You do not necessarily need a fax machine to send a fax. If you use Windows Vista as your operating system, you may be able to send a fax directly from your computer. If your computer is set up properly, you can use Windows Fax and Scan.

Set Up Your Computer Using a Modem

If you have a built-in fax modem or can connect your computer to one, you can use it to send a fax on Vista. You will also need to connect your computer or external modem to an analog phone line. Once your phone line is plugged in and your fax modem is connected, click the "Start" button and type "Fax" into the "Start Search" box at the bottom of the Start menu. Select "Windows Fax and Scan" from the programs list that results. Go to the "Tools" menu in the "Fax and Scan" window, select "Fax Accounts" and click "Add." Select "Connect to a Fax Modem" and follow the steps in the wizard.

Set Up Your Computer Using a Server

If you are connected to a network with a fax server, you can use it to send a fax on Vista. Before you begin the setup, make sure that you have the network address of the fax server. You will also need permission to connect to the fax server. Once you have both of these, open the "Windows Fax and Scan" window as in the previous section. Go to the "Tools" menu in the "Fax and Scan" window, select "Fax Accounts" and click "Add." Select "Connect to a Fax Server on My Network." Type in the network address of the fax server, click "Next" and follow the steps in the wizard to complete the setup.

Send a Fax Using Windows Fax and Scan

Once Windows Fax and Scan is set up, you can send a fax from Vista. Open Windows Fax and Scan. Click "New Fax" on the toolbar. Enter the name and fax number of the person to whom you want to send a fax, or click "To" to choose a contact from your Windows or Microsoft Outlook address book. Separate the contacts with semicolons if you want to send the same fax to multiple people. Go to the "Insert" menu to add a document, picture or other attachment. Type your cover sheet information into the body of the "New Fax" box and click "Send" when you are ready.

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Windows Vista: How to Send a Fax