How to Troubleshoot Windows Fax Console

The Windows Fax Console is an integrated faxing and scanning application in Windows XP operating systems. It is called "Windows Fax and Scan" in Windows Vista and Windows 7. With the help of the Windows Fax Console, you can send and receive faxes, fax or email scanned documents and forward faxes as email attachments all from your computer. Sometimes, you may receive fax transmission errors in the console. This process will help you troubleshoot such issues.

Things You'll Need

• Fax printer

Instructions

1. Make sure your fax printer is connected properly to your computer. Check the USB cable to make sure it is all the way in to the USB port of your computer.

2. Restart your fax printer.

3. Click on the Start menu. Select "Control Panel."

4. Double-click on "Printers and Faxes."

5. Right-click on your Fax printer and select "Properties."

6. Click on the "Devices" tab and hit the "Properties" button.

7. Click on the "Send" tab. Specify the number of times to retry sending a fax under "Number of retries" and how long the program should wait between each try under "Retry after." "Number of retries" is typically set at at least three times with 10 minutes between each try.

8. Click on the "Tracking" tab. Set options for notifications and when the Fax Monitor should open. Make sure you have the Notification Area show progress of sent faxes and status information about incoming faxes. Also, make sure you choose to have Fax Monitor auto-open when a fax is sent or received.

References

• Microsoft: Troubleshooting Fax Transmissions
• Techarena: Managing, Using & Configuring Fax Console in Windows XP