How to Install Fax in Windows XP

Push a button to fax .

Windows XP has fax capabilities, but you don't see them when you install XP because Windows does not enable them by default. If you have a modem, you can run XP's Fax Services wizard and turn your computer into your own personal fax machine. Not only will you have the ability to send and receive faxes automatically, but XP will print them if you enable the print setting in your Fax Services control panel.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP Installation CD (if prompted)
• Land line
• Modem
• Scanner

Instructions

Install Fax Services

1. Click the Windows "Start" menu and select "Control Panel." Click "Add or Remove Programs."

2. Click "Add/Remove Windows Components." Windows will display a list of programs and components that it can install.

3. Click "Fax Services" to select it and then click "Next." If Windows prompts you to insert your Windows XP Installation CD, insert it into your CD drive. Windows will install Fax Services.

Configure Fax Services

1. Click the Windows "Start" menu and select "Accessories." Select "Communication" and then "Fax" to display a list of options. Select "Fax Console." The Fax Console window will open. This is where you configure and manage faxes.

2. Click "Tools" at the top of the window and select "Configure Fax." The Fax Configuration Wizard will open. Click "Next" to start the wizard. It will walk you through a series of set-up pages.

3. Enter your area code and carrier code if the wizard prompts you. The carrier code is the number that you must dial to dial out. If you do not use a carrier code, leave the field blank.

4. Select the type of phone that you use. The choices are Tone and Pulse. Select Pulse if you have a rotary phone. Click "Next" to continue.

5. Select your location from the Phone and Modem Options window, if that window appears, and click "Next."

6. Enter your name and your telephone number. This information will appear on cover pages of your outgoing faxes. Click "Next" to view a list of fax devices. Click the modem that you want to use.

7. Click the "Enable Receive" box if you want the modem to receive faxes. Click "Next" to display the "Transmitting Subscriber Identification (TSID)" page.

8. Enter the name of your business and its fax number on the "Transmitting Subscriber Identification" page and click "Next." Enter the same information on the "Called Subscriber Identification" page. Click "Next" to display the "Routing Options" page.

9. Select "Print it on" if you want incoming faxes to print automatically. Select "Store a copy in a folder" if you want to save each fax on your hard drive.

10. Click "Next" to display the Configuration Summary page. Review the configuration information that you entered and click "Finish" to end the wizard.

References

• Microsoft: Faxing in Windows XP
• Microsoft: How to Enable and Configure the Fax Service in Windows XP

Resources

• Microsoft: 7 Ways to Share Information With Co-workers