How to Receive a Fax in Windows Vista

Turn your computer into a fax machine.

Most computers are versatile tools that can be used for business or personal reasons. Use your Windows Vista computer system to receive important faxes when necessary. Instead of purchasing a separate fax machine, save money and let your computer system perform this task for you by receiving a fax in Windows Vista.

Things You'll Need

• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Computer
• Modem

Instructions

Manual Faxes

1. Receive faxes on your Windows Vista computer system by manually accepting them. Each time someone sends a fax to your designated number, you'll be instantly notified about it. You'll have the chance to either receive the fax or ignore it when prompted.

2. Navigate through your computer's menu to gain access to the fax options if you mistakenly miss the incoming fax notification. To get started, click the "Start" button located at the bottom left corner of your computer screen. After a few seconds, a list of options will appear for you to choose from. Select the "All Programs" link to gain access to every program currently installed on your computer system.

3. Click the "Windows Fax and Scan" link to begin receiving your incoming fax again. At the bottom of the left pain, select the "Fax" link. After doing this, choose the "Receive a Fax Now" link located on the toolbar. As soon as this has been done, you'll be instantly presented with a pop-up box. It will show you the actual progress of your incoming fax for you to monitor.

Automatic Faxes

1. Click the "Start" button and then select the "All Programs" link. When the list of installed applications appear, click the "Windows Fax and Scan" link to gain access to your faxing options. Select the "Fax" link located at the bottom of the window. Configure your fax by picking the "Tools" link and then select the "Fax Settings" link from the available choices.

2. Access more of the fax settings by clicking the "General" tab. You'll then be able to to change the incoming and outgoing settings of your faxes. Choose "Send/Receive Options" in this area and place a check in the box next to "Allow Device to Receive Fax Calls."

3. Continue setting up your Windows Vista computer system to automatically receive incoming fax calls by clicking the "Automatically Answer After _ Rings" option. Decide on the number of rings that your computer modem will answer for an incoming call. Enter the number in the available space and that will determine how many times an incoming call will ring before your computer modem picks it up as a fax call.

Tips & Warnings

• Faxing capability is only available in Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate

Resources

• Windows Fax and Scan