Fax Integration on an XP-Pro Peer to Peer Network

Question

We're currently running a small peer to peer network (4 machines with XP Pro, 1 as a 'server').  I'm experimenting with replacing our standalone fax machine with an external modem attached to the server.   What's the best way to integrate this fax modem with the rest of the network?  We're looking at SBS in the future (which I know will help with this) but is there anything I can do at this point?  Software recommendations?  Ways to integrate with Outlook?   Thanks!

esquire · Answer

Do you have any fax application in mind? Windows XP Fax is not fully integrated with OL; you can still send from OL (that's how one faxes multiple documents) but not receive, and cannot be shared over a network. What I have done is to point each computer's Windows XP Fax (running a working but "dummy" fax modem) to the same storage folders over on the fax computer - that way at least the TIF files from the faxes can be viewed on any computer on the network.

NemesisDB · Answer

I think I'll eventually use the SBS fax server software, but if there's anything cheap that works well and can integrate with access, that's be nice.  Also if there's anyway to share a fax modem on the network?

esquire · Answer

I don't think you can share the hardware as is - so far it's only services like dial-up connection that can be shared.  Sadly, even the ability to share the fax as a printer service is absent on Windows XP.  I have only used the fax support bundled with each version of Windows since Windows 95, but I do know WinFax Pro support network fax sharing (except for Windows XP SP2), so if you aren't using SP2, WinFax could be a 'cheap-ish' stopgap.   More information available from Symantec:  http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/features.jsp?pcid=pf&pvid=wfp10

NemesisDB · Answer

am using SP2 but such is life ;-)

esquire · Answer

It turns out there is an update to WinFax 10.03 to add fax sharing on a SP2 computer: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/faxprod.nsf/docid/2004113014595304   ' The WinFax PRO 10.04 update enables you to use Fax Sharing between a Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) computer and other NT-based computers while keeping the new security settings that are introduced by SP2. ('NT-based computers' use the Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating system.) The update applies only to the English version of WinFax and not to other languages.'

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Fax Integration on an XP-Pro Peer to Peer Network

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