Windows Fax & Scan: How to Scan Documents to PDF format?

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  1. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #11

    AllenChicago said:
    Thankyou for the multiple solutions, Night Hawk. Your last post linking to the Brother website is the method I've used for years. Unfortunately that Control Center software hasn't been updated to Windows 10 yet..even though my current Multi-Function Brother printer/scanner/fax is only a year old. Hopefully Brother will make updating that software a high priority.

    In the meantime, I'll attempt to use one of the longer, multiple-step solutions you shared. Thanks again!

    -Allen
    I'm using Control Center 3 on Windows 10 Pro X64 now. Just download and install the Windows 8/8.1 version, it works fine.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 407
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #12

    Night Hawk said:
    Glad to help out!

    Too bad you didn't find an 8.1 update for that model which would probably work until the 10 updates come out. Sometimes another model in the same model series may work as far as the main settings will including some features you may not be able to use. The other options however are there in the meantime to provide something to work with. It's tough being on a job and not have the correct tools to work with!
    That's very intuitive of you, Night Hawk. The Brother Support website for my multi-function MFC-J875dw printer/scanner/fax suggests using Windows 8.1 drivers. But there is only one Control Center (CC4) available on the downloads page. As you see here Downloads | MFC-J875DW | United States | Brother , Brother hasn't updated this software since May of 2013...over 2.5 years ago! That's the software that won't work with Windows10, even in compatibility mode. The print drivers aren't a problem. I just need CC4 to work, so I can scan documents into PDF format for e-mailing to insurance companies. It was SOOOO simple with Windows 7.

    I'll remove Control Center 4 and try re-installing it in a different compatibility mode. I want to avoid downloading additional software from 3rd parties for scanning to PDF format, because Windows10 is finicky enough. Have now surpassed 4 days without any Blue Screens of Death, and would like to keep this lucky streak going.

    -Allen
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 407
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Ztruker said:
    I'm using Control Center 3 on Windows 10 Pro X64 now. Just download and install the Windows 8/8.1 version, it works fine.
    Please provide a link to this Windows 8.1 version. Every time I go to the support page, it takes me to the Control Center software that was produced way back in May of 2013. Thank-you!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,367
    W10 Pro x64/W7 Ultimate x64 dual boot main - W11 Triple Boot Pending
       #14

    AllenChicago said:
    That's very intuitive of you, Night Hawk. The Brother Support website for my multi-function MFC-J875dw printer/scanner/fax suggests using Windows 8.1 drivers. But there is only one Control Center (CC4) available on the downloads page. As you see here Downloads | MFC-J875DW | United States | Brother , Brother hasn't updated this software since May of 2013...over 2.5 years ago! That's the software that won't work with Windows10, even in compatibility mode. The print drivers aren't a problem. I just need CC4 to work, so I can scan documents into PDF format for e-mailing to insurance companies. It was SOOOO simple with Windows 7.

    I'll remove Control Center 4 and try re-installing it in a different compatibility mode. I want to avoid downloading additional software from 3rd parties for scanning to PDF format, because Windows10 is finicky enough. Have now surpassed 4 days without any Blue Screens of Death, and would like to keep this lucky streak going.

    -Allen
    Often that's the problem with various brands not only one brand of printer. This is even more commonly seen with many laptops and of course tablets where the support hangs after a couple of newer versions and then nothing further since the company is focused on pushing out the newer models!

    When clicking on the Supported OS option you will find something that hints at this in a very subtle way.

    MFC-J875DW

    Supported OS

    Please note that the available features may vary depending on the operating system.


    Windows

    • Windows® 10 (32-bit)
    • Windows® 10 (64-bit)
    • Windows® 8.1 (32-bit)
    • Windows® 8.1 (64-bit)
    • Windows® 8 (32-bit)
    • Windows® 8 (64-bit)
    • Windows® RT
    • Windows® 7 (32-bit)
    • Windows® 7 (64-bit)
    • Windows Vista® (32-bit)
    • Windows Vista® (64-bit)
    • Windows® XP (32-bit)
    • Windows® XP (64-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2012 R2 (64-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2012 (64-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2008 R2 (64-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2008 (32-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2008 (64-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2003 (32-bit)
    • Windows Server® 2003 (64-bit)


    Linux

    • Linux


    "Please note that the available features may vary depending on the operating system." sums that up rather quickly indicating the Control Panel will only see certain things work unless.. ? while at the same time indicating the general driver compatibility won't be a problem.

    They wouldn't have updated the software for 2yrs. anyways until 10 was out or just prior to the release update their support options if they had intended to release anything new in time for 10. That doesn't mean they wouldn't come out with an updated form later but indicating "use this for now or nothing at all" as the heat builds up under the collar of course they could care less!

