How to Send a Fax From a Computer

Sending a fax from your computer requires a fax modem and that your operating system be configured to allow you to send and receive faxes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Word
• Fax Software

To Send a Fax From Fax Software

1. Prepare the document that you want to fax.

2. Prepare a fax cover sheet, if desired.

3. Open your fax software - such as Microsoft Fax or Microsoft Exchange.

4. Look for an icon or menu command that allows you to send a fax - such as Send New and Send Fax. Click on that item.

5. Follow instructions for entering the fax number of the recipient and any other requested information. Be sure to include area codes and long-distance information if needed.

6. Indicate whether you wish to send a cover sheet.

7. When asked to attach the file, follow instructions to attach the file that you want to fax.

8. When ready, click Send. The fax will begin to compile the information and, when ready, will dial the remote fax machine.

9. When the connection is made, the fax will be sent.

To Fax From Your Word Processing Program

10. Some software products, such as Microsoft Word, allow you to fax a document without opening your fax software.

11. Open the document that you want to fax.

12. From the File menu, select Print. The Print window opens.

13. Instead of printing to your default printer, look for an option that allows you to Print to Fax. Select this option and click Print.

14. You will be asked to provide the recipient's fax number and other assorted information as with a fax program.

15. The fax message compiles, the modem dials. If the connection is made with the other modem, the fax will be sent.

Tips & Warnings

• Long-distance charges may apply.
• As with any other fax connection, you may encounter a busy signal or you may be unable to connect if the other fax is out of paper, turned off or experiencing technical problems.
• If you use a modem to connect to the Internet, you can't be online when you fax.
• Faxing from the computer only works for digital documents that are stored in the computer. You will not be able to fax printed material in this way.

[whitewaterride]

on 9/22/2009 Here's another computer fax solution for businesses: http://www.orangepoint.net/computerfax.html

[ShakeRagKid]

on 6/15/2008 Can I set up and assign an email address to a fax number? So when I send an email to [e-mail] the email will be printed off on my mom's color fax machine.

[Gatorman9]

on 1/10/2007 This article seems to be wrong. I cannot find any "print to fax" option on my version of Microsoft Word 2000.

on 11/22/2005 Just use your scanner and send through e-mail and have it printed on the other end.