http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/us/us/en/faq/faq/000000/000500/000065/faq000565_012.html?reg=us&c=us&lang=en&prod=mfc290c_all#other-faqs
If one of the following messages is displayed on the LCD, the machine may have a mechanical problem, a dirty encoder strip or a foreign object such as a clip or ripped paper inside the machine.
The most common cause of this issue is dirt on the encoder strip. Clean the encoder strip by following the steps listed below: The images shown below are from the representative product. The customer's model may look different from the picture.Locate a lint free cloth such as a T-shirt, DRY eye glass cleaner cloth, DRY monitor cloth or wash cloth.
DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF PAPER PRODUCTS (EX: paper towel, tissue paper, napkin, filter, news paper etc.) This will help ensure that the dirt will be removed from the encoder strip.
Lift the scanner cover using the plastic tabs, located on the left and right side of the machine until it locks securely into the open position.