PDF Scan to Samba network share with Canon MF657CDW

Table of Contents
Setting Up a Canon MF657Cdw to Scan PDFs Directly to a Linux Samba Share #
The Canon i-SENSYS MF657Cdw supports scanning documents directly to a Linux Samba share in PDF format, making it ideal for networked workflows. This guide explains how to configure the printer to scan directly to a Linux Samba share.
What You’ll Need #
- Canon MF657Cdw printer connected to the network (compatible models like MF655Cdw and MF461dw should work as well)
- A Linux server configured with a Samba share.
- Administrative (System Manager) credentials for the printer.
- Printer’s IP address.
Set Up a Samba Share on Linux #
Ensure that the Linux server is properly configured with Samba for file sharing.
Install Samba (if not installed):
Use apt on Debian/Ubuntu systems:sudo apt update sudo apt install samba -y
Create the Shared Folder: Create a folder where scanned files will be saved, e.g., /data/scans.
sudo mkdir -p /data/scans sudo chmod 755 /data/scans
Configure Samba: Open the Samba configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf
Add the following to the end of the file:
[scanner] path = /data/scans browsable = yes writable = yes guest ok = no valid users = scanner
Create a Samba User: Create a user account for the printer (e.g., scanner):
Set and confirm the password when prompted.sudo adduser scanner --no-create-home --disabled-login sudo smbpasswd -a scanner
Restart Samba:
sudo systemctl restart smbd
Test the share: Confirm that the share is accessible:
smbclient -L //localhost/scanner -U scanner
The network path for the share will be smb://<server_ip>/scanner.
Find the Printer’s IP Address #
- On the printer, got to Status Monitor > Network information > IPv4
- Note the printer’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.178.115).
Access the Printer’s Web Interface #
- Open a browser and go to the printer’s IP address (e.g., http://192.168.178.115).
- Log in with the System Manager ID and password. The default ID/password are:
- ID: 7654321
- Password: 7654321
If customized, use your updated credentials.
Configure the Scan to Samba Share #
Navigate to Address Book: Go to Address Book in the web interface.
Canon Remote UI- Portal You should see an empty list of favorites:
Canon Remote UI - Favorites Add a New Destination: Click New Registration or Add Destination. Choose File as the destination type.
Canon Remote UI - Register New Destination Enter Samba Share Details:
Parameter Value (Example) Comment Name MyScanShare Protocol Windows(SMB) CIFS/SMB Protocol Host Name 192.168.178.60 Samba Hostname or IP Address Folder Path scanner Folder path relative to the Samba share Username scanner Samba username (e.g., scanner) Password ************ Samba password you set earlier Canon Remote UI - Register New Destination: File Finally click on “OK” to safe your settings.
Canon Remote UI - Adress book
Test the Configuration #
On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Address Book and select the newly created Samba destination.
Canon Display - Main Menu Hit “apply”.
Canon Display - Adress Book Place your document on the scanner. Press B/W Start or Color Start to scan. The scanned PDF should appear in /data/scans on the Linux server.
Canon Display - Scan to file Scanning process…
Canon Display - Scanning… Finally press Start Sending
Canon Display - Start Sending The scanned document should now be on the network share. The document name includes Date and time of the scanning.
Troubleshooting #
If the scanning process does not work, the Canon prints an unhelpful error document.
The following points can be checked to narrow down the error:
- Check permissions on /data/scans (the scanner user needs read an write permissions)
- Ensure Samba is running (smbd service needs to be running)
- Check the Samba logs /var/log/samba (search for errors)
- Verify network connectivity between the printer and server (ping the printer from your Samba host)
- Check if the password was set correctly (set a new password)
With these steps completed, your Canon MF657Cdw will scan documents to PDF and save them directly to the Linux Samba share, seamlessly integrating with your network. Happy scanning! 😊