I am unable to send or receive faxes due to fax component is damaged? I hardly ever use it?

[GracieDE]

I cannot understand what the error message means.  it says:  "the printer's fax component has become damaged and cannot perform the fax test.  For more information, contact HP support."  Well, I have been on hold for 49 minutes now and in the meantime signed up for the online support assistant.  It looks like the other two people that had the same issues were instructed to use and android?  Doesn't make any sense and I really need help.

[Dragon-Fur]

@GracieDE 

The error is saying that the fax part of the printer is not working.

There is no "workaround" to this in the sense that if the hardware refuses to function, anything else you try (to set up / configure the fax) is a dead-end.

The recommendation to use "Android" likely refers to using HP Mobile Fax.

Mobile Fax is available in HP Smart for Windows, in HP Smart Mobile, and likely HP Smart MacOS .

 HP Smart – Mobile Fax – Information, Sign-up, Terms of Service

  HP Smart - HP Mobile Fax

Not your home site?  Click the Flag to change to your region.

Sections of Interest include:

• FAQ > Section What does the Mobile Fax service cost? 
• Below section FAQ > More FAQs

and

•  HP Smart - Send Faxes with the HP Smart App
  • FAQ > Section Can I cancel or remove Mobile Fax from the HP Smart app?

References / Resources

HP Smart for Windows

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR

HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

NOTE:  Website includes the HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues

HP Smart Tasks for Windows and HP Smart Mobile

Where available, Smart Tasks can be configured for several print tasks.

• Print: Send a print job to your printer.
• Email: Send an email message or attachments.
• Save to: Save a file to a cloud storage account, such as Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.

 HP Printers - HP Smart: Use Smart Tasks

 and

Mobile Printing – Options, How-to, Help, and Information

Print from your Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire device with the HP Mobile printing app.

Read this document first - Find your printer in the list of printers and supported applications

HP Printers - Mobile Printing Solutions Compatible with HP Printers

HP Smart - iOS and Android >>> Download, How-to. Videos, and FAQ

 HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Android, Apple iOS)

Printer  Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

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, User Guides / Manuals, Product Information (Specifications), more

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

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

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