How to Fax From Any PC on the LAN

Network faxing provides many cost savings benefits.

Having the ability to fax from any PC on the LAN gives users the option to send a document from their desktop and avoid having to print it out and walk to a fax to do so. Desktop faxing also can help reduce the use of paper, positively contributing to a company's green initiatives.

Things You'll Need

• Networked fax machine
• Fax driver software

Instructions

1. Check to make sure your fax machine is networked. If not connected, plug in a network cable to the network port on the fax machine. Most networks use Cat 5 network cables to connect shared devices.

2. Load fax drivers on all networked PCs. Either run the "setup.exe" file that is on the disk that came with the fax machine, or go to the manufacturer's site and search for the appropriate drivers. If the model is no longer supported by the manufacturer, run an Internet search for the drivers for the appropriate fax model. All PCs will need to have the drivers installed to be able to fax.

3. Open a document your wish to fax. You will need to have the document on screen that you wish to fax.

4. Select the "File" menu. The file menu usually appears in the upper left-hand side of the application's window. Selecting "File" will open up a drop-down menu list.

5. Press "Print" from the File menu drop down box. This will open up a window. Choose which printer to use to send the document. Select the networked fax machine, whose driver you loaded in Step 2.

6. Check for successful transmission. Fax machines produce a transmission log, which shows if the fax went through and how many pages were transmitted.

References

• Ricoh USA: Fascimile Manuals
• Ricoh USA: Knowledge Base for Drivers and How To's