Faxing with Laserjet 281cdw

[bobfharris]

The fax dials and I hear ringing but never connects and get an anser/handshake. Doesn't matter who I fax to never connects

[Kumar0307]

@bobfharris

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

• Make sure the Phone chord used is a 2-wire cable that came with the printer.
• Check the connections. Connect the phone line to Line-1 port of the printer.
• Are you using a dedicated fax line or is it a shared line?

Step 1: Run a fax test

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select Setup, and then select Service.
b. Select Self Diagnostics.
c. Select Run Fax Test. The printer prints a fax report.
The report contains the following possible results:
● Pass: The report contains all of the current fax settings for review.
● Fail: The report indicates the nature of the error and contains suggestions for how to resolve the
issue.

Step 2: Update the printer firmware

Click here to download and install the latest firmware from your computer.

Click here to know different methods of updating printer firmware.

Step 3: Check the fax settings

1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select Setup.
2. Select Fax Setup.
3. Select Basic Setup.
4. Select Distinctive Ring.
5. Select the correct setting.
6. Go back to Basic setup and select Rings to answer.
7. Select the correct setting.

Click here for more info on fax setup on a HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw.

Let me know how this goes.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[bobfharris]

Self test ok. But I think I had the phone cord into line 2 instead of line 1 so I'll give that a try  Thanks for the tips

[bobfharris]

The Self Test was all perfect but still it doesn't connect with a fax on the other. Rings and rings and then after a bunch of tries hangs up

This is a landline with other phones but all are off

[Kumar0307]

@bobfharris

• If the fax test passed, it means there are no issues with the fax machine/printer.
• Check with your Phone service provider about the line conditions.
• Check if this is a dedicated line or a shared line.
• Do you have an answering machine connected to the fax machine?
• is this line connected to a router/modem?

Keep me posted for further assistance.

[bobfharris]

Line is fine, there is an anser machine attached but not used since I have call forwarding for incoming messages.. Can dial out but not answered on incoming. Not shared but one phone attached. No router or modem. Cable is internet

[Kumar0307]

@bobfharris

Did you check the Phone cable being used if it is a 2-wire cable?

Step 1: Reduce the fax speed 

1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select Setup.
2. Select Fax Setup.
3. Select Fax Speed.
4. Scroll to and select the Fax Speed, and then select the speed setting

Step 2: Turn OFF ECM

1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Setup.
2. Select Service.
3. Select Fax Service.
4. Select Error Correction.
5. Select OFF setting.

Step 3: Send a test fax to HP

Click here for more info.

Let me know how this goes.

Keep me posted.