Fax configuration assistance required

[Guest]

After successfully installing Windows Fax application I am having difficulty
completing the Fax Configuration Wizard for sending Faxes. Basically there
are several fields which I can not complete because I don't know or don't
have the necessary information. For example on the Sender Information
dialogue box/page of the FC Wizard I am required to input my Fax number and
Billing Code but am unable to do this because I don't know them. Also I need
to know where to get my TSID number.
Secondly, does the Fax Service have to be in Automatic status for correct
operation or can the service be disabled and simply started manually when
required by the user?
Any help is appreciated.

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hi to y'all. I know it's early days still but doesn't anyone have the
answer to any of my questions?
This is strange! Presumably, readers of this newsgroup have faxing set up
on their computers and send and receive faxes successfully. So when
configuring the fax application just what did you use for the Billing Code,
Fax number and TSID? I know your numbers will not do for me but it's where
you got them from that matters.
Thanks

 

[Guest]

Hi, you are correct, many readers of these posts have a Fax app
installed and some use it. The main problem is that 99.9% of them
do not use MS Fax, it is difficult to configure and not recommended,
by me especially. If you have a Dell PC you should have Phone Tools
which has an excellent Fax app feature and is highly recommended.
As far as MS Fax, I do not have it installed. Maybe another reader will
be able to assist you - good luck :~(
BTW: Don't forget, you cannot fax using DSL or Cable connections. You
must use your dial-up modem. To fax on DSL or Cable you can use a
3rd party such as eFax.com (not free).
--
XP - WNP
Today is the first day of the
rest of your life.

Hi to y'all. I know it's early days still but doesn't anyone have the
answer to any of my questions?
This is strange! Presumably, readers of this newsgroup have faxing set up
on their computers and send and receive faxes successfully. So when
configuring the fax application just what did you use for the Billing Code,
Fax number and TSID? I know your numbers will not do for me but it's where
you got them from that matters.
Thanks

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hey Byte, thanks for the insight into MS Fax. My rig is a custom build so
I don't have Phone Tools. The reason I wish to use MS Fax is that it is a MS
component, ready to be used and it increases ones mastery of the operating
system if one can get it to work correctly. I have since learned that the
Billing Code value can be ignored, this is strictly for administrators
administrating large networks and assigning costs/charges to sent items.
That leaves the fax number and TSID which are basically one and the same
thing. From experience I know that a fax number is almost identical to ones
telephone number and changes by maybe 1 digit. But where do I get this
number?! It appears that all the guides I have read regarding the setting up
of MS Fax do not mention this important fact. One cannot send a fax to a
recipient without this number because how would the recipient know who it
was from? Well OK, ones name and address would be on the fax somewhere but I
still think a fax cannot be sent without inputting these numbers into the
required fields. Any thoughts?
Regards,
Peter

PS. My system is set up for faxing already, but thanks anyway.

Hi, you are correct, many readers of these posts have a Fax app
installed and some use it. The main problem is that 99.9% of them
do not use MS Fax, it is difficult to configure and not recommended,
by me especially. If you have a Dell PC you should have Phone Tools
which has an excellent Fax app feature and is highly recommended.
As far as MS Fax, I do not have it installed. Maybe another reader will
be able to assist you - good luck :~(
BTW: Don't forget, you cannot fax using DSL or Cable connections. You
must use your dial-up modem. To fax on DSL or Cable you can use a
3rd party such as eFax.com (not free).

 

[Guest]

The below is about the only info I can provide.
What is a Technical Support Identification Number (TSID)?
The TSID is a 12 digit number included with your product.
It is usually next, above or below the Product PIN Number.
Please have this number available when contacting Technical Support.

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hey Byte, I couldn't understand your reply.
The TSID (Transmitting Subscriber Identification) identifies the sender of
the fax to the recipient and is a number with x number of digits.
The CSID (Called Subscriber Identification) identifies the recipient or
address of the fax in much the same way as a telephone number identifies the
person you wish to speak to. Both these numbers must be known and inputted
into the correct field of the Fax Sending Wizard app. I repeat, they are
both needed when sending or receiving faxes. I said before that a fax number
is almost identical to ones home phone number and this is assigned by the
telephone company. I wonder if they also assign fax numbers since faxes are
sent and received down telephone lines. I shall explore this possibility
further.
I really am surprised that an MVP hasn't replied to my post, if anybody
would know it would be one of those guys.
Anyway, thanks for the reply.
Peter

The below is about the only info I can provide.
What is a Technical Support Identification Number (TSID)?
The TSID is a 12 digit number included with your product.
It is usually next, above or below the Product PIN Number.
Please have this number available when contacting Technical Support.

<snipped>

 

[Lem]

Hey Byte, I couldn't understand your reply.
The TSID (Transmitting Subscriber Identification) identifies the sender of
the fax to the recipient and is a number with x number of digits.
The CSID (Called Subscriber Identification) identifies the recipient or
address of the fax in much the same way as a telephone number identifies the
person you wish to speak to. Both these numbers must be known and inputted
into the correct field of the Fax Sending Wizard app. I repeat, they are
both needed when sending or receiving faxes. I said before that a fax number
is almost identical to ones home phone number and this is assigned by the
telephone company. I wonder if they also assign fax numbers since faxes are
sent and received down telephone lines. I shall explore this possibility
further.
I really am surprised that an MVP hasn't replied to my post, if anybody
would know it would be one of those guys.
Anyway, thanks for the reply.
Peter



<snipped>

Your fax number and TSID are the same -- the telephone number of the
phone line to which your fax modem is connected.

This may help: http://tools.supportforyourpc.com/get_article.asp?aid=849

"On the Transmitting Subscriber Identification (TSID) screen, type the
TSID that you want in the TSID box. Note: The TSID is mandatory in some
areas. This identification information usually appears in the header
area of a received fax and serves to identify the sending fax machine.
This information usually consists of the sender's fax number and
business name."

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hey Lem, is that it!? I knew ones telephone number and fax number were
very similar but I didn't realise they were the same! Thanks very much for
the answer. I shall now attempt to send a fax and will get back to this
newsgroup with the results. I think this is important as MS Fax has a
reputation for unreliability.
Thanks again!
Peter

 

[Guest]

Hey Peter,

Am I to understand that you built your own computer but the phone/fax number
had you stymied? Hope you've got it all sorted now.

I'll offer you the solution that I found for the problem I was having.
Being a self-confessed Luddite I had a lot of trouble with the "dialing
rules" business in the "send fax wizard" (rather sexist don't you think - hey
Microsoft how about a utility called a somethingorother Witch next time?). I
wasn't sure if my modem was dialing the full 10 digit number (required in my
area code - don't know if that's a standard all over North America now) but
sometimes it was trying to dial a "1" in front that I knew it didn't need
cause it was a local call. To try and "debug" the situation I plugged my
modem into my phone into the wall, then put the phone on speaker and listened
while it dialed.

I realized that the modem was dialing so fast that the call was not
connecting and it was trying to send the fax to the dial tone. My ex
suggested that inserting commas would force pauses. What do you know, he was
right! Such a smart guy but he let me get away.....lol.

I signed up for this Newsgroup thingy sure that somebody out in cyberspace
would have a much more elegant way of resolving this problem, as I don't want
to force commas every time I send a fax.

Just a suggestion - don't know if it's possible in your area, but where I
live the phone company offers something called Identicall where they give you
a second phone number that has a different ring without a second physical
line. If that's available where you are you could get a 2nd number and
configure your fax modem to answer that number. Just call me Ma Bell!
(that's what we call the phone company up here in the land of polar bears and
igloos...lol)

I must say that I love the combination of the obviously Eastern European
surname with that distinctly southern "y'all". I'm curious if a homecooked
meal was perogies or pork bellies? I may be the worst cook north of the
Mason Dixon line but that commercial for precooked microwave bacon makes me
want to scream - I've been known to burn salad but I can do microwave bacon
- yeesh!

Happy faxing!

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hey Darlene, LOL, I loved your reply to my earlier post.

Hey Peter,

Am I to understand that you built your own computer but the phone/fax
number
had you stymied? Hope you've got it all sorted now.

