How to Fix Error 2.179.14 on Canon CanoScan LiDE 110, 120, 210, 220, 300, 400 Scanners

Last Updated on 10.06.2026 by DriverNew

Owners of the Canon CanoScan LiDE scanner series (especially the popular LiDE 110, 120, 210, 220, 300, 400, and others) often face an annoying malfunction. The scanner may work perfectly for hours, but at some point, the process gets interrupted, and the following message pops up on the screen: “Release the lock switch, detach the USB cable and reconnect it. Scanner driver will be closed. Error 2.179.14”.

The strangest thing about this situation is that the physical lock switch (the lock button on the bottom of the device) is already in the correct, unlocked position. Restarting the computer or updating the software helps only temporarily, and then the problem returns. In this article, we will explain in simple terms why this error occurs and provide a step-by-step guide to bring your scanner back to life in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The Main Cause of the Error: It Is Not About the Lock

This issue is common across the entire Canon CanoScan LiDE scanner series. The unique feature of these devices is that they do not have a separate power supply unit with a wall plug. They receive power and transfer data through a single USB cable connected to the computer.

The error text 2.179.14 is generated automatically when the internal motor inside the scanner cannot move the scanning carriage. The system “thinks” that the carriage is blocked by the physical lock. However, in 95% of cases, the real cause is a lack of electrical power from the USB port or a brief communication drop, which causes the sensor to trigger a false alarm.

Over time, contacts wear out, and Windows operating systems start lowering the voltage on ports to save energy. The scanner simply lacks the “strength” to start moving.

Step-by-Step Solution (Instructions for Windows 10 and Windows 11)

Follow the steps below in order, from simplest to more complex, until the scanner starts working stably again.

Step 1. Proper USB Cable Connection

The first thing to do is to eliminate power loss on the way from the computer to the scanner:

• Avoid adapters: Never connect the scanner through USB hubs (splitters), extension cords, or the front ports of a desktop computer case.
• Use the rear panel: If you have a desktop PC, plug the scanner cable directly into the ports on the rear panel (they are soldered directly to the motherboard and provide a stable current).
• Change the port type: Try switching the scanner from a USB 2.0 port (black inside) to a USB 3.0 port (blue inside), as USB 3.0 ports are capable of delivering higher amperage.

Step 2. Disable Power Saving in Windows 10 and 11

Modern operating systems tend to turn off power to inactive USB devices. We need to prevent Windows from doing this.

1. Press the Win + X key combination on your keyboard (or right-click the Start button).
2. In the menu that appears, select Device Manager.
3. In the opened window, find and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
4. Find the item named USB Root Hub. If there are several such items, the procedure must be repeated for each one.
5. Double-click it with the left mouse button and switch to the Power Management tab.
6. Uncheck the option “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
7. Click the OK button and restart your computer.

Step 3. Mechanical “Exercise” of the Jammed Sensor

Sometimes, the internal microswitch linked to the bottom lock physically gets stuck in an intermediate position due to dust or rare use.

1. Completely disconnect the USB cable of the scanner from the computer.
2. Turn the scanner upside down.
3. Locate the lock switch (showing locked and unlocked padlock icons) and vigorously move it back and forth 10–15 times.
4. Leave the switch strictly in the Unlock position (open padlock).
5. Place the scanner on a flat, horizontal desk surface and reconnect the cable back to the PC.

Step 4. Clean Reinstallation of the Driver (ScanGear)

If the previous steps did not help, it means a software communication error has taken root in the system. Simply updating drivers over the old ones will not help here — a “clean” installation is required.

1. Disconnect the scanner from the computer (unplug the cable).
2. Open Windows Settings (keys Win + I) → go to the Apps section → Installed apps (or Apps & features).
3. Find the programs related to your scanner in the list (such as CanoScan LiDE Driver and MP Navigator EX / IJ Scan Utility) and uninstall them.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Go to the official Canon website, find the support page for your model (e.g., CanoScan LiDE 210), and download the latest driver for your version of Windows (10 or 11). It is recommended to download the full software package or the ScanGear driver.
6. Run the downloaded driver installation file.
7. Important: Connect the scanner’s USB cable to the computer only when the installation program explicitly asks you to do so on the screen!

What if Nothing Helped?

If, after following all the instructions, error 2.179.14 continues to appear regularly on different computers, this indicates a hardware failure of the device’s internal components. The most common breakdowns in the LiDE series after several years of service include:

• Wear and tear of the flexible data ribbon cable (flat cable) leading to the moving carriage.
• Wear or contamination of the internal guide rails along which the scanning element slides.
• Breakage of the plastic mechanism of the limit switch sensor on the internal electronic board.

In this case, you will need to take the scanner to a service center for diagnostics or try replacing the worn USB cable with a new one — preferably shorter and with a thicker gauge (AWG), which transfers electrical current much better.