How to Send Faxes From a Computer With Windows Vista

Setting up your computer to send faxes from Windows Vista makes it easy to send documents and images to fax machines without needing to print them. In order to send faxes via Vista, you must have a fax modem installed in your computer. It may be an internal PCI card or an external USB or serial modem. Additionally, you must have an analog phone line connected to your modem; it is not possible to send faxes over a digital line. The ability to fax from Vista is provided only in Windows Vista Business and Vista Ultimate editions.

Things You'll Need

• PC with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate
• Internal or external modem
• Analog phone service

Instructions

1. Connect your modem and modem cable. If you are using an external modem, plug it into your computer and an external power source. Once the modem powers up, it may take a few seconds for the appropriate drivers to install. After the modem has power, connect a phone line to the analog modem.

2. Open Windows Fax and Scan. The application is found under the "All Programs" link in Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.

3. Configure your fax modem. At the bottom of the "Fax and Scan" window, click on "Fax." To set up your fax modem the first time, click "New Fax" and follow the on-screen wizard to configure the modem. If you have previously sent faxes using a different modem, you must add another device by clicking "Tools," followed by "Fax Accounts." After this, click "Add" to begin the setup wizard.

4. Prepare your fax. Open the "File" menu and select "New Fax" to open a template that helps you quickly format your fax. Once you create the cover sheet, you can attach a file to be sent with the fax, just as you would with an email.

5. Send the fax. Press "Send" to have Windows Vista activate the fax modem and send your documents. Depending on the speed of your fax modem, the size of fax and the clarity of your wired phone connection, the transmission time will vary.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find the Windows Fax and Scan application in your "Start" menu, press "Crtl-Alt-Del" simultaneously. On the screen that appears, look at the bottom and check the version of Windows you have installed. Unless Windows Vista Business, Vista Ultimate or a customized version of Vista Enterprise is installed on your machine, the Fax and Scan application is not included. You must upgrade your version of Vista to one that includes Windows Fax and Scan.

References

• Microsoft: Set up your computer to send and receive taxes
• Windows Fax and Scan
• Why Fax and Scan is Worth Paying Attention To