    As far as all those other apps they wouldn't be any concern as far as seeing any BSODs but a few might prove to be inadequate for what you need there. The initial suggestion was for a quick "get out of a bind fast" temp solution not for anything long term. The suggestion for trying out several to see if any are suitable would something you might consider over time not all at once.

    Your real concern now however upon looking over how Brother is leaving you hanging is that if no newer 10 update is seen you might have to consider replacing the printer for a newer update model with similar features and active support for 10 since it doen't look like they are planning much for the model you have presently. Typically just as when trying to upgrade the OS on some old laptop you end up stuck since the company has simply moved onto the newer models.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 13,985
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #15

    The problems I usually run into with Scanners or Multi-Function devices is getting a TWAIN driver to install.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 463
    Windows 10 Home and Pro
       #16

    What is wrong with just using windows print to PDF method? Built in, and all you need to do is press the keyboard keys Ctrl + P...
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,367
    W10 Pro x64/W7 Ultimate x64 dual boot main - W11 Triple Boot Pending
       #17

    The CTRL+P option will typically print what is onscreen if not in text format by default. When dealing with legal documents you have to see them in the proper form. AllenChicago has to provide proper forms in PDF format to an insurance group where there are limitations and unfortunately have to consider an updated printer that sees 10 support by default or at least sees 10 updates available.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 407
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #18

    Night Hawk said:
    Often that's the problem with various brands not only one brand of printer. This is even more commonly seen with many laptops and of course tablets where the support hangs after a couple of newer versions and then nothing further since the company is focused on pushing out the newer models!

    When clicking on the Supported OS option you will find something that hints at this in a very subtle way.

    [/LIST]

    "Please note that the available features may vary depending on the operating system." sums that up rather quickly indicating the Control Panel will only see certain things work unless.. ? while at the same time indicating the general driver compatibility won't be a problem.

    They wouldn't have updated the software for 2yrs. anyways until 10 was out or just prior to the release update their support options if they had intended to release anything new in time for 10. That doesn't mean they wouldn't come out with an updated form later but indicating "use this for now or nothing at all" as the heat builds up under the collar of course they could care less!

    As far as all those other apps they wouldn't be any concern as far as seeing any BSODs but a few might prove to be inadequate for what you need there. The initial suggestion was for a quick "get out of a bind fast" temp solution not for anything long term. The suggestion for trying out several to see if any are suitable would something you might consider over time not all at once.

    Your real concern now however upon looking over how Brother is leaving you hanging is that if no newer 10 update is seen you might have to consider replacing the printer for a newer update model with similar features and active support for 10 since it doen't look like they are planning much for the model you have presently. Typically just as when trying to upgrade the OS on some old laptop you end up stuck since the company has simply moved onto the newer models.
    October 26, 2015

    Well, someone at Brother apparently (wisely) follows this forum? The Brother Fax-Scan-Print utility software was updated for Windows10 (32/64 bit) at some point in the past several days. The "Win 10 update coming soon" has been removed. Even though the Brother Full Feature Software download is the same size as what they've had posted since 2013, apparently something has changed inside the package, because it installed without any errors, and is scanning to PDF format flawlessly now.

    Perhaps wasn't Brother, but something in one of the Windows10 updates over the past month that made the Brother Utility / CC4 software start working properly? Since Microsoft has stopped communicating with the user community like it used to, there's no way to know. At any rate, I'm glad to have my MFC-J875dw functioning like it should. Thank-you Night Hawk, and everyone, for your help and guidance with this problem. I learned a lot!
    -Allen
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 3,367
    W10 Pro x64/W7 Ultimate x64 dual boot main - W11 Triple Boot Pending
       #19

    Well believe it or not often when arriving at the 10 desktop I find one oddity in particular. Nothing works! except for the Restart button on Start Menu 10 if not one of the desktop gadgets I have enabled that offer the restart, logoff, shutdown, and lock options. Another see the shutdown or restart only I use in stubborn times.

    The conclusion which comes as no surprise is that the app is somehow being refreshed! You have a long stubborn period where it only partially works and the reinstall with a new download may wake it up being a refresh install that sees Windows suddenly make everything about it become active again. Likewise when signing out and back in the second time when finding things sleeping 10 wakes up! I think this is what you are now seeing there.

    I've seen that type of situation not only with HP printer wares but with other types of apps for tv tuner cards and even sound card mixer, speaker settings, etc. heaaches where you end up removing the first install to download a fresh copy of same. And it's not strictly a 10 problem either by your description but a problem with various softwares seen through the years. At least you have a temp solution if this good news doesn't last a long time for you there.

    As for Windows updates occasionally being a problem at times that's another item of interest seen often regardless of which version you are running. The removal once IDed and hidden from the check for updates in order to defer the same from getting on again is the usual method to prevent repeats.
      My Computers


 

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