How to enable and configure the Fax service in Windows XP (306550)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

This article was previously published under Q306550

SUMMARY

This step-by-step article describes how to enable and configure the Fax service in Microsoft Windows XP. The Fax service gives you complete faxing capability from Windows XP. You can use the Fax service to send, receive, track, and monitor faxes.

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Requirements

  • A computer that is running Windows that is equipped with a modem to use the Fax component.
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Install the Fax component

By default, the Fax component is not installed during Windows Setup. To install the Fax component, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs under Pick a category.
  2. Click Add/Remove Windows Components to start the Windows Components Wizard.
  3. In the Components list, click to select the Fax Services check box, and then click Next. Setup installs the Fax services. If you are prompted, insert the Microsoft Windows XP CD, and then click OK.
  4. Click Finish, and then click Close.
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Configure the Fax service

To configure faxing capability in Windows XP, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.

    The Fax Configuration Wizard starts.
  2. Click Next, type the information that you want to appear on your fax cover page, and then click Next.
  3. Click the modem that you want to use in the Please select the fax device list.
  4. If you want to disable the ability to send faxes from this computer, click to clear the Enable Send check box.

    Note By default, the Enable Send check box is selected.
  5. Click to select the Enable Receive check box if you want the computer to receive faxes.

    Note When this check box is selected, you can click Manual answer if you do not want the computer to automatically receive faxes. By default, automatic answering is enabled.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Type the Transmitting Subscriber Identification (TSID) that you want to use in the TSID box.

    Note The TSID is mandatory in some areas. This identification information typically appears in the header area of a fax that you receive. This information helps you identify the fax machine where the fax originates from. This information typically includes the sender's fax number and business name.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Type the Called Subscriber Identification (CSID) that you want in the CSID box.

    Note The CSID that you type is displayed on the fax machine where the fax originates from. This number helps you confirm that you are sending the fax to the correct recipient.
  10. Click Next.
  11. Click to select the Print it on check box if you want each of the faxes that you receive to be automatically printed. When you select this check box, you can select a specific printer where you can print the fax you receive.
  12. Click to select the Store a copy in a folder check box if you want to create an archived copy of each fax. When you select this check box, you can specify the storage location for the fax copy.
  13. Click Next.
  14. Confirm the configuration settings in the Configuration Summary list, and then click Finish.

    The Fax Configuration Wizard closes and the Fax Console window opens. The computer is now configured to send or receive faxes.
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Change the Fax configuration

You can start the Fax Configuration Wizard from the Fax Console window. To start the Fax Configuration Wizard, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.
  2. In Fax Console, click Configure Fax on the Tools menu to start the Fax Configuration Wizard.
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REFERENCES

For additional information about how to receive a fax, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

306662 How to receive a fax in Windows XP

For additional information about how to fax a computer scanned document or image, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

306663 How to fax a scanned document or image in Windows XP

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Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/4/2004
Keywords:kbenv kbHOWTOmaster kbpubtypekc kbmsccsearch KB306550 kbAudITPro