Last week, my printer decided to give up the ghost mid-important project. The blinking lights and error messages were enough to send chills down my spine. Turns out, the culprit was a faulty Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable. This experience highlighted the critical role a simple cable plays in our daily workflow. This guide will help you understand everything about the Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable, from troubleshooting connection issues to choosing the right replacement.

Troubleshooting Canon Pixma TR4720 USB Cable Issues

Canon Pixma Tr4720 Usb Cable (Amazon Review)

This section focuses on common problems users face with their Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable and provides practical solutions to get your printer working again quickly.

Checking Cable Connections

Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and your computer. Loose connections are a frequent cause of printer malfunctions. Try gently reseating both ends of the cable to ensure a firm connection. This simple step often resolves the problem.
Inspect the USB ports on both the printer and your computer for any signs of damage or debris. Dust or other particles can interfere with the connection. Clean the ports with compressed air to remove any obstructions.
Try a different USB port on your computer. Some ports might be malfunctioning or disabled. Testing different ports can help isolate the problem to either the cable or a specific port on your computer.

Testing the USB Cable

Use a known good USB cable. If you have another USB cable of the same type, try using it with your Canon Pixma TR4720 printer. This helps determine if the original cable is faulty.
Try connecting the printer to a different computer. If the printer works on another computer, the problem lies with your initial computer setup, possibly drivers or USB settings.
Check for physical damage to the cable. Examine the cable for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as cuts, bends, or exposed wires. A damaged cable needs replacing.

Driver and Software Issues

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent your computer from recognizing your printer. Regular driver updates are crucial.

Uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers. Sometimes corrupted drivers can cause connection issues. Completely removing and reinstalling them can often resolve the problem.
Update the printer drivers. Visit Canon’s website to download the latest drivers for your Canon Pixma TR4720 printer. Outdated drivers can lack compatibility with newer operating systems.
Check your computer’s device manager. The device manager can show you if Windows is recognizing the printer and if there are any error messages associated with it. Look for yellow exclamation marks.

Choosing the Right Canon Pixma TR4720 USB Cable Replacement

This section will guide you in selecting a suitable replacement cable ensuring compatibility and longevity.

Understanding USB Cable Specifications

USB cables aren’t all created equal. Understanding specifications like USB version and cable length is vital.

USB Version: The Canon Pixma TR4720 is compatible with standard USB 2.0 cables. Although USB 3.0 cables will technically work, there is no performance benefit and using a 2.0 cable is recommended. USB 3.0 cables are typically larger and can be more cumbersome.
Cable Length: Choose a cable length appropriate for your setup. Too short a cable can limit placement options, while an excessively long cable can be inconvenient and prone to tangling. A standard 6-foot cable is usually sufficient.
Cable Quality: Opt for cables from reputable brands known for their durability and quality construction. Cheap cables are often more prone to malfunctions and can significantly affect the life of your cable and the functionality of your printer.

Where to Buy a Replacement Cable

Canon’s Official Website: Buying directly from Canon ensures genuine quality and warranty. However, it often comes at a slightly higher price.
Major Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg offer a wide selection of USB cables at competitive prices. Always check reviews before purchasing.
Local Electronics Stores: Local computer stores or electronics retailers might offer a wider selection of cables, allowing for in-person inspection and consultation.

Setting Up Your Canon Pixma TR4720 with the New USB Cable

This section covers the step-by-step process of connecting your printer after installing a new Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable. This includes both physical and software setup.

Physical Connection

Turn off both your computer and the Canon Pixma TR4720 printer.
Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port on your Canon Pixma TR4720 printer, and the other end to an available USB port on your computer.
Turn on both the printer and computer. Allow your operating system to automatically detect the printer and install necessary drivers.

Software Setup and Driver Installation

Check for automatic driver installation. Windows and macOS often automatically detect and install drivers for common devices. However, manual installation often provides the best results.
Manual driver installation (if necessary): Download the latest drivers for the Canon Pixma TR4720 from Canon’s official website. Follow the provided instructions to install the drivers on your computer.
Test the printer connection: Print a test page to ensure that the connection is working correctly. If it prints without errors, your new Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable is functioning correctly.

Maintaining Your Canon Pixma TR4720 and USB Cable

Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of both your printer and the USB cable. Proper handling prevents unnecessary issues.

Proper Cable Handling

Avoid excessive bending or twisting. Repeated bending in the same spot can cause the internal wires to break, leading to cable failure. Keep the cable away from sharp objects.
Unplug carefully. Always unplug the cable from both ends by grasping the connector, not the cable itself. Pulling on the cable can damage the connector over time.
Protect from extreme temperatures. Do not leave the cable exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Heat can degrade the cable’s materials and reduce its lifespan.

Printer Maintenance

Regular Cleaning: Clean the printer regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dust and debris can interfere with the printer’s operation and potentially impact the USB connection.
Firmware Updates: Check regularly for firmware updates from Canon’s website. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements, which indirectly benefit cable functionality.
Power Cycling: If you encounter persistent issues, try power cycling the printer and your computer. Power cycling can resolve minor software glitches that might interfere with the USB connection.

Debunking Common Myths about Canon Pixma TR4720 USB Cables

Myth 1: Only Canon-branded cables work with the Pixma TR4720.

This is false. Any standard USB 2.0 cable of sufficient quality will work.

Myth 2: Longer cables always mean better performance.

Longer cables can introduce signal degradation. A shorter, high-quality cable is preferable to a long, cheap one.

Myth 3: A damaged cable always needs to be replaced.

In some cases, cleaning a dirty connector or replacing a damaged connector can extend the life of a cable, eliminating the need for complete replacement. Simple soldering may be viable for minor repairs on some cables.

FAQ

What type of USB cable does the Canon Pixma TR4720 use?

The Canon Pixma TR4720 uses a standard USB 2.0 Type B to Type A cable. While a USB 3.0 cable might work, a USB 2.0 is recommended for optimal compatibility and performance.

My printer is not recognized after connecting a new cable. What should I do?

Check the cable connections, ensure the printer is turned on, and try different USB ports on your computer. If the problem persists, reinstall or update the printer drivers from Canon’s website.

How long should a Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable be?

The ideal length depends on your setup. However, a cable between 3 and 6 feet generally suffices for most users. Longer cables are prone to issues.

Can I use a USB 3.0 cable with my Canon Pixma TR4720?

While it might work, it’s best to use a USB 2.0 cable as it offers optimal compatibility. USB 3.0 may be bulkier and offer no performance advantage.

Where can I find replacement Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cables?

You can purchase replacement cables from Canon’s website, major online retailers (Amazon, etc.), or local electronics stores.

My printer says “USB Error”. What does it mean?

This means there’s a problem with your USB connection. Check your cable, the ports, and ensure the drivers are correctly installed. Consider reinstalling or updating the drivers.

How do I know if my USB cable is faulty?

Try a different USB cable, test with another computer, and check the cable for any physical damage. If the problem persists after trying these tests, your cable is likely faulty.

Final Thoughts

Successfully troubleshooting and replacing your Canon Pixma TR4720 USB cable is a straightforward process. By understanding the different aspects of cable selection, setup, and maintenance, you can ensure smooth printing operations and minimize downtime. Remember to always choose quality cables from reputable sources and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance. Don’t hesitate to consult Canon’s support website if you encounter more complex issues.