sending faxes => "cannot" or "line is busy

[eischech]

I'm running WinXP Pro version 2002 SP1 on a computer using AMD's Duron processor. The Microsoft Fax Console says v5.1 Build 2600 .xpsp2.030422-1633 SP1. The dial-up modem is a Topic 56k Internal Data Fax Voice Modem. Device Manager says it's enabled and that the device is working properly.

When I try to send a fax, the connection fails and the Fax Monitor says "there is no answer," in spite of the fact that on speakerphone I can hear the receiving phone answer with a "fax noise." I hear this several times, briefly each time, and then WinFax disconnects and tells me "there is no answer."

Adding as many as 12 commas at the end of the phone number, to keep the modem active longer, gets me to "line is busy" -- in spite of the fact that I can hear that it's not -- but that's all.

I've seen mention of possible conflicts between WinFax and anti-virus software. I'm running Norton AntiVirus as part of Norton SystemWorks 2004. Also PestPatrol Standard edition. My Internet connections are via cable-modem broadband, though, not through the dial-up modem.

What might be going on, and what can I try?

Thanks in advance --
eischech

[Dark_om3n]

I think you have to have a modem to be able to use a fax, it need the analog dailltone. ops I read your post again and saw you had a modem, do you have an account for it? modem specific, if you do then you might want to try a third party fax software as microsofts is pretty basic because of legal issues. They are not allowed to have "monopoly" and destory every third party developer..

[s7p9a2m4]

Sending fax from Windows is hit and miss. I tried Fax Console too and it sucked. I did have success with MightyFax but it kept defaulting my printer preferences to fax and that was a nuisance ... so I gave up. Good luck!

[Miz]

Do you have an answering machine on the phone line? If so, try taking it out of the mix and see if things improve.

If that doesn't do anything, try disabling Norton while sending a fax.

[eischech]

Disabling Norton didn't help. MightyFax works fine, though -- a nice, polite program, inexpensive, easy to use. I haven't had the problem with printer defaults that one respondent mentioned.

Thanks, all --
eischech

[austin_o]

I have set up fax service in both WXP Pro and W2K Pro. If I want to send a fax, I set fax as my "default printer" then just select print, fax program launches, I tell it what number to dial and bingo, fax sent, no problem. I have sent documents in word pad, even jpg images of documents I have scanned with my scanner. Works like a charm.