Brother IntelliFax 4100 sending solid black pages (by 2 users)

problem is not in the fax machine but with the scanning position. this is a very common problem. for starters, try Downloading the latest drivers and install, in addition, the following page may assist you:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q189764/

Our solution was easy and free. We simply unplugged the cables and plug that come into the back corner of the machine. (black power supply cord and a couple of telephone jacks) We cleaned a bit of dust off the ends of the cables, blew any dust out from where the cables go into the machine and plugged them back in again. It's working great! Just unplugging alone to clear static didn't help in our situation.

You probably have the faxes in a room with carpeting. I'm not an expert or anything, but I had the same problem. It was a static build up. Unplug the fax machines for about 60 seconds and plug them back in. If this fixes it, then you will want to put the faxes on static mats. Let me know if this fixes it. cwyatt@aui.org

The scan section works the same for the copy and scan for intent to fax. If the scan array (it's under the skinny glass in the original document feeder... the top part that open clam shell style) is bad, it will give you black copies as well as send black faxes. It's just not getting any light from the L.E.D.s to see the page. Try making a copy, if it comes out black then you need a new array. I have seen this array go out partially recently, causing black "skipping" marks on the copies. The up side is that its relatively easy to change out and may even be covered under the manufactures warranty.

There are two possible solutions. Is the machine sitting on top of metal? The machine will send black pages when there is static charge. You can put a rubber mat under the machine or use a static guard.

The second solution is to put the machine in maintenance and reset the scanner. Unplug the machine, put your finger on the menu key first and then re-plug the line while holding the menu key, in about 30 seconds all the lights will flash and the display will say maintenance. Release the menu Key and press 55 and this will reset the scanner; if scanner error comes up the machine will need to be serviced. Press stop and then 99 this will exit you out of maintenance. If the machine does not have an error try making a copy of blank sheet of paper and see if there is any improvement. As a routine clean the scanner glass with soft lint free cloth and isopropyl alcohol also.