Faxing via software?

Hey guys, I need some help finding a free app—something that lets me send and receive faxes directly from my PC :
- Running on Windows XP,
- Needs to be super easy to use,
- An American version would be nice, but honestly, I don't care about the language,
- And most importantly... it’s gotta be FREE 🤣

Windows XP actually comes with a built-in fax app—it's tucked away under accessories/communications.

It’s not installed on this machine, and I don't have an installation CD for Windows XP lying around. That’s why I was thinking about grabbing a specific freeware version instead.

Simba-OS said:Windows XP includes a built-in fax application under accessories/communications.

The thing is, that app keeps asking for a fax console code. I guess you need actual hardware for that? Is there any way to run it using just the computer?🙏

It's basically WinFax, except you actually have to pay for it instead of getting it for free.

So, you’re saying I actually need to have a fax machine installed—not just some software, but an actual physical fax? Is it impossible to do it without one?

What do you mean "black fax"? You actually need a modem and an active fax service set up for that to work.

I honestly have no clue—I tried doing that before, but I could never get it to work. (I don't even use a modem anymore, just an Xfinity Gateway now—would that still work?) I went through the whole installation process, got all the way to the sending stage, and then... nothing. I think I actually attempted it twice, though the specific details are a bit fuzzy.

Does anyone happen to know which specific settings usually cause the fax feature to glitch out?

Well, if it’s a fax modem, it ought to work just fine—it’s always been pretty straightforward to me. I don't know anything about the Xfinity Gateway, though—just install the fax software and give it a shot.

What kind of fax modem? You must mean the Xfinity Gateway... I haven't heard anyone call that thing a modem before (unless you're referring to something else entirely, my bad).

Oh, that reminds me—I actually have a modem built into my computer too (a fax modem), but I don't really have the bandwidth to hook it up and test it right now. Given that I went through all that trouble last time and still couldn't get it to work—no clue why, honestly—I'd rather wait. I'll let you know once I give it another shot.

Taylor Campbell4 said:What kind of fax modem? You mean an Xfinity Gateway... I don't think anyone actually calls that a modem anymore (unless you're talking about something else, sorry).

Oh right, I just remembered I still have a fax modem built into my PC, but I don't really have the bandwidth to hook it back up and test it right now. Since I know I went through all that trouble last time and it didn't work anyway—not sure why—I'll probably just wait. I might check again later and let you know.

If it makes you feel any better, I've got an all-in-one unit with a fax too. I set everything up properly, but the fax won't run through the Xfinity Gateway. I guess someone like Mike would have plenty of thoughts on this.

If it makes you feel any better, I’m also still rocking an all-in-one unit with a built-in fax machine.

Are we talking a full printer/scanner/copier/fax combo? Or just a dedicated fax modem?

I bet Mike would have plenty to chime in with on this one.

He mentioned that you really need to tell Verizon specifically that you want the fax service activated. Did you get a chance to handle that yet?

wanderingharbor8 said:Looking for suggestions for some freeware—something to send and receive faxes directly from my PC:
- Windows XP,
- super intuitive interface,
- maybe an American version/translation (not a dealbreaker),
- obviously needs to be FREE 🤣

Look, nothing is truly "free,"
and you aren't going to find anything better than this:

www.actfax.com

This app has zero competition.

Alright, here’s another one that isn't free software:
RVS-COM

It handles things like Fax, secretary tasks, FaceTime, TransferWise, Terminal, and Telephone.
They actually have versions available for both fax modems and ADSL!

Microsoft Fax is a solid piece of software for sending faxes—but let’s be clear—you're going to need a standard analog or ISDN modem plugged into your PC for it to actually work.