Fax with XP
 

For users who want fax software for Windows XP, Windows XP has Microsoft Fax module that will serve adequately as a simple PC-based fax utility?

It requires having a modem installed on your computer to get the Microsoft Fax module working, but you would also need that with additional fax software for Windows XP.

If you haven't spotted the fax functionality on your computer yet, then it is not installed by default in Windows XP. So you will need to set it up first:
• Click the Start button and select "Control Panel"
• From the Control Panel, open "Add or Remove Programs"
• Click "Add/Remove Windows Components" (on the left side of the Add or Remove Programs dialog)
• 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
• When Windows is done copying files, click "Finish"

That's it ! you now have the Microsoft Service in your computer.
If you can print it, you can fax it
To do this, you will need to do a simple additional configuration steps and you will be able to fax any document or any part of it directly from your computer.

All you need to do is,
Click Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console

This will launch the Fax Configuration wizard. You will now enter your contact information when prompted.

After completing the wizard, sending a fax is as simple as printing a document. All you need to do is launch the print command from the application menu and select "Fax" from the printer drop-down list. Windows will start the "Send a new fax wizard", this will guide you through the steps for sending a fax.

If you want to send a quick standalone fax rather than fax a document from within an application, all you need to do is,

Select Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Fax->Fax Console

The Fax Console is where you can see your incoming and outgoing faxes. To send a standalone fax from here, all you need to do is,

Select "File"->"Send a New Fax" that will also launch the "Send a New Fax" wizard.

The wizard will ask the recipient's name and fax number, allowing you to place this information in an Address Book. If you like to add any additional information, the wizard will also prompt you to choose one of the pre-designed cover sheets, where you can enter a subject line.
Receiving a Fax

Once the Microsoft Service is installed, it will run automatically when your computer is turned on, listening for the phone to ring. You will then see a message in the notification area (bottom right of your screen) and click this message to start receiving the fax. After receiving the fax, it will be available for you in the Fax Console.

For other fax software for Windows XP, you can configure the Fax service to automatically start receiving faxes even if you’re away from your computer.

All you need to do is,
• In the "Printers and Faxes" folder, right-click the Fax icon and select "Properties"
• Click the "Devices" tab and click "Properties"
• Click the "Receive" tab and under "Answer Mode", choose "Automatic" and set the number of rings
• You can also choose to print it on your printer when a new fax is received and you can tell Windows to save a copy of the fax in a specific folder

The Microsoft Fax service offers enough functionality to serve as a simple fax utility, but if you need something more powerful, you may want to take a look at some more sophisticated fax software for Windows XP, like WinFax Pro.