If you want to fax and without the fax software, you can do it with Windows XP because it comes with a Microsoft Fax module that will serve adequately as a simple PC-based fax utility. But you should know that you will need to have a modem installed on your pc to get the Microsoft Fax module working.
How to install Windows xp fax functionality?
If you can't see the fax functionality on your pc, it's because it is not installed by default in Windows XP. So you will need to set it up first. The following are the steps:
1. Click the Start button and select "Control Panel"
2. From the Control Panel, open "Add or Remove Programs"
3. Click "Add/Remove Windows Components" (on the left side of the Add or Remove Programs dialog)
4. Place a check mark in the "Fax Services" check box and click next. Windows may prompt you for your Windows XP cdrom, so place it in your cdrom drive when needed and click ok.
5. When Windows is done copying files, click "Finish"
6. That's it ! The Microsoft fax service is now installed on your computer.
How to start the send fax wizard?
To start the Send Fax Wizard, do the following:
In the Fax console:
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.
2. In the Fax console, click New Fax or click Send a Fax on the File menu.
In the Print dialog box:
1. Start the program that you want. For example, start Microsoft Word.
2. On the File menu, click Print.
3. In the Print dialog box, click Fax in the Name box, and then click OK.
In Control Panel:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware in the Pick a category box.
3. In the or pick a Control Panel icon box, click Printers and Faxes.
4. In the Printer Tasks box, click Send a fax.
How to create and send the fax?
1. In the Welcome to the Send Fax Wizard dialog box, click Next.
2. In the Recipient Information dialog box, type the recipient name in the To box, type the recipient fax number in the Fax number box, or use the Address Book to click the recipient name, and then click Next. You should note that if you want to send the fax to more than one recipient, type the recipient information in the appropriate boxes, and then click Add. The recipient appears in the box and the boxes are cleared so that you can type additional recipient information. When you finish adding recipients, click Next.
3. In the Preparing the Cover Page dialog box, click the template that you want to use in the Cover page template box.
4. If you want to edit the information that appears on the cover page, click Sender Information.
5. Type the subject that you want to appear on the cover page of the fax in the Subject line box, and then type a cover page note in the Note box if you want to include a note.
6. Click Next.
7. In the Schedule dialog box, click the time that you want to send the fax, for example, click Now.
8. In the What is the fax priority box, click the priority that you want (a higher priority allows this fax item to be sent before another similarly scheduled and lower priority item), and then click Next.
9. In the Completing the Send Fax Wizard dialog box, confirm the options that you selected, and then click Finish.
How to view the Status of the Fax?
You can view the status of the fax in the Fax console. Do the following:
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.
2. In the left pane, click to expand Fax (if it is not already expanded). The following list describes the folders under Fax:
1) The Incoming folder contains faxes that are currently being received.
2) The Inbox folder contains faxes that have been received.
3) The Outbox folder contains faxes that are scheduled to be sent.
4) The Sent Items folder contains faxes that have been successfully sent.
3. In the left pane, click the folder that you want.
4. In the right pane, right-click the fax that you want, and then click Properties.
5. On the General tab, view the Status line. When you are finished, click Close.
Don't let a separate program part you from your hard earned money to send and receive the occasional page or two. When you are done reading this Windows XP tips and tricks article, you'll be sending and receiving faxes from within any application on your pc.
How to receive the Fax?
Once the Microsoft Service is installed, it will run automatically when your computer is turned on, listening for the phone to ring. When it does, you will see a message in the notification area (bottom right of your screen). Simply click this message to start receiving the fax. Once the fax is received, it will be available for you in the Fax Console.
