Fax and Outlook for XP

[Peter Brown]

I used to have an old PC running Windows '98 with Outlook '97 and Microsoft
Fax - it was great, very easy to use as both faxes and emails would be
displayed in the same place. I've just upgraded to a new PC with XP. I can
load Outlook '97 but can't use Windows Messaging and so can't use Microsoft
Fax or send/receive emails.

1) Is there a version of Messaging for Windows XP?
2) Is it compatible with Microsoft Fax or do I need to get another Fax?

Peter

 

[CMM]

The version of Fax that comes with WinXP is VERY GOOD... however, it does
not "integrate" with Outlook as far as I know. I've resorted to simply
adding a shortcut to the WinXP "Fax Console" in Outlook's Shortcuts sidebar.
Check in Control Panel -> Add / Remove Programs -> Add/Remove Windows
Components to make sure you have it installed.

You access it via Accessories -> Communications (if I remember it's default
Start Menu correctly).

 

[DAVE]

Hi, Peter.
Fax is a part of the XP System but not installed by default during Windows
Setup.
(You need to have a fax modem installed)
To install the Fax component
Open Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
In the Windows Components Wizard, select the Fax Services check box, and
then follow the instructions on your screen.
Rgrds,

 

[CMM]

Clarification:
While WinXP Fax doesn't integrate into Outlook's "Inbox/SentItems" it does
use Outlook's Address Book (even Exchange Server Global Lists)... so it's
not like they're total islands.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Not so.
You can learn about your options here:
http://home.indy.rr.com/russval/fax.htm

 

[CMM]

Well, I did post a followup that you could use the Outlook address books.
But I see little else in your link of value. You still can't receive faxes
in your Inbox.... as the article states...."You can say farewell, for
example, to the universal Inbox." Incoming faxes must go to the XP Fax
Console.

I'm also not sure what the value is of installing the Fax Transport for
Outlook. Sure, that let's you send faxes from "inside" Outlook.... but can't
you do the same exact thing by "printing" the message to the Fax Printer? I
guess it might make "fax merges" easier... but, then the article states
there are problems with merges. So, what's the difference?

But, it was an informative article nonetheless. Thanks.

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

Only trying to improve on your accuracy. To say that there is no integration
of Windows XP Fax with Outlook is not correct. The integration is
essentially unchanged from previous versions. The sole exception is that
incoming faxes cannot be routed to the Outlook Inbox. All other integration
features remain the same: users can still send messages to mixed recipient
types, fax multiple attachments in a single transmission, and perform fax
merges--none of which is possible from the Fax Console. Accordingly, those
are the main reasons people use integration with Outlook. Outlook 2003 will
be the last Outlook version to support any modem fax integration, however.
The other information the original poster was seeking was whether he could
use Outlook 97 to integrate with current Fax software. That answer is a
clear no. In fact, no one should be trying to use Outlook 97 for anything.

 

[Peter Brown]

So, looking at the link that you gave me, the only fax available for an XP
user would be Windows XP Fax. Furthermore this wouldn't work on my Outlook
97 and therefore I'd have to upgrade to Outlook 2002 or 2003.Could we just
agree so that I can go out and buy the software this weekend.

Peter

Not so.
You can learn about your options here:
http://home.indy.rr.com/russval/fax.htm

 

[Russ Valentine [MVP-Outlook]]

There was never any disagreement about that. The only Fax software that is
provided with Windows XP is Windows XP Fax. To my knowledge, no one has ever
tried to get Windows XP Fax to integrate with Outlook 97. Since Windows XP
Fax is a MAPI aware Fax module, in theory it could be added as a fax
transport work to Outlook 97. However, I would be very hesitant ever to load
a program so far out of date and so far out of support. The only Fax module
that was ever designed to work with Outlook 97 is Windows 95 Fax (AKA At
Work Fax).
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

So, looking at the link that you gave me, the only fax available for an XP
user would be Windows XP Fax. Furthermore this wouldn't work on my Outlook
97 and therefore I'd have to upgrade to Outlook 2002 or 2003.Could we just
agree so that I can go out and buy the software this weekend.

Peter

Not so.
You can learn about your options here:
http://home.indy.rr.com/russval/fax.htm
--
Russ Valentine
[MVP-Outlook]

The version of Fax that comes with WinXP is VERY GOOD... however, it
does not "integrate" with Outlook as far as I know. I've resorted to
simply adding a shortcut to the WinXP "Fax Console" in Outlook's
Shortcuts sidebar. Check in Control Panel -> Add / Remove Programs ->
Add/Remove Windows Components to make sure you have it installed.

You access it via Accessories -> Communications (if I remember it's
default Start Menu correctly).

--
-C. Moya
www.cmoya.com
I used to have an old PC running Windows '98 with Outlook '97 and
Microsoft Fax - it was great, very easy to use as both faxes and emails
would be displayed in the same place. I've just upgraded to a new PC
with XP. I can load Outlook '97 but can't use Windows Messaging and so
can't use Microsoft Fax or send/receive emails.

1) Is there a version of Messaging for Windows XP?
2) Is it compatible with Microsoft Fax or do I need to get another Fax?

Peter