it ideal for troubleshooting minor issues or correcting misconfigurations.
To perform a machine reset, press and hold the “Stop” and “Mono Start” (Black Start) buttons simultaneously. The printer’s LEDs will light up for a moment, and the Warning LED will begin blinking. Next, press and hold the “Mono Start” button for two seconds. Wait for the machine to restart and the Power LED to light up before continuing. This procedure is best used when you wish to restore user settings without affecting network or advanced configurations.
Network Reset
Resetting the network settings on your Brother DCP-T420W clears all network-related information, including Wi-Fi passwords, IP addresses, and print server configurations.
This is particularly useful if you are experiencing connectivity issues or need to connect the printer to a new Wi-Fi network. To initiate a network reset, press the “WiFi Button/LED” and “Stop” buttons together.
The printer’s LEDs will illuminate briefly, and the WiFi Button/LED will start blinking. Then, press and hold the “Colour Start” (Color Start) button for two seconds. Wait until the machine restarts and the Power LED indicator lights up. This reset is recommended when you want to resolve persistent network errors or set up your printer on a different wireless network.
Factory Reset (All Settings)
A factory reset is the most comprehensive reset available for the Brother DCP-T420W. This process restores all settings—including user preferences, network configurations, and customizations—to their original factory state.
Brother strongly recommends performing a factory reset before disposing of or selling your printer to ensure all personal data is removed.
To execute a factory reset, press and hold the “Stop” and “Mono Start” (Black Start) buttons simultaneously. The printer’s LEDs will light up, and the Warning LED will blink. Then, press and hold the “Colour Start” button for two seconds. Wait for the machine to restart and the Power LED to stabilize. This reset is ideal when you want to completely erase all data and return your printer to its original condition.
Advanced Resets and Maintenance
Beyond the standard resets, the Brother DCP-T420W offers advanced procedures for maintenance and troubleshooting. These include resetting the ink pad (absorber) counter and resetting ink cartridge recognition after refilling. These advanced resets are essential for addressing specific error messages and ensuring your printer continues to function optimally.
Ink Pad (Absorber) Counter Reset
Over time, the ink pad (also known as the absorber) collects excess ink. When it becomes full, the printer may display an error such as “Ink Absorber is Full” or “Machine Error 4600” and cease printing. Resetting the ink pad counter allows you to continue using the printer, although the pad may eventually require physical replacement.
To enter service mode, press and hold the “Copy Shortcut” and “Colour” buttons simultaneously for about five seconds, then press “Copy Shortcut” twice and “Mono” four times. The power and warning LEDs will flash, indicating service mode is active. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable and open Brother Utilities.
Select your printer model, navigate to “Tools” > “Machine Settings,” and log in using the default password found on the back of your printer. Go to “Administrator” > “Remote Panel,” and log in again if prompted. Type “80” on the screen pad and press “Mono Start,” then navigate to “Purge Count.” Click “Set,” enter “2783,” and click “Set” again. To exit service mode, select “99.”
The printer will restart automatically. Print a test page to ensure the error is resolved. This procedure is recommended when you encounter an ink absorber full error.
Ink Cartridge Reset (After Refilling Ink)
After refilling ink cartridges, your printer may still display low ink warnings or refuse to print. Resetting the cartridge allows the printer to recognize the new ink levels. To perform this reset, ensure the printer is on and the ink cartridge door is open.
Press and hold the “Cancel” and “Print” buttons simultaneously; for some models, use the “Menu” button instead. Navigate to “Ink Management” or “Ink Reset” in the menu, select the cartridge you refilled, and confirm the reset. Close the cartridge door and print a test page to verify the reset was successful. Use this procedure after refilling ink cartridges to clear low ink warnings.
Post-Reset Steps
After performing any reset on your Brother DCP-T420W, there are several important steps to ensure your printer is ready for use. First, reconnect your printer to your Wi-Fi network using the control panel. Next, reinstall or reconfigure your printer drivers if necessary, especially if you encounter connectivity issues with your computer. Finally, set the date, time, and any other preferences to match your requirements. These post-reset steps will help you restore full functionality and ensure your printer operates smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While resetting your printer can resolve many issues, some problems may persist or require additional troubleshooting. The printer’s LED indicators—such as Power, Warning, and Ink LEDs—provide valuable status information and can help you identify specific error codes.
If errors continue after a reset, check for available firmware updates or consult your printer’s manual for further guidance. For network issues, ensure your router is functioning correctly and that the printer is within range. Restarting both your router and printer can often resolve connectivity problems. If all else fails, contacting Brother support is recommended for expert assistance.
Best Practices
Adopting best practices will help you maintain your Brother DCP-T420W and avoid common issues. Before performing a reset, always back up important settings such as Wi-Fi passwords and IP addresses. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning print heads and checking ink levels, can prevent many problems from arising.
For security, always perform a factory reset before selling or disposing of your printer to protect your personal data. Keeping your printer’s firmware and drivers up to date ensures optimal performance and compatibility with your devices. Following these best practices will help you get the most out of your Brother DCP-T420W printer.
Summary Table
For quick reference, here is a summary of the main reset options and their corresponding steps:
| Reset Type | Buttons/Steps | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Reset | Stop + Mono Start; hold Mono Start | Reset user settings |
| Network Reset | WiFi Button + Stop; hold Colour Start | Reset network settings |
| Factory Reset | Stop + Mono Start; hold Colour Start | Full factory reset |
| Ink Pad Reset | Service mode; code 2783 | Maintenance/error 4600 |
| Ink Cartridge Reset | Menu/button combo | Recognize new ink |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my printer delete all my print jobs?
Yes, a factory reset will clear all print jobs and settings.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after a reset?
In most cases, you will need to reconfigure your printer on your computer, but drivers may not need reinstallation unless you encounter issues.
How often should I reset my printer?
Resets are only necessary when troubleshooting errors or preparing the printer for a new user. Regular resets are not required.
What should I do if my printer still shows errors after a reset?
Check for firmware updates, clean print heads, or contact Brother support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Resetting your Brother DCP-T420W printer is a straightforward process that can resolve a wide range of issues. By understanding the different types of resets and when to use them, you can keep your printer running smoothly and securely.
Always follow best practices, such as backing up important settings and performing a factory reset before disposal. With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to handle any reset or maintenance task your Brother DCP-T420W may require.
Note:
For the most up-to-date instructions or if you encounter any issues, consult the official Brother support website or contact their customer service team.
