Fax function disabled

[LamJ]

Unit installed via USB and fax function is diabled.  The message reads "This feature has been disabled.  For more information contact the administrator."  I never disabled it and cannot find a way to enable it.  The unit also cannot seem to connect to wireless for airprinting.  HP can be VERY frustrating because all of this has worked in the past.  

[HevnLgh]

Hi @LamJ,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums!  I see you are currently locked out of the Fax feature on your HP Officejet Pro 8500A. The printer is connected by USB and you are unable to set it up wirelessly.

You should be able to do this by restoring the Network Defaults in the front panel, unplug the USB:

Setup Menu > Network > Restore Network Defaults > Yes

Did this help? 

As for setting the printer up wirelessly, please get started here: Setting Up the Printer for a Wired or Wireless Network in Windows for the HP Officejet Pro 8500A e-A...

Once the printer is setup on the wireless network you can also try the steps listed below to access the printers embedded web server (EWS).

The lockout is really designed for the printers to prevent others from making printer changes that could affect how the printer behaves.  For example, to keep the date and time set to that faxes show an accurate receive time.

Get the printer's IP address by pressing the network icon at the top of the screen.

Enter this IP address into the address bar of a web browser on a computer.  The printer's status page should load.  If you receive any certificate warnings, choose the option that lets you continue anyway.

Click on Settings and then go to Administrator Settings on the left.  Many of the features of the front panel are controlled here. Make sure everything is checked except for Control Panel Lock. Once this is set, click apply.

Power off the printer for at least 1 minute and then power it back on to force the new setting to take effect.

Are you now able to access the fax feature? 

Let me know the outcome. If this resolves the issue please let others know by marking this post as "Accept as Solution".  To simply say thanks, click the "Thumbs up" below!    If you require further assistance let me know and I will gladly do all I can to help. 

[LamJ]

I restored network defaults and reset wireless.  It gave me the IP address.  I put that in a browser (Chrome) and it opened an HP-like page but it gives me a network error.  It doesn't recognize it's connected.  I CAN print wirelessly from my iPad.  I can view SCAN, Web Services, Tools and Settings, but Home doesn't work (network error) and Fax tab won't open at all.

[HevnLgh]

@LamJ,

Were you able to connect the printer to your wireless network? Is the wireless light on your printer solid blue?

If you are still unable to access the EWS you will need to call our technical support at http://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp. If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region. http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html

Thank you again,

[LamJ]

I've never noticed the wireless indicator as anything but white.  It's on and I can print to it from an iPad and iPhone so it's on the network but I cannot access the EWS via the network.  It's almost out of ink and I'm about HP's up to my eyes.  It's out of warranty so HP will just want $, plus ink, plus no guarantees it'll continue working.  It's been iffy from day one often having to restart the wireless.  I think it's time to try Brother or Epson.  I really appreciate your trying to help.  JL

[HevnLgh]

@LamJ,

Thank you again for getting back to me. I would like you to continue troubleshooting the wireless connection as you said it is not stable, the printer may benefit from  a Static IP address. Please get started below:

Printer Does Not Maintain Wireless Connection

[Shredder13]

Hi, I have the same problem with my HP DeskJet 4675. When I press on Fax it says that the feature is disabled.

Please help!