Fax in Vista Prem?

[Wiseguy69]

I know Vista Premium has no built in fax capabilities, but does anyone know how to get a fax/modem to work anyway? I read that you can with Office but can't figure it out.

 

[Zepper]

Dual boot Linux...

.bh.

 

[Wiseguy69]

For an elderly guy... Linux is not an option.

 

[Zepper]

I checked with my faxing software mfr and they said an update for their software (HotFax Message Center from Smith Micro) for Vista is in the works. You could check with BlackIce or Norton (even though Symantec's fax software is a bloated monstrosity) to see if they have their Fax software ready for Vista yet. Otherwise, go back to XP until you can do what you need on Vista.

. Even an elderly guy can see the advantage in using what will do what he needs done - I'm in the 60th year of life myself... Also you will need a driver for your soft fax/modem for Vista. Does Vista still support serial ports? Maybe you could then get an external fax/modem that won't need any drivers. All you'll need is Vista ready software.

.bh.


WinFax Pro an Orphan?? No link for it from product page on Symantec.com...

 

[Rottie]

I hope Symantec did not kill WinFax Pro yet because I am thinking about buy one later.

 

[Wiseguy69]

BVRP and Winfax are dead. I even called to verify. I hear Snappy Fax is nice... so that's what I'm trying next.

 

[Zepper]

No mention of Vista on the SnappyFax site either.

You can still find copies of WinFax Pro 10 out there, but I can't see why anyone would buy it. I've yet to find any Fax software for Vista - looks like all those companies have been asleep at the switch.

.bh.

 

[Zepper]

Maybe this will help. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/produc...owsvista/features/details/faxscan.mspx

The fax and scan features are available in the Business and Ultimate editions. And you should use the full name of the Vista version you are discussing to avoid confusion. It is Vista Home Premium. So if you want faxing in Vista, upgrade to the Business edition. Or you can always drop back to XP until a faxing solution becomes available for the Home versions.

.bh.

 

[Painted Horse]

I've used WinFax for years. I just assumed they would have a new release.

I just bought a new computer with Vista Home Premium. Winfax doesn work and as others have said it's dead product.

As I called around, Everybody pointed me to Windows Fax & Scan (available in the Vista Business & Ultimate) So I upgraded to Vista Ultimate.

Windows Fax & scan will send & recieve Faxes, but won't see my scanner.

 

[Zepper]

Of course your scanner company will also have to provide a driver for Vista...

.bh.

 

[Painted Horse]

HP says the drivers are included in Vista, Nothing to download or install.

But then I don't think their techs are up to speed. They kept asking me during my marathon support call to unload and re-install the driver. Since it's native in the OS, all I can do is unplug the USB connection and delete the device. When I plug in the USB cord it shows uo again in my printer list.

 

[Wiseguy69]

So if you want faxing in Vista, upgrade to the Business edition. Or you can always drop back to XP until a faxing solution becomes available for the Home versions.

You make it sound so easy. An upgrade is $159 and this guy bought the PC new with Vista.

Horse, if you have an HP scanner... good luck. I've been waiting for that myself. I'm keeping my eye on the newer models. When software is released for them, it may also work for yours. I had to do that when IE7 broke HP Director.

 

[Zepper]

Sorry that he didn't do his homework - that often costs one money. He needs to discuss his situation with the outfit he bought the system from. OTOH, if you "upgrade" to the Business edition, you lose some of the multimedia features of the Home edition. It's looking more and more to me that the four version marketing plan was a boneheaded move on M$'s part - so what's new?

OTTH, you can get XP Pro for $88.

.bh.