HOW TO: Troubleshoot Common Fax Problems in Microsoft Windows XP (321639)

SUMMARY

This article describes procedures that you can use to troubleshoot common fax problems in Microsoft Windows XP. back to the top

How to Troubleshoot Common Fax Problems in Windows XP

To troubleshoot common problems that may occur when you use a fax modem or an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax device to send or to receive faxes in Windows XP, follow these steps, in the order in which they are presented.

back to the top

Step 1: Check the Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)

The Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) lists the hardware devices that are supported by Windows. Verify that the fax modem or all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax machine is listed on the HCL, and that it is supported by Windows XP. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site: If the device is listed on the HCL, proceed to the "Step 2: Verify that the Latest Drivers Are Installed for the Fax Device" section of this article.

If the device is not listed on the HCL, please contact the manufacturer of the device to get more help.

For additional information about the HCL, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: back to the top

Step 2: Verify That the Latest Drivers Are Installed for the Fax Device

Make sure that the latest Windows XP drivers are installed for the fax modem or all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. Contact your computer manufacturer or the manufacturer of the device to inquire about how to obtain, download, and then install the latest drivers for the device. For information about how to contact your computer or hardware manufacturer, click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

back to the top

Step 3: Use Device Manager

To verify that the fax device is listed and that it works properly, view it in Device Manager. For additional information about how to use Device Manager, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: If you use a fax modem, query the modem to verify that Windows can communicate with it. To do so, follow these steps.

NOTE: This step applies to fax modems only. If you use an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax machine, proceed to the "Step 4: Send a Test Fax" section of this article.

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
2. Expand Device Manager. In the right pane, expand Modems.
3. Right-click the modem that you want, and then click Properties.
4. Click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem.
   
   The following message is displayed in a Please Wait dialog box, and Windows tries to communicate with the modem:

   Communicating with Modem. This may take several seconds.

   Windows sends AT commands to the modem, and returns information about how the modem responds to each command in the Command and Response columns of the Modem Information box of the Diagnostics tab.
   
   
5. Do one of the following, as appropriate to your situation:
   • If the modem diagnostics indicate that the modem responds correctly, proceed to the "Step 4: Send a Test Fax" section of this article.
     
     -or-
   • If the modem diagnostics indicate that the modem does not receive commands or that it does not respond correctly, investigate possible configuration problems, connection problems, or modem failure. To additionally troubleshoot this issue, and to resolve this issue, do any of the following:
     • Use the Modem Troubleshooter in Windows XP Help and Support.For additional information about how to use the Modem Troubleshooter, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

       308022 Resources for Troubleshooting Modem Problems in Windows XP

     • See the modem documentation or contact the modem manufacturer.

back to the top

Step 4: Send a Test Fax

After you verify that the fax device is installed and working correctly, compose a new fax, and then test to see whether you can send the fax. For additional information about how to send a fax by using Microsoft Fax in Windows XP, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: back to the top

How to Use the Microsoft Product Support Services Web Site to Find a Solution

If you cannot resolve the problem by following the steps in this article or by viewing the Knowledge Base articles in the References section of this article, you can use the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site to find a solution to your problem. Some of the services that the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site provides include:

• Searchable Knowledge Base - Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
• Frequently Asked Questions - View product-specific frequently asked questions and support highlights.
• Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups - Exchange information with others who use Microsoft products.
• Software and Updates - Find software and updates on the Download Center.
• Other Support Options - Ask a support question using the Web, or call Microsoft Product Support Services.

back to the top