Last Updated on 19.05.2026 by DriverNew
What to do if the scanner says “release the lock” and makes strange noises.
The popular Canon CanoScan LiDE 110 scanner does not have a separate power supply unit; it receives all its electricity from a single USB cable. However, over time, users frequently encounter the following error:
“Release the lock, disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it. Scanner driver will be closed. Code: 2,179,11”
At the same time, the scanner itself may hiss, rustle, or click slightly, but the scanning process never starts. In this article, we will explain in simple terms why this happens and how to bring the device back to life without contacting a service center.
Why Does Error Code: 2,179,11 Occur?
This system error indicates that the internal carriage (the scanning element with the lamp) cannot move freely. There are two main reasons for this problem:
- Mechanical obstruction: The physical transport lock is engaged, or the internal mechanism is jammed.
- Insufficient power supply: The scanner motor does not get enough energy from the USB port to move the carriage. The electronics mistake this for a physical blockage.
Step-by-Step Solutions to the Problem
Perform the following actions in order, from the simplest to the more complex.
Step 1. Check the Mechanical Lock Switch
On the bottom panel of the scanner, there is a plastic switch with a padlock icon. It is used for safe transportation of the device.
- Disconnect the scanner from the computer.
- Turn it upside down.
- Locate the lock switch.
- Even if it is set to the “Unlock” position, slide it all the way to the “Lock” position, and then flip it back to “Unlock”. This helps if the internal tab is stuck between modes.
Step 2. Configure USB Power Settings on Your Laptop or PC
Modern operating systems (including Windows 10 and 11) may lower the voltage on USB ports to save power. This is critical for the LiDE 110 scanner.
- Connect your laptop to a power outlet: Do not try to scan while the laptop is running on battery power.
- Change the USB port: Plug the cable into a different port. If your computer has USB 3.0 ports (they are usually blue inside), use them. They supply a higher current.
- Eliminate splitters: Plug the cable directly into the computer chassis. Using USB hubs, extension cords, or the front panels of desktop PCs often leads to power loss.
Step 3. Disable USB Port Power Saving in Windows
Force the operating system to supply maximum power to the scanner:
- Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager”.
- Locate and expand the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section.
- Find the “USB Root Hub” item (there may be several). Right-click it and select “Properties”.
- Go to the “Power Management” tab.
- Uncheck the parameter “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
- Click “OK” and repeat the procedure for the remaining root hubs in the list.
Step 4. Replace the USB Cable
An old, too long, or damaged cable loses voltage on the way to the scanner. If the device continues to hiss and display the error, replace the wire. You need a high-quality, thick, and short USB cable (preferably no longer than 1.5 meters).
Step 5. Restart the Scanning Service
If the system froze after the error, restart the internal Windows service:
- Disconnect the scanner from the USB port.
- Press the Win + R key combination on your keyboard, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - In the opened list, find the “Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)” service.
- Right-click it and select “Restart”.
- Reconnect the scanner to the computer.
What to Do If Nothing Helped?
If you have changed the cable, configured the power settings, and the carriage under the glass continues to click loudly, rustle, or does not move at all, the problem lies inside the hardware itself.
Over time, the factory lubricant on the metal shaft inside the scanner dries out and turns into a sticky residue, blocking the lamp’s movement. Also, the internal optics can become contaminated with dust. In this case, the device requires careful disassembly, cleaning, and the application of new silicone grease, which is best left to a service center specialist.



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