nealt2

Q: Missing Fax PDF

This option is missing from my PDF drop down menu in Print. I had just done a reinstall of 10.9.5. Not a clean install. It was there before. How can I get it back?

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Dec 22, 2014 4:38 PM

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Q: Missing Fax PDF

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Dec 23, 2014 6:57 AM in response to nealt2
    Level 8 (48,578 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 23, 2014 6:57 AM in response to nealt2

    Try the following in the specified order, testing after each time as applicable, to determine if the Fax option reappears:

     

  • by nealt2,

    nealt2 nealt2 Dec 23, 2014 10:15 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 23, 2014 10:15 AM in response to John Galt

    Actually if you go to install new printer there is an option to install the FAX software. I am surprised that reinstalling the software wiped out the drivers.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Dec 23, 2014 10:49 AM in response to nealt2
    Level 8 (48,578 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 23, 2014 10:49 AM in response to nealt2

    Did that option appear once you deleted the existing printer and added it again?

     

    Edit: That's what I did, after which the "fax" option now appears in a Print dialog as a separate device in the printer selection list. I suppose that's what Apple intended, though it wasn't completely obvious.

  • by BJLOR,

    BJLOR BJLOR Mar 3, 2016 11:36 AM in response to nealt2
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 3, 2016 11:36 AM in response to nealt2

    It is now 2016 and I have a Macbook Pro (purchased 2014) and Macbook Air (purchased 2013) and had the same problem.  My operating system is OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

     

    If you keep trying things you finally stumble on something that works.  Here is what finally worked for me.

     

    I have an Epson WorkForce (WF-3620) which is an all-in-one device.   Driver updates keep coming in from the App Store.  One good habit is to delete your current printer (in System Preferences/Printers and Scanners) before you download the update.  After the update for the drivers has finished, add your printer and faxes to your list of printer choices (in System Preferences/Printers andScanners).  Because you have deleted the old devices, you have essentially installed a new printer, although it is not a clean install. So, you MAY (or may not) have to re-enter your wifi password and re-set your fax options.  Do some trials and find out for yourself.  I find that I usually have to reenter the wifi password on my printing device with every driver update.

     

    Now, find something that you want to fax.  Select Print and the Print Dialog box opens up, and then select your fax machine.  You will find that the Fax option is greyed out at the bottom of the dialog box.  That's OK.  There's a dropdown box under the settings for paper orientation.  The default setting on that dropdown box is Notes.  But drop down and and look at the other choices.  You will find one called "Fax Settings."  Select it.

     

    Then, go to the device list (also a dropdown box) at the top of the Printer Dialog box.  Change your device from Epson Fax to Epson Printer.  Now, at the bottom of the dialog box, the option FAX will appear, and it will be viable.