F.A.Q. (frequently asked questions)

Do you buy used fax machines?

No. However, we periodically make charitable donations of used fax machines if we're able to easily refurbish the unit. If you want to simply dispose of (or donate) a used plain paper fax machine, we might pick it up for free ... and subsequently either dismantle it for parts or fix it up and donate it to a worthy cause.

How come there aren't any lights on my fax machine and the display is blank?

Perhaps one end of the electrical cord is loose or unplugged. Check to make sure there is power to the electical outlet. The internal power supply may require replacement. Lightning frequently damages power supplies in electronic devices.

Why can't I find anyone to repair my thermal paper fax machine?

The cost of repairs (labor and parts) will likely exceed the cost of replacing the machine.

Why did blank columns appear on a fax that I sent to someone else?

The scanner either has some white correction fluid on the glass cover, or the scanner may require replacement.

Why did I receive blank pages on my fax machine?

If a header appears at the top of the page, the sender likely inserted pages upside-down in their machine. To test your fax machine's print capability, print an activity report, or use the fax machine to make a copy of a document.

Why did the documents that I sent to someone print out as blank pages?

Check to make sure the documents were facing the proper direction when you put them in the document feeder. Look for an icon that's molded into the plastic of the document feeder.

Why do straight lines appear vertically on a fax I received?

The sender probably needs to have the scanner in their fax machine cleaned or serviced.

Why do straight lines appear vertically on the fax that I sent to someone else?

The scanner in your fax machine probably needs to be cleaned. Ink from a ballpoint pen may not have dried on the page before the document was traveled across the scanner.

Why does my fax machine display the message CALL SERVICEMAN?

A mechanical failure of some sort has occurred, and you probably will need to call a fax repair technician. On certain models, this message indicates the machine overheated for some reason. Turn off the power switch (or disconnect the power cord) and let the machine sit idle for 5-10 minutes.

Why does paper jamb up in my fax machine when it prints an incoming fax?

Rubber rollers that pick up the paper may require servicing or replacement. Also, there is usually a separator pad that needs cleaning or replacement. If the paper jamb occurs in the fuser unit of a laser fax machine, the fuser rollers are likely worn out. Fuser assemblies are commonly replaced on all types of laser printing devices after a large number of pages have been printed.

Why is the print quality so poor (light) on a fax that I received?

In general, print quality problems most often result from (1) a roll of thermal fax paper installed backwards, (2) thermal transfer film installed backwards, (3) a poor quality original document printed on the receiving machine, (4) dirty corona wires or bad drums in laser fax machines, and (5) recycled toner cartridges.

Why won't my fax machine send or receive faxes?

Perhaps the telephone line is disconnected or dead. If the fax machine has a telephone handset, pick it up and listen for a dialtone. Check to see if someone is working on your telephone system, or if other telephone lines are working normally. The modem may require replacement if it was damaged by a power surge or lightning strike.

   <<    ^    >>