Use PC as Fax machine ?

[Parangles]

My first computer came with Windows 3.1 and WinFax which I never really got going..
I only use fax very rarely to receive stuff from people who only have Fax.
Now my fax machine is old , cartridges are very expensive and I could do with the desk space.
Assuming I can get a Winmodem out of the garage and get it going without reboots help,
does it make sense to use the PC to receive faxes ?
I remember WinFax as being complicated, but everything was in those days, to me.
Thanks.

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, you can use your PC as a fax machine with a compatible modem. Depending on what version of Windows you have, you probably won't need to buy any third-party software; newer versions of Windows have a fax component that you can install and use.

[Parangles]

DrG I'm running W2k on most machines. I don't see any Fax software in Accessories/communications etc. Where would it be ?
If not, what other software is suggested ?
Thanks.

[pam123]

I don't have a 2K machine to check with but in XP it's in Control Panel>Printers and Faxes.

[Parangles]

Thanks. It does not look encouraging. I'll try installing a modem and testing it but it
appears as if what is there is just to run the modem and that additional software is needed,
but I'll get back in a day or two.

[Panama Red]

See if this helps:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=227194

[glc]

You must have a fax device (such as a modem) installed for the Fax icon to appear in Control Panel.

Also, you may have to add it in add/remove programs, add/remove Windows components. When it's enabled, "Fax" will appear in your printers folder.

[Parangles]

EDIT: Uninstalled modem and installed another one. Same problem:
Not showing in Resources. I think this means I have to shunt the IRQ assignments around. Can someone please remind me how to do this. Please see 'irq's.jpg' attached.
Also: just started getting an error msg on boot up "Cant find file- 'load='
what the heck is that ? Connected to this problem ? Google turns up nothing.


Original post:

Appreciated- I'm nearly there.

How do I check for dial tone ? It wont dial out (from 'phone dialer') or receive
incoming faxes. " does the device have power and dial tone ?'

The Fax icon is there in the printers folder
and Fax service management is set up/selected to recieve and send....
also the modem model # is showing there.
Cable was in 'phone' instead of 'line' but I woke up to that after a while !
Does the modem have to be on any special COMM port ? I selected Comm 1 at installation.
Modem looks OK up in Device Mgr. "device is working properly'
Diagnostics/query modem ..comes back with ' port already open'
I have checked for dial tone at the wall outlet and its OK.
Changed the wall to modem cable for a different one.
Ive run out of ideas!

[glc]

Whoa there - what exact brand and model modem are you trying to install, and how are you trying to install it? Most internal modems these days are plug and play, and use their own virtual com port - you do NOT install it TO an existing com port. Some require the software be installed BEFORE physically putting the modem in the computer, some simply plug and play with an .inf file type driver, some are natively supported in Win2K.

[Parangles]

glc this is turning into a modem post, please move it if neccesary.

Modems were from my junkbox. Parentag/history unknown.
1st was a CompUSA- HSP, PCTEL pct789T-c1 chip,
2nd is a US robotics fax/voice usr 5695 .
I had installed both physically, booted up and then installed software. The software
requested me to choose from COMM 1, COMM2 , or both. I choose comm1, and when that didn't work, tried 1&2.
I'll try installing software first and see if that does it. I will also get out of the Fax software
and eliminate that as a cause- When I get the modem going I'll worry about Fax.
Thanks.

[Parangles]

I got the modem going. The drivers were wrong- old W98 ones.
Sent a Fax successfully ( 'print' to Fax command in word proccessor)
but the MS Fax software is labourious to use
so I'll just buy a Fax cartridge.

Really appreciate all the help !
Chris.

[glc]

Laborious? It works very nicely here without any hassles. The wizard is very straightforward, set up your address book and your cover pages and it's even easier.

[Parangles]

I meant by 'labourious ' that it appeared as if you cant just send a oneoff fax to someone
by just entering a fax number without going through the rigmarole
of entering all sorts of personal details for the recipient-address,etc.in the address book,
but maybe I was just in a trance from having to play with the accursed
dial modem. I'll look at it again when I have recovered some more.

EDIT:Fixed ! Works fine ! Only a patient person could get this going.
Why do they make a simple thing so complicated ?
"Default number of rings before answering" = 99 !! changed to 3
"enable manual answer" has to be deselected-default is manual, etc etc
and these options are hidden away. You have to dbl click on the modem listing
in Fax service management>Devices>modem...Arghhh!!

Thanks glc

[glc]

Oneoffs are simple. First page in the wizard, just put a name and number into the blocks and hit Add. No need to mess with the address book.