My printer is only showing up as a fax machine and I cannot print.

[teresamh77]

I have been trying to use my printer.  When I try to print something, the printer is coming up as being a fax machine and I cannot print.  How do I fix this?  My HP OfficeJet 5255 is a printer, fax and scanner.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@teresamh77 

You did not mention your Operating System / version.

The following is relevant to recent versions of Windows...

If you have not done so, you will need (want) to install the Full Feature Software for your printer.

Why?  Windows can detect and "sort of" support your printer - the Windows Drivers may not be enough to allow the printer to be designated as the "Default Printing Device".  Without this designation, the "Fax" portion of the printer might think it is the default printing device.  

Download-save-install the printer software

HP OfficeJet 5200 All-in-One Printer series Full Feature Software and Driver

After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

The installed software should assign the printer as the default printing device.

You can easily check:

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

If your printer does not display a green Checkmark,

Right-Click on the printer > Set as the Default

Example

Printer_Set_as_Default_3

Be sure to look at the extensive How-to category for your printer.

For example

 How to > topic Print > subject list Instructions & Settings

A few of the documents available:

How to Print Photos (Windows)

 Printing Documents (Windows)

Print Driver Settings Guide (Windows)

Creating Custom Paper Sizes

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP OfficeJet 5255 All-in-One Printer

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[teresamh77]

Thank you!!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@teresamh77 

You are welcome!

Smiling.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.