Faxing directly to my computer

[shempmcgurk]

I have a fax machine but no scanner. I don't have much need for a
scanner but every now and then I'd like to scan a document and put it
on my computer.

Is there any way I can hook my fax directly to my computer and "fax"
myself a document?

If so, how could I set such a thing up?

I thank you in advance for your attention to this question...

 

[VanguardLH]

I have a fax machine but no scanner. I don't have much need for a
scanner but every now and then I'd like to scan a document and put it
on my computer.

Is there any way I can hook my fax directly to my computer and "fax"
myself a document?

If so, how could I set such a thing up?

I thank you in advance for your attention to this question...

Um, just how could you have a fax "machine" that doesn't also scan? So
just WHAT is really this "fax machine"? Fax machines scan and print.

Hook your "fax". Sigh, and what does THAT mean? A fax is a document,
not a file, not a device, not a light bulb, not anything concrete.
Until you identify just what is this magical "fax machine", no one knows
what you are talking about.

Why would you want to fax *to* your computer? Everyone that I've seen
performing a faxing operation will fax *from* their computer. They can
also receive faxes but then THEY aren't the ones doing the faxing, just
the receiving.

What is this "fax machine"?
Is it a device sitting outside your computer? If so, brand and model?
Is your "fax machine" actually just a data/fax modem inside the
computer?
What actions do you perform to send or receive a fax?

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I have a fax machine but no scanner. I don't have much need for a
scanner but every now and then I'd like to scan a document and put it
on my computer.

Is there any way I can hook my fax directly to my computer and "fax"
myself a document?

The short answer is no. Faxing will require that you have a modem on your
PC, fax software, and a phone line. In this case, two phone lines, one to
send the fax and the other to receve it.

The longer answer is that it might be technically possible using null modem
adapters and somewhat convoluted configuration of the modem and the fax
machine (which might not support it). But it won't be easy even if its
possible.

If so, how could I set such a thing up?

I thank you in advance for your attention to this question...

There are inexpensive scanners available that will provide better results
than a fax.

HTH
-pk

 

[Robert Wolfe]

Why would you want to fax *to* your computer? Everyone that I've seen
performing a faxing operation will fax *from* their computer. They can

Depending on the setup, I would debate your second point, but this is a
WINDOWS forum

 

[VanguardLH]

Depending on the setup, I would debate your second point, but this is a
WINDOWS forum

You don't need to fax yourself a document that you already have. You
already have it.

You fax FROM your computer (or fax machine).
You fax TO another computer (or fax machine).

Faxing TO your own computer means you just sent yourself a document that
you already had.

 

[Anthony Buckland]

OK, one helpful response if quality is desired, buy a
scanner. But it also occurs to me that unless he
dwells in one of the relatively few homes without a
digital camera, he could improve on his fax machine
by taking a picture of the document and plugging his
camera into a USB port.

 

[Robert Wolfe]

OK, one helpful response if quality is desired, buy a
scanner. But it also occurs to me that unless he
dwells in one of the relatively few homes without a
digital camera, he could improve on his fax machine
by taking a picture of the document and plugging his
camera into a USB port.

You know, I don't think I ever would have thought of that