Definition of Fax Service in Network Encyclopedia.
What is Fax Service?
Fax Service is a service in Microsoft Windows that lets you administer fax devices on both a local machine and over the network. Besides allowing users to send and receive faxes both locally and over the network, Fax Service includes extensive document archiving and logging options for billing and troubleshooting purposes.
How it works
Fax Service is integrated as a snap-in within the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). Prior to configuring a fax device, choose Programs, Administrative Tools, and Computer Management from the Start menu. In Computer Management, open the Services And Applications folder and click on Services. Then right-click on Fax Service in the right pane of Computer Management and choose Start from the context menu to start the Fax Service. To configure a fax device, access its property sheet. Then configure its Transmitting Station Identifier (TSID), which identifies the location that transmits the fax, and the Receiving Station Identifier (CSID), which identifies the line that receives the fax. The TSID and CSID are usually the telephone number of the fax line. TSID and CSID are required on all faxes in some locales.
Sending and receiving fax with Windows 10
Windows 10 includes “fax and scan” program which turns the computer into a direct replacement of a hardcopy fax machine.
To send (or receive) a fax from a Windows 10 Computer using Windows Fax and Scan you’ll need the following:
- A computer running Windows 10
- Modem or Fax Board on the computer (the majority of computers that have a telephone line connection have this ability)
- A land-line phone line. The phone line should not be a VoIP phone connection as VoIP signals usually scramble a fax signal
- A document to send
When using Windows Fax and Scan as a fax machine, the computer needs always to be turned on and connected to the phone line to receive a fax.
As well, the computer will not be able to use your internet connection to send and receive faxes – only the phone connection.
Configuring Windows Fax and Scan
Windows Fax and Scan is quick to configure.
- Start the program through the start menu
- Click on “Tools” then “Fax Accounts”
- Select “Add” to have your fax modem installed
- Choose between Automatic or Manual Answering of the phone line
- Go to “Tools” and “Fax Settings” to configure additional options, including changing the automatic or manual reception, changing the number of rings before automatic pick up, configure TSID and CSID information, and automatically save or print a fax the moment it arrives.
Sending a Fax in Windows Fax and Scan
To use the Windows 10 Fax, you need to use the “Windows Fax and Scan” program.
- Click on the START button, select All Programs, and select “Windows Fax and Scan”
- On the toolbar that appears in the program, select “New Fax” – if this is the first time that a fax is being sent, you’ll be directed to the new fax wizard. This will allow you to set all the required settings to send a fax.
- Create your fax, and then click send to send it to the receiving fax machine.
Automatically Receive a Fax in Windows Fax and Scan
In order to receive a fax from a Windows 10 Computer, you first need to set up the service in Windows Fax and Scan.
To set up the fax service:
- Click the “Start” button, type “Fax” in the search box, then choose “Windows Fax and Scan”
- At the bottom of the left pane, choose “Fax”
- Select “Tools” and then select “Fax Settings”.
- Select the “General” tab, then ensure the “Allow device to receive fax calls” button is checked under “Send / Receive Options”
- Select “Automatically Answer after _ Rings”, set the number of rings you want the phone to ring before the fax service answers, then select “Ok”
Manually Receive a Fax in Windows Fax and Scan
If you want to have the manual option to answer with the fax service when the phone rings, you need first to have the Windows Fax and Scan program running.
- Activate Windows Fax and Scan by clicking on the “start” button, searching for “Fax” in the search box, and then select “Windows Fax and Scan”
- Click the Fax option at the bottom left pane
- From the toolbar, select “Receive a Fax Now”. This will allow the computer to receive a fax when the phone rings.
