Microsoft FAX capability, redux

[William B. Lurie]

I read how there are friendly help groups out there
helping the blind find their way when the OEM refuses to,
and when the MVPs either just give up or don't see the
problem. I see it from the other side, but we out in the
world still have a problem that's generic. The software
says it has the capability. The user proves he can't
make it work. The OEM says "Tough bananas, Restore your system
like it was when we gave it to you, lose all your data, and
maybe it will work when you're done. Maybe." And the MVPs say,
"We told you a few places to look, but something is wrong with
your software. The software says to get it from the installation
CD. Oh, you have no installation CD? Well, talk to your OEM".

Microsoft should have a download to overwrite or install
things....they supply a zillion others, I wish they'd supply
this one. I'd like to see the FAX; I kind of did pay for it
when I bought the machine with XP installed. But I'm just
going to go away. My eFax works. My SmithMicro HotFax works.
It isn't the first time I got caught in a Catch-22, and it won't
be the last. Good night, all.

 

[Kevin]

You have to add Microsoft Fax from the Add/Remove Windows Components applet.
You shouldn't need the CD to do that. And why don't you have an
installation (or at least a restore) CD? If one was not included with your
computer, demand it from the manufacturer or return the unit and get your
money back. Never buy a computer without an operating system disk.

 

[William B. Lurie]

Kevin, this is a Catch-22 .... a typical runaround. This is
an OEM machine. eMachines loaded XP but did not install
FAX and they furnish a DRIVERS CD and a Ghost/Restore CD.
It is common practice for them not to supply an OS disk.
I won't use the Restore CD and reformat the HD completely,
and they offer no option. And the MVPs have been silent
about just a simple download patch for FAX. Your advice about
"Never buy a computer without an OS disk" is good advice but
the stores don't seem to sell them that way.
W B L

 

[Rob Schneider]

Bill,

Re "MVPs have been simple about just a simple download patch for FAX"
suggests there is some sort of secret that's not being told. I don't
think this the case. I truly don't think there is via Microsoft a FAX
download.

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms

 

[William B. Lurie]

Thanks, Rob. (I said MVPs have been silent, not simple, though!).
I've been waiting for MVP corroboration that the simple
download of the XP FAX capability just does not exist and
your note is the first positive statement in that regard.
Yes, it is useful to at least know that what I've been seeking just
does not exist. Maybe I should borrow somebody's genu-wine XP
installation CD and try to install the FAX using Add/Remove
Programs and a borrowed CD. It can't hurt to try.
Bill L.

 

[Rob Schneider]

"simple", "silent" ... both look the same to me before morning coffee.
Sorry.

Won't hurt to try the install from a borrowed CD, I would guess.

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms