What To Know
- Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why you might need to change the PC name on your Brother scanner.
- Click on the option to change the PC name and enter the new name you wish to use.
- The new PC name should be reflected in the file name or the path where the scanned document is saved.
Have you ever encountered the frustrating issue of your Brother scanner displaying an outdated or incorrect PC name? This can disrupt your scanning workflow and make it difficult to identify the correct computer for saving your scanned documents. Fortunately, changing the PC name associated with your Brother scanner is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to update your PC name on your Brother scanner, ensuring smooth and efficient scanning operations.
Understanding the Need to Change Your PC Name
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why you might need to change the PC name on your Brother scanner. Here are some common scenarios:
- New PC: If you’ve recently purchased a new computer, the scanner might still be linked to your old PC. Changing the name will ensure that the scanner recognizes the new computer.
- PC Name Change: If you’ve changed the name of your existing computer, the scanner might not reflect the updated name.
- Multiple PCs: If you have multiple computers connected to the same network, changing the PC name can help you differentiate between them when scanning.
Methods for Changing PC Name on Brother Scanner
There are two primary methods to change the PC name on your Brother scanner:
1. Using the Brother Control Center Software
This is the recommended method as it provides a user-friendly interface and is generally the most straightforward approach. Here’s how to change the PC name using the Brother Control Center software:
1. Install the Brother Control Center: If you haven’t already, download and install the latest version of the Brother Control Center software from the Brother website. Ensure that you’re installing the software compatible with your scanner model.
2. Open the Brother Control Center: Once installed, open the Brother Control Center software.
3. Access Scanner Settings: Locate the “Scanner” or “Scan” option within the software. This might be under a “Tools” or “Settings” menu.
4. Locate PC Name Settings: Within the scanner settings, you should find an option related to “PC Name”, “Computer Name”, or “Network Settings“.
5. Change the PC Name: Click on the option to change the PC name and enter the new name you wish to use.
6. Apply and Save: Save the changes, and the Brother Control Center will update the PC name associated with your scanner.
2. Using the Scanner’s Control Panel
For some Brother scanner models, you can change the PC name directly from the scanner’s control panel. This method might vary slightly depending on your specific model:
1. Turn on the Scanner: Power on your Brother scanner and make sure it’s connected to your computer.
2. Access the Menu: Look for a “Menu” button or a similar option on the scanner’s control panel.
3. Navigate to Network Settings: Navigate through the menu until you find options related to “Network Settings”, “Wireless”, or “LAN”.
4. Locate PC Name: Within the network settings, you should find an option to change the “PC Name”, “Computer Name”, or “Device Name”.
5. Change the Name: Enter the new name you wish to use and confirm the change.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues while changing the PC name, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your computer and scanner: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.
- Check your network connection: Ensure both your computer and scanner are connected to the same network.
- Uninstall and reinstall the Brother Control Center: If the software is outdated or corrupted, reinstalling it might resolve the problem.
- Update your scanner’s firmware: Check the Brother website for any available firmware updates for your scanner model.
Verifying the PC Name Change
After changing the PC name, it’s crucial to verify that the change has taken effect. Here’s how to do it:
- Scan a document: Scan a document from your Brother scanner to your computer. Observe the destination folder and file name. The new PC name should be reflected in the file name or the path where the scanned document is saved.
- Check the Brother Control Center: Open the Brother Control Center software and navigate to the scanner settings. The PC name should now be updated to the new name you entered.
Beyond Changing the PC Name: Further Scanner Optimization
Changing the PC name is a valuable step in optimizing your Brother scanner. Here are additional tips to enhance your scanning experience:
- Update the scanner’s drivers: Ensure that you’re using the latest drivers for your scanner model. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues.
- Configure scan settings: Explore the various scan settings available in the Brother Control Center. You can adjust resolution, color mode, file format, and other parameters to optimize your scans for specific purposes.
- Utilize advanced features: Many Brother scanners offer advanced features like automatic document feeder (ADF), duplex scanning, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition). Learn how to leverage these features to streamline your scanning workflows.
Final Thoughts: Embracing a Seamless Scanning Experience
Changing the PC name on your Brother scanner is a simple yet essential step towards a seamless scanning experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your scanner accurately identifies your computer and facilitates efficient document management. Remember to explore the full capabilities of your Brother scanner and utilize its advanced features to enhance your productivity and achieve optimal scanning results.
What People Want to Know
1. What if I can’t find the PC Name setting in the Brother Control Center?
The location of the PC Name setting might vary depending on your Brother scanner model and the version of the Brother Control Center software. If you can’t find it directly, try searching for “Network Settings“, “Wireless”, or “LAN” within the software. You should find the PC Name setting under one of these options.
2. Can I use the same PC name for multiple scanners?
It’s not recommended to use the same PC name for multiple scanners. This can lead to confusion and make it difficult to identify which scanner is associated with which computer. It’s best to give each scanner a unique and descriptive PC name.
3. Why is my scanner still showing the old PC name even after changing it?
If the scanner is still showing the old PC name, try restarting both your computer and the scanner. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Brother Control Center software. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the software for your scanner model.
4. Can I change the PC name on my Brother scanner if it’s connected wirelessly?
Yes, you can change the PC name on a wirelessly connected Brother scanner. Follow the same steps mentioned in this guide, but ensure that both your computer and scanner are connected to the same wireless network.
5. Can I use a special character in the PC name?
It’s best to avoid using special characters in the PC name, as they might cause compatibility issues. Stick to using letters, numbers, and spaces.
