HP Officejet Pro 8500A - Manual (Page 131)

• If the printer shares the same phone line with other types of phone equipment,
such as an answering machine, a computer dial-up modem, or a multi-port
switch box, the fax signal level might be reduced. The signal level can also be
reduced if you use a splitter or connect extra cables to extend the length of
your phone. A reduced fax signal can cause problems during fax reception.
To find out if other equipment is causing a problem, disconnect everything
except the printer from the phone line, and then try to receive a fax. If you can
receive faxes successfully without the other equipment, one or more pieces of
the other equipment is causing problems; try adding them back one at a time
and receiving a fax each time, until you identify which equipment is causing the
problem.
• If you have a special ring pattern for your fax phone number (using a distinctive
ring service through your telephone company), make sure that the Distinctive
Ring feature on the printer is set to match. For more information, see Change
the answer ring pattern for distinctive ring.
The printer cannot send faxes, but can receive faxes
Solution:
• The printer might be dialing too fast or too soon. You might need to insert
some pauses in the number sequence. For example, if you need to access an
outside line before dialing the phone number, insert a pause following the
access number. If your number is 95555555, and 9 accesses an outside line,
you might insert pauses as follows: 9-555-5555. To enter a pause in the fax
number you are typing, touch the Space (#) button repeatedly, until a dash (-)
appears on the display.
You can also send the fax using monitor dialing. This enables you to listen to
the phone line as you dial. You can set the pace of your dialing and respond to
prompts as you dial. For more information, see Send a fax using monitor dialing.
• The number you entered when sending the fax is not in the proper format or
the receiving fax machine is having problems. To check this, try calling the fax
number from a telephone and listen for fax tones. If you cannot hear fax tones,
the receiving fax machine might not be turned on or connected, or a voice mail
service could be interfering with the recipient's phone line. You can also ask
the recipient to check the receiving fax machine for any problems.
Solve fax problems 127