Windows XP can send, receive, track, and monitor faxes without an external fax machine. However, the fax component is not installed automatically during Windows setup. This step-by-step article describes how to install, enable, and configure the fax service in Windows XP.

This article is intended for a beginning to intermediate computer user.

You may find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.

Requirements

• A computer that is running Windows XP and is equipped with a fax modem that is connected to a telephone line
  
  Most modern modems are fax modems. If you are unsure whether your modem can send and receive faxes, see the documentation that was included with your modem.
• The CD that you used to install Windows XP

Notes

• You do not need a separate fax machine to send and receive faxes with Windows XP fax service.
• If you plan to transmit printed material by fax, you must have a scanner. If you plan to create faxes electronically, you do not need a scanner.

Install the fax component

To install the fax component, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Copy and paste or type the following command in the Open box, and then click OK:
   appwiz.cpl
   It may take several seconds for your computer to compile a list of programs. The Add or Remove Programs dialog box opens.
3. Click Add/Remove Windows Components to the left of the list of programs to start the Windows Components Wizard. This takes several seconds.
4. In the Components list, click to select the Fax Services check box, and then click Next. Setup installs the fax services.
5. If you are prompted, insert the Windows XP CD, and then click OK.
   
   If the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP window opens, click the X in the upper-right corner to close it.
6. Click Finish, and then click the X in the upper-right corner of the Add or Remove Programs dialog box to close it.

The fax component of Windows XP should be installed now. If you have problems installing the fax component, go to the "Next Steps" section.

The next step is to configure the fax service. To do this, go to the "Configure the fax service" section.

Configure the fax service

To configure faxing capability in Windows XP, follow these steps:

Step 1: Configure the cover page, select a modem, and enable the fax service to send and receive faxes

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.
   
   The Fax Configuration Wizard starts.
2. If you are prompted, type the area code or city code of your present location, a carrier code, the number that you must dial first to dial out, and the telephone system that you are using (Tone or Pulse), and then click OK.
   
   If the Phone and Modem Options dialog box is displayed, select your location (if more than one exists), and then click OK.
3. Click Next, type the information that you want to appear on your fax cover page, and then click Next.
4. In the Please select the fax device list, click the modem that you want to use.
5. If you want to disable the ability to send faxes from this computer, click to clear the Enable Send check box.
   
   Note By default, the Enable Send check box is selected.
6. Click to select the Enable Receive check box if you want the computer to receive faxes.
   
   Note When this check box is selected, you can click Manual answer if you do not want the computer to automatically receive faxes. By default, automatic answering is enabled.
7. Click Next.

Step 2: Enter TSID and CSID information and configure printing and storing preferences

1. Type the Transmitting Subscriber Identification (TSID) that you want to use in the TSID box.
   
   Note The TSID is mandatory in some areas. This identification information typically appears in the header area of a fax that you receive and can help you recognize the fax machine where the fax originated. The TSID typically includes the sender's fax number and business name.
2. Click Next.
3. Type the Called Subscriber Identification (CSID) that you want in the CSID box.
   
   Note The CSID text that you enter appears on fax machines that send faxes to you. For example, if you enter "123 Fax", a machine that sends you a fax might display the message "Sending a fax to 123 Fax" while sending.
4. Click Next.
5. Click to select the Print it on check box if you want each fax that you receive to be automatically printed. When you select this check box, you can select a specific printer to print the fax.
6. Click to select the Store a copy in a folder check box if you want to archive a copy of each fax. When you select this check box, you can specify the storage location for the fax copy.
7. Click Next.
8. Confirm the configuration settings in the Configuration Summary list, and then click Finish.
   
   The Fax Configuration Wizard closes and the Fax Console window opens. The computer is now configured to send or receive faxes.

If you have to change your fax service settings, use the Fax Configuration Wizard by following the instructions in the "Change the fax configuration" section.

If the Windows fax service is not working as you expected, go to the "Next Steps" section. For information about receiving faxes or sending a scanned document or image, go to the "More Information" section.

Change the fax configuration

Use the Fax Configuration Wizard to change your fax service settings. You can start the Fax Configuration Wizard from the Fax Console window. To start the Fax Configuration Wizard, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, point to Fax, and then click Fax Console.
2. In Fax Console, click Configure Fax on the Tools menu to start the Fax Configuration Wizard.
   
   Note You may be prompted to "unblock" the program. If this is the case, click Unblock.

If these methods did not help you, you might want to ask someone you know for help, or you may want to the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site to find other solutions. Some services that the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site provides include the following:

• Searchable Knowledge Base
  (http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1)
  : Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
• Solution Centers
  (http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=hub)
  : View product-specific frequently asked questions and support highlights.
• Other Support Options
  (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csshome)
  : Use the Web to ask a question, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services, or provide feedback.

If you continue to have questions after you use these Microsoft Web sites or if you cannot find a solution on the Microsoft Support Services Web site, click the following link to contact Support.

For additional information about how to receive a fax, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For additional information about how to fax a computer scanned document or image, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: