"Fax hardware is either missing or not seated"

[Ydoc69]

When attempting to FAX, I get the infamous "Fax hardware is either missing or not seated" error message. 

I've performed all of the power off/on, reinstall drivers, restore factory settings, etc. to no avail.

HELP!

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Ydoc69,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

If you're receiving the "Fax hardware is either missing or not seated" error on your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283cdw, follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Step 1: Check Fax Hardware Installation

Power Off the Printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.

Inspect the Fax Hardware:

• Open the access panel where the fax hardware is installed (refer to the printer's user manual for specific instructions).
• Ensure that the fax hardware is securely seated in its slot. Gently press down on the hardware to ensure it's fully connected.

Reconnect and Power On:

• Close the access panel.
• Plug the printer back into the power source and turn it on.

Step 2: Verify Phone Line Connection

Check Phone Line Connection:

• Ensure that the phone line is properly connected to the fax port on the printer.
• Make sure the phone line is connected to the correct port (usually labeled "1-LINE").

Test the Phone Line:

• Connect the phone line to a regular telephone and check for a dial tone.
• If there's no dial tone, there might be an issue with the phone line itself.

Step 3: Update Firmware

1. Check for Firmware Updates:
   • Visit the HP Support website and navigate to the drivers and firmware section for your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283cdw.
   • Download and install any available firmware updates for your printer.

Step 4: Reset Printer Settings

1. Restore Factory Defaults:
   • On the printer control panel, go to Setup or Settings.
   • Select Printer Maintenance or a similar option.
   • Choose Restore Factory Defaults and confirm.
   • Note: This will reset all printer settings to their default state, so you may need to reconfigure some settings afterward.

Step 5: Perform a Fax Test

1. Send a Test Fax:
   • Attempt to send a test fax to see if the issue persists.
   • Ensure you have correctly entered the recipient's fax number.

Step 6: Contact HP Support

If the issue persists after following these steps, it might be a hardware issue. Contact HP Support for further assistance.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

 Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Ydoc69]

We've done all the steps without any resolution to the issue... EXCEPT this step:

Inspect the Fax Hardware:

• Open the access panel where the fax hardware is installed (refer to the printer's user manual for specific instructions).
• Ensure that the fax hardware is securely seated in its slot. Gently press down on the hardware to ensure it's fully connected.

I am unable to locate the physical fax hardware access panel, and our user's manual did not provide a location either.  Please advise where/how to access this panel and what the "fax hardware" is that I should ensure is securely seated in its slot.

As information, THIS printer (283) replaced an aging (277) printer.  When the 283's fax function stopped, we plugged the 277 printer back in.  IT WORKS... so we know that there's nothing wrong with the phone lines.

Please advise as to the location/access for the "fax hardware"... and it that doesn't work, we WILL have to contact HP Support. 

Thanks!