Dial tone, but can't fax

[beardofsocrates]

Hi all,

Trying to help a friend out with a printer, and I'm completely stumped.

After doing a test print, and contacting HP about the machine, it was likely that we needed a new printer, so we ended up purchasing a Brother model (I can provide the model number later). After testing it out we still can't receive or send a fax. We contacted the line provider, and they said the line was fine, since they received a signal back. So it's not the fax machine, or the line which leaves me totally lost.

I would appreciate any help on this matter because I don't know what else to do. 🙁

 

[rgd1101]

sound like the line. it is on any filter? like for dsl?

 

[beardofsocrates]

To my understanding, there is no filter. Supposedly the fax stopped working after a wind storm if it could be something electrical related?

 

[Saberus]

It's possible that there was a surge on the phone line that blew something in the printer.

Just to clarify, you were able to fax before with this printer?

Also, is there a second hard-line you can use to test?

 

[beardofsocrates]

We were able to fax before the storm, but even if the storm did cause some sort of damage, the new printer should be able to work.

 

[Saberus]

So you've never used the current printer to fax.

Are you trying to fax from the printer itself, or from a computer?

 

[beardofsocrates]

I've mainly been trying to fax a document without anything from the desktop. I've made a test document on both fax machines, and while I do get the dial tone, both respond with a fail.

 

[Saberus]

Have you tried making a call on the line itself, like when you called the provider? There are situations where it will report fine remotely, but the signal quality while in use is too low to complete a call. (Please forgive my asking, it is not clear if your troubleshooting has already covered this.)

Also, what's the model of the printer?

 

[beardofsocrates]

No need to apologize, I appreciate getting a response for this problem!

Calls go through without any issue. The model number, well I'm out of the office currently so I can run those by later, but as I mentioned this has been a problem for both printers, even with the recent new one.

 

[rgd1101]

Have you tell calling the fax machine? (I know, just want to see if you get the high pitch noise)

It would be line related. A fax machine is like a modem it use data, if the line is not clean, no connection.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/fax/fax-machine2.htm
I would call them and have them send a tech to your location. not testing the line from remote location.

 

[beardofsocrates]

Update

The company came out to take a look and apparently a squirrel got into the junction box and killed the fax line. @_@ weirdest thing this week.

Thanks for your help all!

 

[Saberus]

So Sparky Squirrel was snacking on your fax line. Good that it's sorted.