That is correct. As I explained earlier I knew that ones telephone number
and fax number were very similar
but what I didn't know was that they were the same. I know that statement
doesn't make much sense but it depends on the environment. In an office it
is customary to have a dedicated phone line and a dedicated fax line too.
For obvious reasons these numbers cannot be the same and it is this fact
that threw me. In a home environment it is very unusual to have both a fax
line and a telephone line therefore the line must be shared. I based my
reasoning on the occasions when I could remember seeing different numbers
for telephone and fax on business letterheads. I can count the number of
times I have sent a fax using both thumbs (public library and photocopying
outlet) so you can't blame me for not realising what my fax number is. As
for the custom build it was not too difficult to do. Really. I have an
engineering background therefore I'm comfortable with assembly/disassembly.
Seriously, my generation were not taught all-things-computers at school and
so I jumped onto the bandwagon later than most. Yes I built my first rig and
did my first ever clean install 12 months after becoming enthusiastically
interested in computers. I am on the verge of completing my second build - a
rig designed for overclocking. Anyway, enough blowing my trumpet - back to
the subject.

I'll offer you the solution that I found for the problem I was having.
Being a self-confessed Luddite I had a lot of trouble with the "dialing
rules" business in the "send fax wizard" (rather sexist don't you think -
hey
Microsoft how about a utility called a somethingorother Witch next time?).

LOL, I rather doubt that!

I
wasn't sure if my modem was dialing the full 10 digit number (required in
my
area code - don't know if that's a standard all over North America now)
but
sometimes it was trying to dial a "1" in front that I knew it didn't need
cause it was a local call. To try and "debug" the situation I plugged my
modem into my phone into the wall, then put the phone on speaker and
listened
while it dialed.

I realized that the modem was dialing so fast that the call was not
connecting and it was trying to send the fax to the dial tone. My ex
suggested that inserting commas would force pauses. What do you know, he
was
right! Such a smart guy but he let me get away.....lol.

I haven't sent a fax yet but the dialing rules business does look like a
potential problem. It does look like the 1 was being inserted so as to
conform to the dialing rules. I would suggest you turn dialing rules off if
it does that again (providing it still works OK!) Over here in the UK all we
do is dial the area code followed by the telephone number and bingo! you're
through. If it's a local call like within the same town/city then the area
code can be omitted. I will have to explore a little more before I can
comment further.

I signed up for this Newsgroup thingy sure that somebody out in cyberspace
would have a much more elegant way of resolving this problem, as I don't
want
to force commas every time I send a fax.

Just a suggestion - don't know if it's possible in your area, but where I
live the phone company offers something called Identicall where they give
you
a second phone number that has a different ring without a second physical
line. If that's available where you are you could get a 2nd number and
configure your fax modem to answer that number. Just call me Ma Bell!
(that's what we call the phone company up here in the land of polar bears
and
igloos...lol)

ATM I shall be sending faxes only. I am on an always-on broadband internet
connection and have to disconnect to utilize the fax capability. Therefore
I lose my internet for however long it takes to send the fax. That is the
reason why I shall not be receiving faxes. There are ways around it but
thanks for the suggestion all the same.

I must say that I love the combination of the obviously Eastern European
surname with that distinctly southern "y'all". I'm curious if a
homecooked
meal was perogies or pork bellies? I may be the worst cook north of the
Mason Dixon line but that commercial for precooked microwave bacon makes
me
want to scream - I've been known to burn salad but I can do microwave
bacon
- yeesh!

The "y'all" is to lull you all into a false sense of security. LOL, don't
get paranoid. ;-) Lordy, how does one burn salad? LOL Actually the
home-cooked meal was micro-wave spag bol but we have had our fair share of
golompki and borscht and perogi and kielbasa and kapusta. I simply don't
have the time or patience to cook every day but I do make exceptions for
special occasions. ;-)

Happy faxing!

Thank-you,
Regards,
Peter

 

[Lem]

Hey Peter,

<snipped>

Just a suggestion - don't know if it's possible in your area, but where I
live the phone company offers something called Identicall where they give you
a second phone number that has a different ring without a second physical
line. If that's available where you are you could get a 2nd number and
configure your fax modem to answer that number. Just call me Ma Bell!
(that's what we call the phone company up here in the land of polar bears and
igloos...lol)

Darlene --
Unfortunately, Windows XP Fax does not work with distinctive ring (the
generic name for "Identicall"). If you want to use such a feature (and
it is a money-saver), you'll need to buy some third-party hardware, such
as: http://www.command-comm.com/fax_switch/fax_switch.html

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm more concerned with sending than receiving
anyway so it's not a big problem but I'm glad you corrected the
misinformation I inadvertently gave my good buddy Peter!

