SBS: Recommended Practices with Fax Service (222532)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.0
  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.0a
  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.5
This article was previously published under Q222532

SUMMARY

This article describes recommended practices for implementing the Microsoft Fax service on Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server (SBS) computers. Following these practices may decrease the occurrence of fax problems.

MORE INFORMATION

Business-Class Modem

One of the most important requirements is a business-class modem. Home fax modems cannot handle a high volume of faxes and do not undergo the same testing as business-class modems. The modem is the most sensitive device on the network and must be chosen with care.

Updated Firmware and .inf File

Make sure the firmware is current and is installed with the modem .inf file associated with the firmware revision. Most major manufacturers have updated their firmware and initialization strings to more effectively handle SBS and fax requests.

Dedicated Line

A dedicated analog telephone line is recommended for moderate to high volume of outbound and inbound fax transmissions. A PBX or phone switch may work with outbound faxes, but may be problematic with inbound faxes. A dedicated analog telephone line is often needed for troubleshooting fax problems.

The Print To: Command

When a program is being used to send fax transmissions, use the Print To: functionality of the program. The SendToFax: function calls were created for use with Microsoft Windows 95 Fax Service and are not compatible with SBS Fax Service. The SendToMailRecipient function also works, but should be avoided because the program still needs to render the object that is being faxed. Using the Print To: functionality eliminates an additional rendering step.

Different Methods to Send Faxes

  • Use the Send Fax utility. (Click Start, point to Programs, click Fax, and then click Fax Send Utility.
  • Any program that supports printing can send a job to the fax printer. The Send Fax Utility dialog box appears and you are prompted to type the recipient and cover page information.
  • From Microsoft Outlook you can send text messages (in the body of the message) and you can send attachments. You can send any type of file associated with a program that can handle the rendering process.
  • From other MAPI-enabled programs (for example, Microsoft Office), you can send the active file to a fax address (using the SendToMailRecipient option from the File menu).

Known Issues

  • You cannot use the SendToMailRecipientAsAttachment option within Office programs.
  • When you send faxes from Microsoft Excel 2000 using the SendToMailRecipient option, the outgoing message is not correctly formatted. Instead, use one of the methods described above.
  • The SendDocumentToFaxRecipient option (and wizard) in Microsoft Word 2000 is not supported through the SBS Fax service. When you send a document with the wizard's cover page, the result may be a truncated message.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/19/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo KB222532
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.