A Fax Question

[Pop Aye]

Any suggestions as to how I can set up my fax? I am running XP Pro
SP2, and using the XP Fax program. Problem is I have only one phone
line, and I have an answering machine. Due to certain disabilities
of both my wife and myself, the answering machine is an absolute
necessity. The answering machine is physically located severaL rooms
away from where the computer is located, so a switching unit is not a
viable solution. At least I don't think it is, maybe there's a way.
Someone out there may know.

I would buy a third party fax program if that's what it took, but I
really don't see how to over-come the one line situation. A dedicated
fax line is not realistic, we're both retired, and on a fixed income.

Any assistance on this would greatly appreciated.

TIA

 

[Sharon F]

Any suggestions as to how I can set up my fax? I am running XP Pro
SP2, and using the XP Fax program. Problem is I have only one phone
line, and I have an answering machine. Due to certain disabilities
of both my wife and myself, the answering machine is an absolute
necessity. The answering machine is physically located severaL rooms
away from where the computer is located, so a switching unit is not a
viable solution. At least I don't think it is, maybe there's a way.
Someone out there may know.

I would buy a third party fax program if that's what it took, but I
really don't see how to over-come the one line situation. A dedicated
fax line is not realistic, we're both retired, and on a fixed income.

Any assistance on this would greatly appreciated.

TIA

Another fax program will not change your situation. There will still be
only one phone line and it will be tied up when faxing with any software.

Maybe an electronic fax service such as efax would be a reasonable option?
http://www.efax.com

 

[Dave P.]

Any suggestions as to how I can set up my fax? I am running XP Pro
SP2, and using the XP Fax program. Problem is I have only one phone
line, and I have an answering machine. Due to certain disabilities
of both my wife and myself, the answering machine is an absolute
necessity. The answering machine is physically located severaL rooms
away from where the computer is located, so a switching unit is not a
viable solution. At least I don't think it is, maybe there's a way.

I have a combined fax / printer and telephone answering machine on the same
line. Read the instruction manuals for both machines, it should be possible
to set them up so that the answering machine machine picks up the call after
a number of rings and if the incoming signal is a fax, then the fax machine
will switch on. My answering machine is set up for 4 rings and the fax for
5, this ensures that that the fax doesn't answer the call unless the fax
tones are heard. When a voice call is received, the fax ignores it and lets
the answering machine continue. If the manual doesn't help, have a look on
the manufacturers website for a more comprehensive guide.

Regards,

Dave P.

 

[Don Schmidt]

If you want to have a FAX machine or a FAX computer program, an answering
machine and a phone all on the same phone line you will need an auto switch
to do the job.

I have my computer set up to answer FAXes and also use the same phone line
for telephoning. I use a CommShare switch to do the answering of the calls
on the line. The way it works is a call comes in, the CommShare answers the
call, listens for the FAX tone, if a FAX tone is present it switches the
call to my computer FAX/modem and the FAXing software processes the incoming
FAX. If there isn't a FAX tone on the incoming call it switches the call to
the phone and if no answer, routes the call to an answering machine.

CommShare is an old name for the switch. The new name is CommSwitch and you
can read about them at:

http://www.command-comm.com/products.html

I've been using my CommShare autoswitch for about 12 years and it does a
great job.

If you want to add a Caller ID box to the line, put it between the wall
outlet and the CommSwitch. If you have a phone with a CID display it will
no longer work when adding a CommSwitch.