Best Settings for Canon MP Navigator EX on the PIXMA MP470 Scanner

How to Install Canon MP Navigator EX for Canon PIXMA MP470 (Step‑by‑Step)This guide walks you through installing Canon MP Navigator EX for the Canon PIXMA MP470 on Windows and macOS. It covers downloading the correct software, preparing your printer, installing drivers and the MP Navigator EX application, and troubleshooting common issues so you can scan and manage documents and photos smoothly.

What is Canon MP Navigator EX?

Canon MP Navigator EX is a companion application for Canon’s PIXMA multifunction printers that provides scanning, saving, and basic image editing features. It simplifies tasks such as scanning single pages, multiple-page documents (with PDF creation), and saving images in different formats.

Before you begin — quick checklist

Confirm operating system (Windows ⁄₁₁, older Windows versions, or macOS).
PIXMA MP470 is powered on and connected to your computer either by USB cable (recommended for this model) or on a supported network.
USB cable (if using USB) is working and plugged directly into the computer (avoid USB hubs during installation).
Back up any important files (as a precaution).

Installing on Windows

1) Determine the correct software version

Visit Canon’s support site and locate downloads for “PIXMA MP470.” Choose the MP Navigator EX version compatible with your Windows version. If an MP Navigator EX download isn’t listed separately, the functionality may be bundled with the MP Drivers or “Full Driver & Software Package.”

2) Download drivers and software

Download the “Full Driver & Software Package” or the MP Drivers first.
Download MP Navigator EX if provided separately. Save installers to a known folder.

3) Prepare your printer and computer

Turn the PIXMA MP470 on.
Disconnect any conflicting software (close other scanning apps).
If the printer was previously installed, consider uninstalling old Canon software via Control Panel > Programs and Features to avoid conflicts.

4) Install the drivers

Run the driver installer (usually named something like “MP470_V…exe”).
Follow on-screen prompts—accept license agreement, choose “Standard” or “Custom” installation if offered.
When prompted, connect the USB cable between the MP470 and your PC. Windows should detect the device and complete driver setup.

5) Install MP Navigator EX

Run the MP Navigator EX installer (if separate).
Follow prompts to complete installation. When installation finishes, you may be offered to restart your computer—do so if asked.

6) First run and testing

Open MP Navigator EX from the Start menu.
Select the correct model (PIXMA MP470) from device list.
Place a document/photo on the scanner glass, choose “Document” or “Photo,” then click “Scan.”
Save scanned files to confirm functionality.

Installing on macOS

1) Confirm compatibility and download

On Apple menu > About This Mac, note your macOS version.
On Canon’s support page for PIXMA MP470, download the latest drivers and MP Navigator EX version that supports your macOS. For older printers like MP470, official drivers may only support up to certain macOS versions—check carefully.

2) Install drivers

Open the downloaded .dmg file and run the package installer for the printer driver.
Follow on-screen prompts; you may need to allow installation in System Preferences > Security & Privacy for kernel extensions on older macOS versions.

3) Connect the printer

Connect the MP470 via USB to the Mac (recommended).
Add the printer in System Settings (or System Preferences) > Printers & Scanners > “+” > select PIXMA MP470. If drivers installed correctly, the system will use the Canon driver.

4) Install MP Navigator EX

Open the MP Navigator EX .dmg or installer package and follow prompts. Grant any permissions the installer requests.

5) Test scanning

Launch MP Navigator EX, choose the MP470 device, place a document on the scanner glass, and click “Scan.”
Save a file locally to verify the app and driver communicate correctly.

Common problems & fixes

Problem: Device not found during installation.
- Fixes: Use a direct USB connection (no hub), try a different USB port/cable, power-cycle the printer and PC/Mac, temporarily disable antivirus/firewall during installation.
Problem: Windows/macOS won’t install older drivers.
- Fixes: Use compatibility mode on Windows (right-click installer > Properties > Compatibility), or search for legacy drivers archived on Canon’s site. On macOS, older models may not have drivers for the latest macOS — consider using Apple’s built-in ICA/Image Capture support or a generic driver for basic scanning.
Problem: MP Navigator EX crashes or won’t open.
- Fixes: Reinstall the app, ensure you installed the same architecture drivers (32-bit vs 64-bit match your OS), update OS to supported version or run on compatible machine.
Problem: Scanned images are low quality.
- Fixes: Check scan resolution/DPI settings in MP Navigator EX, clean the scanner glass, ensure scanning mode is set to Photo for images, not Document.

Alternatives if MP Navigator EX is unavailable

Windows: Use Windows Fax and Scan or the Windows Scan app for basic scanning.
macOS: Use Image Capture or Preview > File > Import from Scanner.
Third-party scanning apps: NAPS2 (Windows), VueScan (cross-platform) — these often support older hardware and offer advanced features.

Tips for better scans

Clean scanner glass and document feeder rollers gently with a lint-free cloth.
Let the scanner warm up for a minute after powering on.
For photos, use a higher DPI (300–600 DPI) depending on output needs. For text-only documents, 200–300 DPI is usually sufficient.
Save master copies in TIFF or PNG for lossless archives; use JPEG or PDF for sharing.

Summary

Download the correct drivers and MP Navigator EX from Canon’s support page for PIXMA MP470.
Install drivers first, connect the printer by USB when prompted, then install MP Navigator EX.
Test scanning and use built-in system apps if drivers are incompatible with your OS.

If you want, tell me your operating system and I’ll provide the exact download links and step‑by‑step clicks.