Enable Fax Services in XP

Before you start

Objectives: learn how to install fax services in XP.

Prerequisites: no prerequisites.

Key terms: faxing, enable, install, service, configuration, hardware, add


Preparation

There are several things that we have to have and do before we can use faxing in XP. The first thing is to install the fax hardware. When we have successfully installed our fax modem, we can install fax services. Fax services are not installed by default, so we have to manually install them. After faxing services have been installed we can open fax console where we will be able to set initial settings. In fax console we will be setting up a Transmitting Subscriber ID which is our phone number and name. This is used to present ourselves when we call to send a fax. We can also set a Called Subscriber Identification. This is how we identify ourselves to other fax machines when they call us. If we want to receive faxes we have to make sure that we have enabled both sending and receiving faxes. By default only sending is enabled. We can also set permissions for faxing. As in printing permissions, in faxing we have permission to fax, to manage fax documents and to manage fax configuration.

Example Configuration

By default, faxing support is not added during initial setup of Windows XP. First, we need to install our faxing hardware and then add the fax service. To add fax service go to the Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components. Windows Components Wizard will appear. Here we will select Fax Services from the list and click Next to continue.

 Fax Services

Image 260.1 – Fax Services

At this point Windows can ask you for the Windows XP installation CD, so be prepared for that. When the installation is done we can click on the Finish button and close the Add or Remove Programs window. After the service is installed we can open the fax manager to configure initial parameters for the computer. Let’s go to the Printers and Faxes section in the Control Panel, and open our Fax object.

Because we have just installed the fax service, the Fax Configuration Wizard runs automatically. Click Next to continue.

 Fax Configuration Wizard

Image 260.2 – Fax Configuration Wizard

We will use the Sender Information page to enter information about ourselves and our company. This information is used to automatically build parts of the fax cover sheet. We have entered our full name, fax number, e-mail address and a company name. Click Next to continue.

 Sender Information Edited

Image 260.3 – Sender Information

Next we have to select the fax device from the list. In our case it is the Standard 56000 bps Modem. We will also check the Enable Receive option with the automatic answer after 2 rings. Click Next to continue.

 Receiving Enabled

Image 260.4 – Fax Device

The TSID is an identification code that is sent when the computer sends a fax to another system. We will enter the same info for CSID which is located on the next screen. The CSID is an information code that is sent from the computer when it receives a fax. Click Next to Continue.

 TSID

Image 260.5 – TSID

CSID

Image 260.6 – CSID

Now we need to decide what to do when a fax is received. We can send it to the printer or we can store it locally on our computer as a document. In our case we will automatically print our fax on our Alps printer. Click Next and click the Finish button to finish.

 Automatic Printing

Image 260.7 – Automatic Printing

Fax console will automatically open. This console is used for fax management.

 Fax Console

Image 260.8 – Fax Console

We have a separate article which describes how to send a fax in XP.

Remember

We need to install our faxing hardware and then add the fax service. Receiving is not enabled by default, so we have to enable it during set up. The TSID is an identification code that is sent when the computer sends a fax to another system. The CSID is an information code that is sent from the computer when it receives a fax. When we receive a fax, we can print it on a printer or we can store it locally on our computer as a document.