How to Send a Fax Using Windows 7

Faxing may not be dead but is not used as frequently as it has been in years past. It may no longer be economically feasible for the home user or the small business owner to purchase a fax machine for the few faxes to be sent or received. Microsoft Windows 7 comes equipped with Windows Fax and Scan, a utility that can send and receive faxes using your computer instead of purchasing a separate fax machine or outsourcing faxes.

Things You'll Need:
Windows 7 computer
Fax modem or a fax server on your network

Step One:
Go to Start, All Programs, Windows Fax and Scan.

Step Two:
Set up a Fax account (you only need to do this once) by clicking Tools, Fax Accounts.

Step Three:
Create a new account by clicking "Add."

Step Four:
Choose the type of account you wish to set up. This can be with a fax modem installed on your computer or by using a fax server that is installed on your network.

Step Five:
Click the type of account you wish to set up (fax modem on your computer or a fax server on your network).

Step Six:
Follow the instructions for setting up the account depending upon which account you have chosen.

Step Seven:
Go to Tools, Sender Information to open the Sender information window.

Step Eight:
Enter what information that you would like to appear on your cover sheets and click "OK."

Step Nine:
Click the "New Fax" button on the toolbar.

Step Ten:
Place the number where you want the fax to be sent in the box to the right of the "To:" button.

Step Eleven:
Fill in the Subject line with a description of the fax.

Step Twelve:
Type the body of the fax in the main window of the program. If you wish to send a picture or a file with your fax click "Insert" on the menu bar, choose the best option for your insert.

Step Thirteen:
Click "View," "Preview" to see how your fax will look to the recipient. Close the preview window when you are done.

Step Fourteen:
Click "Send" to send the fax. Windows will place the fax in the Outbox before sending it. Once it is sent the fax will be placed in your "Sent Items" folder.

Tips:
You can send faxes from within other programs by using the same procedure as printing something. Instead of selecting a printer you choose "Fax."

To receive faxes, open Windows Fax and Scan. Click "Tools," "Fax Status Monitor" from the menu bar. You can close Windows Fax and Scan at this time which will leave the monitor on the screen only.

References:
"Windows 7 Bible;" Jim Boyce; 2009.