HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus - Fax answering incoming calls instead of answering machine

[Roses66]

I have set the fax up on my new HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus & the fax test report at the end passed everything & yes I have used the right cord for the phone (the one which came with the fax) however when someone calls, the fax picks up the call instead of the answering machine.

Can anyone tell me how to fix this please?

[Simple1234]

That means you had the fax in "auto answer" mode (most people do). Just need to set the "rings to answer" to a number that is larger than that for the answering machine (I would suggest 6). Most answering machine are set to pick up with 3 or 4 rings.

[Roses66]

The maximum amount to set the rings on the fax is 6! If I set the phone for 4 or 5 rings I will never get to it in time... is this the only way to fix this dilemma? I thought that cord which came with the fax was supposed decipher if it is a fax or a phone call? 

[Simple1234]

not the wire, the fax machine does. That's why you want the answering machine to pick up first, the fax machine is still listening and will pick up if it is a fax. The number is to tell it to pick up anyway. (in many countries, you can't tell from the ring if it's a voice call or fax, only after you pick up). If the number is bigger than 6, your caller might get a busy tone.

[Roses66]

Thanks so much for going to the trouble to reply again. 

I will have to make a mad dash to get to the phone in time when it rings having it set to just 5 rings but I will try this and see how I go.

[Simple1234 · Accepted solution]

If you only get fax once in a while, I would suggest turn off auto answer on the 8600, and when you hear the fax tone,  *#123 to tell the fax machine to pick up. That way, you can leave your answering machine the way it is, and not miss the faxes either.

[garybly]

That assumes you are home when the fax arrives

[akpg]

This does not solve my problem.  I NEVER WANT THE FAX TO ANSWER THE PHONE.  I WANT TO SEND FAXES BUT NEVER RECEIVE THEM.

[kevin-t]

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