Brother MFC-L8850CDW Installation Review

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Introduction

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is a versatile and robust color laser all-in-one printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It combines the functions of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing into one efficient machine, making it a convenient choice for busy office environments. In this review, we will delve into the installation process of the Brother MFC-L8850CDW, covering the initial setup, software installation, network configuration, and troubleshooting tips. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive guide that ensures a smooth installation experience for users.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

Packaging and Contents

Upon receiving the Brother MFC-L8850CDW, the first step is unboxing. The printer comes securely packaged to prevent any damage during transit. Inside the box, you will find:

  • Brother MFC-L8850CDW printer
  • Power cord
  • Phone line cord (for fax)
  • Starter toner cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
  • Drum unit
  • Quick setup guide
  • Installation CD
  • Warranty card

Carefully remove the printer from the box and place it on a flat, stable surface. Remove all the protective tapes and packaging materials from the printer, including those inside the printer’s components like the paper tray and the drum unit area.

Installing the Toner Cartridges and Drum Unit

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW uses a separate drum unit and toner cartridges for each color. Follow these steps to install them:

  1. Open the Front Cover: Gently pull down the front cover to reveal the drum unit and toner cartridge slots.
  2. Insert the Drum Unit: Slide the drum unit into the printer. Ensure it is securely in place.
  3. Insert the Toner Cartridges: Unpack each toner cartridge (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) and shake it gently to distribute the toner evenly. Slide each cartridge into its corresponding slot on the drum unit. You will hear a click when they are properly seated.
  4. Close the Front Cover: Once all cartridges are installed, close the front cover.

Connecting the Printer

The next step is connecting the printer to a power source and a network (if applicable).

  1. Power Connection: Plug the power cord into the back of the printer and the other end into a power outlet. Press the power button to turn on the printer.
  2. Network Connection: Depending on your setup, you can connect the printer to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
    • Ethernet: Connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the printer’s Ethernet port.
    • Wi-Fi: On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the network settings and select your Wi-Fi network. Enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.

Software Installation

Using the Installation CD

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW comes with an installation CD that contains the necessary drivers and software. Insert the CD into your computer’s CD/DVD drive and follow the on-screen instructions.

  1. Run the Setup: The setup program should start automatically. If it does not, open the CD drive from your computer and double-click the setup.exe file.
  2. Follow the Wizard: The installation wizard will guide you through the process. Accept the license agreement and choose the installation type (typically “Standard” is recommended).
  3. Select Connection Type: Choose how you want to connect the printer to your computer (USB, Wired Network, Wireless Network). Follow the prompts specific to your connection type.
  4. Install Drivers and Software: The wizard will install the necessary drivers and software, including the Brother ControlCenter4 utility, which helps manage printing and scanning tasks.

Downloading from Brother’s Website

If your computer does not have a CD/DVD drive or you prefer to download the latest drivers, you can do so from Brother’s official website.

  1. Visit the Brother Support Page: Go to the Brother support page and enter your printer model (MFC-L8850CDW).
  2. Download Drivers: Download the full driver and software package for your operating system.
  3. Run the Installer: Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions similar to the steps outlined for the installation CD.

Network Configuration

Wired Network Setup

For a wired network setup, ensure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and the router. The printer will automatically obtain an IP address from the router. You can verify the connection by printing a network configuration page:

  1. Print Network Configuration Page: On the printer’s control panel, go to Menu > Print Reports > Network Configuration.
  2. Verify IP Address: Check the IP address listed on the network configuration page. You will need this IP address for adding the printer to your computer.

Wireless Network Setup

For a wireless network setup, follow these steps to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network:

  1. Access Network Settings: On the printer’s control panel, press the Menu button, then navigate to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
  2. Select Your Network: The printer will search for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network from the list.
  3. Enter Wi-Fi Password: Enter the network password using the control panel. Use the keypad to enter alphanumeric characters.
  4. Confirm Connection: The printer will connect to the Wi-Fi network. You can print a network configuration page to verify the connection and obtain the IP address.

Adding the Printer to Your Computer

Windows

  1. Open Devices and Printers: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  2. Add a Printer: Click on “Add a printer” and select “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.”
  3. Select Your Printer: Windows will search for available printers. Select your Brother MFC-L8850CDW from the list.
  4. Complete the Installation: Follow the prompts to complete the installation. You may need to enter the printer’s IP address.

Mac

  1. Open System Preferences: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Add Printer: Click the “+” button to add a printer.
  3. Select Your Printer: Choose your Brother MFC-L8850CDW from the list of available printers.
  4. Install Driver: The driver will be installed automatically. If prompted, download the driver from Brother’s website.

Troubleshooting Tips

Despite the straightforward installation process, you may encounter some issues. Here are common problems and their solutions:

Printer Not Detected

  • Check Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected.
  • Verify Network Settings: Confirm that the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
  • Restart Devices: Restart the printer, router, and computer to refresh the network connection.

Installation Errors

  • Update Drivers: Ensure you are using the latest drivers from Brother’s website.
  • Disable Firewall/Antivirus: Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software during installation, as they can sometimes block the installation process.
  • Run as Administrator: On Windows, right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator.”

Poor Print Quality

  • Check Toner Levels: Ensure toner cartridges are not low or empty.
  • Clean Drum Unit: Follow the manual instructions to clean the drum unit.
  • Adjust Print Settings: Use the printer driver to adjust print quality settings.

Conclusion

The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is a powerful and reliable multifunction printer that meets the demands of a busy office environment. Its installation process, while comprehensive, is designed to be user-friendly. By following the steps outlined in this review, users can ensure a smooth setup experience. From unboxing and hardware installation to software setup and network configuration, each phase is critical to getting the printer up and running efficiently. With the proper setup, the Brother MFC-L8850CDW will provide high-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, making it a valuable asset for any business.

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