Canon MP800 Review: A Comprehensive Look at the All-in-One Printer

The Canon MP800, part of the acclaimed PIXMA lineup, made its debut at a time when home and small office users increasingly demanded versatile and reliable all-in-one printers. With its promise of high-quality photo printing, robust scanning capabilities, and convenient copying functions, the MP800 quickly earned a following. But as with any piece of technology, users might encounter certain challenges that can affect the overall experience. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the common reasons users run into problems with the Canon MP800, present a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and resolving these issues, and offer final thoughts on whether the MP800 still holds up as a compelling choice in today's market.

Why Users Experience Problems with the Canon MP800

The Canon MP800 gained popularity for its impressive blend of print quality and multifunctional features. However, certain issues tend to crop up among users, which can detract from its otherwise stellar performance. Understanding these common causes is essential for diagnosing and fixing any potential hiccups.

• Ink Cartridge Recognition Errors: One of the most frequent complaints relates to ink cartridge detection. The MP800 may fail to recognize new or refilled cartridges, leading to error messages or a refusal to print. This often happens due to dirty contacts on the cartridge or printhead, incompatible cartridge brands, or an outdated printer firmware.
• Print Quality Deterioration: Over time, users might notice faded prints, streaks, or unusual color reproduction. This can stem from clogged printheads—a common problem with inkjet printers—unused printer sitting idle for long periods, or the use of low-quality paper or non-genuine ink.
• Paper Jams and Feed Issues: Like many all-in-ones, the Canon MP800 occasionally suffers from paper jams or problems picking up paper from the tray. This can result from overloaded or incorrectly aligned trays, worn feed rollers, or the use of unsuitable paper types.
• Connectivity and Driver Problems: As operating systems evolve, the originally bundled Canon drivers may become outdated or incompatible, leading to failed installations, inability to print, or errors when scanning.
• Scanner or Copier Malfunctions: Issues with scanning or copying, such as lines on scanned images or failed scans, can be attributed to dirty glass surfaces, misaligned scanner components, or software conflicts.

Being aware of these reasons helps users approach troubleshooting in a systematic, effective manner. Let’s move on to fixing the most common Canon MP800 problems.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fixing Common Canon MP800 Issues

Tackling issues with your Canon MP800 doesn’t have to be daunting. With a few methodical steps, most problems can be resolved without professional servicing.

Resolving Ink Cartridge Recognition Errors:

1. Remove and inspect the cartridge: Power off the printer and gently take out the problematic cartridge. Examine its chip and contacts for ink, debris, or physical damage.
2. Clean the contacts: Using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol, gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridge as well as the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
3. Check cartridge compatibility: Ensure you’re using the correct Canon-branded or fully compatible third-party cartridges. Some generic brands may lack the necessary microchips.
4. Reset the printer: Power down, unplug the MP800 for a minute, then plug back in and try again.
5. Update printer firmware: Visit Canon’s support site to download the latest firmware if available. This can resolve recognition issues with newer cartridges.

Improving Print Quality:

1. Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle: Through the printer’s maintenance menu or the Canon printer software on your computer, run a print head nozzle check and, if needed, the cleaning or deep cleaning function.
2. Replace or refill low ink cartridges: Always use high-quality, genuine Canon inks for best results. If using third-party ink, ensure it is made for your exact printer model.
3. Use the right paper: Ensure the paper matches your print job—photo paper for photos, standard inkjet paper for documents—and adjust the Media Type in the print settings dialog.
4. Perform manual cleaning: If print quality remains poor after automated cleaning, consult your manual for instructions on removing and gently cleaning the print head with distilled water.

Fixing Paper Jams and Feed Issues:

1. Remove jammed paper: Open all printer covers and carefully pull out any jammed sheets in the direction of the paper path. Never yank paper against the feed mechanism.
2. Check for obstructions: Ensure no foreign objects, torn paper, or dust is inside the printer.
3. Realign paper: Reload the paper stack, fan it to prevent pages sticking together, and make sure the guides are snug but not too tight.
4. Clean feed rollers: If jams persist, wipe the rollers with a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove dust and residue that may hinder feeding.

Solving Connectivity and Driver Problems:

1. Reinstall drivers: Download the latest Canon MP800 drivers from the official Canon website. Remove old drivers before installing the new ones.
2. Check USB cables and ports: Ensure the USB cable is undamaged and properly inserted. Try different ports or a new cable if problems persist.
3. Update your operating system: Sometimes ensuring Windows or macOS is up-to-date can resolve connectivity or compatibility glitches.
4. Use software alternatives: If official drivers are unavailable for new OS versions, try third-party print utilities or consider virtualization.

Addressing Scanner/Copier Malfunctions:

1. Clean the scanner glass: Use a non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth to remove smudges, dust, or fingerprints from the glass bed.
2. Calibrate the scanner: Some scanning utilities offer calibration tools to help eliminate lines and enhance quality.
3. Verify software settings: Ensure the correct scanner is selected in your imaging software and that all drivers are current and correctly installed.

Following these instruction steps should resolve most day-to-day problems with the Canon MP800, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.

Conclusion

The Canon MP800 remains a well-regarded choice for those needing a capable all-in-one printer that delivers high-quality prints, scans, and copies. While not immune to common challenges like ink recognition errors, print quality issues, or paper jams, most issues are easily overcome with practical troubleshooting steps. By understanding the typical causes and using the guidance provided above, users can extend the life of their MP800 and continue enjoying its many features.

While the MP800’s age means it lacks some of the wireless and “smart” functions of today’s printers, its solid construction and proven output quality ensure it’s still a valuable tool for home and small office use. Those in possession of a Canon MP800 can rest assured that minor glitches shouldn’t stand in the way of producing beautiful documents and photos—so long as a little know-how and regular maintenance are applied.