When I try to print from my computer, I get a fax message on my computer screen.

[Cathy1948]

When I try to print from my computer, I get a fax message and can't print.  This started after my printer was creating shadow or ghost print jobs and someone told me to update the software by uninstalling and reinstalling my printer.  Now I can't print at all and only get this fax message.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Cathy1948 

Welcome to the HP Community --

The Default printer / device is generally set when the full driver printer software is installed.

Regardless, you can check and -- if the printer software is indeed properly installed -- set the printer as the Default.

There are generally two entries for each printer for which the printer software is installed:

Fax component

Printer

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers and scanners

Scroll down > Switch OFF Let Windows manage my default printer

Scroll up > Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Set as Default

Windows 10

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Example - Set Printer Default

Default_Printer_Check_and_Manage_1

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

References / Resources

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HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

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[Repairatrooper]

It sounds like you have installed the print to fax driver, which looks like a regular print driver but allows you to send your document as a fax, just like printing. Usually the name of the printer will have fax in it like the one below. The actual name will vary but fax will appear somewhere. You should also have an icon for your printer that does not say fax and you want to make sure that driver is your default by right clicking and selecting "set as default" from the dropdown menu. If you do not see a non-fax driver for your printer you may need to reinstall.