HP 1536dnfMFP Says unable to connect

Question

Until recently, I was able to send a fax from my HP1536dnfMFP by clicking on the start button (I am using Windows 7), then clciking on All Programs, then clicking on the HP folder, then clicking on HP LaserJet Professional 1530MFP, and then clicking on HP Send Fax.
A box would then pop up and I would enter additional information such as the recipient's fax number, load what I want to fax in the top feeder, and click on send fax, and the fax would be sent.
Now when I click on HP Send Fax (see first paragraph above), I get a message that says: Unable to communicate with the device. The device may be disconnected, powered off, or its network settings changed.
The device is definitely connected and powered on. I don't know how to check whether "its network settings changed".
It should be noted that I can fax directly from the printer using the buttons on the control panel, rather than going through the process outlined above.
Can anyone help with this problem?

Answer 1

Hi @Aselene ,
I see that you are having issues sending faxes from the HP Send Fax menu. You are getting the error message, "Unable to communicate with the device. The device may be disconnected, powered off, or its network settings changed". I will do my best to assist you with this issue.
You can always do a System Restore back to when everything was working correctly. System Restore.
If the Toolbox Software isn't communicating properly with the printer, you won't be able to fax through the HP Fax Send Software.
Are you still able to print, if you can then it most likely is software related.
Is the printer's fax icon listed in Devices and Printers?
Are you running Windows 7 32 bit or 64 bit?
I would do a hard reset to see if that will resolve the issue.
Leave the printer on and unplug the power cable from the printer and wall outlet for 60 seconds.
Then reconnect the power cable to the printer and wall outlet rather than a surge protector.
This ensures the printer is receiving full power and may help this situation.
Temporarily turn off any Antivirus Software to make sure there isn't any interference.
Try sending a fax from a third-party software program, such as Microsoft Word to see if you have the same results.
Might be a communication issue and not software related.
1. Open a document in a third-party program.
2. Click the File menu, and then click Print.
3. Select the fax print driver from the printer driver drop-down list. The fax software opens.
4. Enter the fax number of one or more recipients.
5. Include any pages loaded at the product. This step is optional.
6. Click Send Now.
Follow the steps in this document to get to the Device Manager to check for the printer fax entries. Then go to View, Show Hidden Devices. See if fax driver is listed. Check through the list for the printer entries. You might have to click on all the + signs to check under the headings. How do I get into Windows Device Manager?
If the there are any yellow exclamation marks or unknown devices listed for the printer, right click and update the driver.
You might have to click the + marks to check each section. Sometimes it is listed under Universal Serial Bus Controllers or Print Queues.
Was the fax listed in the Device Manager window?
How was it listed?
Your welcome to send a screen shot if you like.
You might have to uninstall and reinstall the printer software to resolve this issue.
How is the printer connected? (USB/Ethernet)
Please provide in detail the results if you are still having issues.
Have a nice day!
Thank You.
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Gemini02
I work on behalf of HP