Printer is in use or an error has occurred.

Problem

When scanning from a Canon Multifunction printer on a Mac, you get the following error:
“Printer is in use or an error has occurred. Check the status. Scanner driver will be closed.”

You may also get an error code like this: 2,140,21

Solution

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Click the Apple icon in the top left.
  3. Click System Preferences.
  4. Click Print & Fax.
  5. Click any instances of the Printer & Scanner in the list and click the – button to remove them.
  6. Go to your main hard drive, usually Macintosh HD.
  7. Navigate to /Library/Image Capture/Devices and remove all files named after the scanner.
  8. Navigate to /Library/Image Capture/TWAIN Data Sources and remove all files named after the scanner.
  9. Reinstall the device from the install disc or drivers from Canon’s website.

32 comments

  1. hay

    i got a problem with my canon mp287 printer when i use scanner it says

    “Printer is in use or an error has occurred. Check the status. Scanner driver will be closed.”

    also get an error code like this: 2,140,21
    can u pls help me with this problem

    1. Try the following and see if that helps:

      1. Click the Start button.
      2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
      3. Expand “Imaging devices”.
      4. Right click on your scanner and click Uninstall.
      5. Restart the computer and it should reinstall your scanner drivers.

      Then try scanning again.

  2. I have uninstalled and installed tje printer as u suggested but it shows the same problem is there any other wau

  3. hay

    i got a problem with my canon mp287 printer when i use scanner it says

    “Printer is in use or an error has occurred. Check the status. Scanner driver will be closed.”

    also get an error code like this: 2,140,21
    can u pls help me with this problem

    I am using windows xp sp3

  4. i tried by doing the below steps but no luck
    Click the Start button.
    Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
    Expand “Imaging devices”.
    Right click on your scanner and click Uninstall.
    Restart the computer and it should reinstall your scanner drivers.
    Then try scanning again.

  5. Easy one it works Totally,
    reset your cartridges Duh, Then close your scanner cover, Hit the stop button for 10 seconds , got it, it clears i the printer out of ink error load your NAVIGATOR software up, hit scan to computer not printer ya hear lol TOM

  6. Tom, your steps are the best!
    Pop out the cartridges.
    Close scanner cover
    Hit the stop/ reset button for 10 seconds to clear out memory
    Open Navigator
    Scan document
    Works finally!

  7. hay

    i got a problem with my canon mp287 printer when i use scanner it says

    “Printer is in use or an error has occurred. Check the status. Scanner driver will be closed.”

    also get an error code like this: 2,140,21
    can u pls help me with this problem

    I am using windows 7

  8. My printer started working after following steps suggested by Tom.Really very GREAT information. Tons of thanks to TOM for sharing this.

  9. Thomas Milner, thanks for the reply. This has fixed my issue immediately and if anyone else reads your simple instructions they will be as happy as you have made this frustrated guy trying to fix a scanner. Champion!

  10. Great tip TOM, i’ve been searching all over google and nothing worked. Tried your solution and it worked like a charm. Took me less than a minute. You’re a genius.

  11. Thanks for suggestion Tom! I’ve been trying to fix my scanner for ages! I almost gave up on it. I tried again today because I had to do something and your tips worked wonders! Thanks again 🙂

  12. Thanks Thomas Milner…i appreciate you. I have same problem with my printer canon mg 3500.
    1.set your cartridge at their respective place..
    2. Put the scan cover on scan area
    3. Press the stop button for 10 sec and then release
    4. Restart your printer….

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