How to Receive a Fax on a Computer

To receive faxes, you need a fax modem, and your computer's operating system must be configured to permit the sending and receiving of faxes. You can receive a fax manually or automatically.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fax Software

Receive a Fax Manually

1. Open your fax software (Microsoft Fax, Microsoft Exchange or other faxing software that you may be using).

2. Locate an icon or menu command that allows you to receive faxes (Receive, Incoming, etc.).

3. Click on the icon or menu command that sets your computer to receive.

4. Avoid lifting the telephone receiver when you hear the incoming ring.

5. Click on Answer Now. The fax will begin downloading.

6. When the incoming fax is received, go to the Inbox to open, read or print your fax.

Receive a Fax Automatically

1. Open your fax software (Microsoft Fax, Microsoft Exchange or other faxing software that you may be using).

2. Locate an icon or menu command that allows you to receive faxes. Look for an option that allows you to receive faxes automatically. Set that option.

3. When there is an incoming fax, the phone will ring. If the receiver is not lifted, the fax will download onto your computer. You will not have to click Answer.

4. Retrieve received faxes from your software's Inbox.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to receive faxes manually if you use your phone line for multiple purposes, such as voice, fax and Internet.

• This option works best if you have a dedicated phone line that is not used for voice messages.

• You can't receive faxes if you're connected to the Internet.

• Picking up the telephone receiver will break the fax connection. This method is best used when you have prearranged to receive a fax from a sender.

• Faxes will not be received if your computer is turned off.