Windows XP Fax
Q: I hear Windows XP can send and receive faxes. How is it done?
Yes, faxing is built into Windows XP, but it’s not installed by default when you install Windows XP. In addition to installing the fax component manually, you will need a fax modem to receive faxes. If you want to send only digital documents, you don’t need a scanner. But to fax printed documents – such as a lease you just signed – you will need a scanner.
To install the fax component, do the following:
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Either click on Control Panel and select Add/Remove Programs, or
3. Copy and paste or type the following command in the Open box, and then click OK:
appwiz.cpl
It may take several seconds for your computer to compile a list of programs. The Add or Remove Programs dialog box opens.
4. Click Add/Remove Windows Components to the left of the list of programs to start the Windows Components Wizard.
5. In the Components list, select the Fax Services check box, and then click Next. Setup installs the fax services.
6. If you are prompted, insert the Windows XP CD, and then click OK.
7. Click Finish.
The fax component is now installed but it must be configured. Do the following:
Step 1: Configure the cover page, select a modem, and enable the fax service to send and receive faxes
a. 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.
b. Select Pulse or Tone, plus any of the other options that may apply to you, and click OK.
c. Click Next, type the information that you want to appear on your fax cover page, and then click Next.
d. In the Please select the fax device list, click the modem that you want to use.
e. If you want to disable the ability to send faxes from this computer, click to clear the Enable Send check box.
f. Click to select the Enable Receive check box if you want the computer to receive faxes. By default, automatic answering is enabled. You can click Manual answer if you do not want the computer to automatically answer calls.
g. Click Next.
Step 2: Enter TSID and CSID information and configure printing and storing preferences
a. 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 and can help you recognize the fax machine where the fax originated. The TSID typically includes the sender’s fax number and business name.
b. Click Next.
c. Type the Called Subscriber Identification (CSID) that you want in the CSID box.
Note The CSID text that you enter appears on fax machines that send faxes to you. For example, if you enter “123 Fax”, a machine that sends you a fax might display the message “Sending a fax to 123 Fax” while sending.
d. Click Next.
e. Click to select the Print it on check box if you want each fax that you receive to be automatically printed. When you select this check box, you can select a specific printer to print the fax.
f. Click to select the Store a copy in a folder check box if you want to archive a copy of each fax. When you select this check box, you can specify the storage location for the fax copy.
g. Click Next.
h. 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.
If you have to change your fax service settings, use the Fax Configuration Wizard by following the instructions in the “Change the fax configuration” section.
Do you have a question about faxing? Send me your fax question.