 

[Guest]

Hi again Peter,

The last time my mom was in England it cost her the equivalent of $4 for a
cup of tea in Harrod's - glad to hear that London hasn't gotten so big that
you have to dial the area code for every call!

Forgive my stupidity/insatiable curiousity but how is it that you have to
disconnect your Internet to send a Fax? Please bear in mind that I'm a
complete techno-peasant (when I studied computer programming Windows 3.1 was
brand new). Here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada we have these things called
splitters which allow two phone cables to feed into one phone jack. The line
from my DSL modem feeds into one side and the line from my fax modem (built
into my lovely rebuilt Gateway notebook that my mommy bought me) feeds into
the other. I have to use a filter to plug a phone in to the other phone jack
in my bedroom to filter out the noise from the DSL and/or fax connection.

Are you perhaps living in the Outer Hebrides where these technological
advancements are not available? Or is it that you just have the one port on
your homebuilt computer (I've got ports coming out the ying-yang - I've got
an ethernet connection to my DSL modem which then runs a normal phone line to
the aforementioned splitter).

Your nosy Anglophile Luddite Canuck e-correspondent,

Dar

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hi again Peter,

The last time my mom was in England it cost her the equivalent of $4 for a
cup of tea in Harrod's - glad to hear that London hasn't gotten so big
that
you have to dial the area code for every call!

Oh no you do, you wouldn't get very far without it! There are two codes for
the capital, one for the central area and another for the suburbs. That's
how it was when I lived there from '01 to '04. London is growing year by
year, all the asylum seekers think the streets are paved with gold and flock
there hoping to get rich quick. LOL. They'll be waiting a looong time!

Forgive my stupidity/insatiable curiousity but how is it that you have to
disconnect your Internet to send a Fax? Please bear in mind that I'm a
complete techno-peasant (when I studied computer programming Windows 3.1
was
brand new). Here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada we have these things called
splitters which allow two phone cables to feed into one phone jack. The
line
from my DSL modem feeds into one side and the line from my fax modem
(built
into my lovely rebuilt Gateway notebook that my mommy bought me) feeds
into
the other. I have to use a filter to plug a phone in to the other phone
jack
in my bedroom to filter out the noise from the DSL and/or fax connection.

Rebuilt Gateway notebook? Tell me about it!
Now you're teaching me something here (emphasis on you're), that's exactly
the setup I have here. My Zoom X5 all-in-one Modem, Gateway, Router,
Firewall and 4 Port Switch is connected to the Modem port on the DSL filter
and the telephone plugs into the Phone socket on the same filter. That then
plugs directly into the telephone wall socket. I was under the impression
that I had to disconnect from the Internet and utilize the empty Modem port
on the DSL filter by connecting my Zoom V.92 PCI FaxModem to it. That's how
I thought it worked! LOL.
Right I see how you've got your connection set-up, but does your method
work Darlene?

Are you perhaps living in the Outer Hebrides where these technological
advancements are not available?

HA! HA! Nice try!

Or is it that you just have the one port on
your homebuilt computer (I've got ports coming out the ying-yang - I've
got
an ethernet connection to my DSL modem which then runs a normal phone line
to
the aforementioned splitter).

My custom built rig's NIC connects via ethernet cable to the Zoom X5, which
has 3 more ethernet ports for a LAN and a USB port for another PC or Print
Server to connect to. (Nar-nar-na-na-nar! LOL)

Your nosy Anglophile Luddite Canuck e-correspondent,

Dar

You're very welcome Darlene! Keep it coming, hey!

Peter

<snipped>

 

[Guest]

Peter,

If I remember the time difference correctly it's some ungodly hour in the
morning where you are now, yes? And you were supposed to give me props for
having heard of the Hebrides my dear boy - will I have to launch into a
chorus of "Donald where's your trousers" to impress as a true afficionado of
all things related to the British Isles?

Seriously, I'm pretty sure that I was online while I successfully sent a
fax. Please remember that you are dealing with a Luddite here - I don't know
what a NIC is! I have two seperate modems, one built in to the computer (an
all purpose gizmo which I previously used for dialup - thank God my phone
company called me with a promotion for their DSL product!) and a seperate DSL
modem. My phone line from the wall (let's deal with incoming for a sec) is
split between the external modem which handles the DSL internet connection &
feeds my Gateway (that almost sounds obscene...lol) through an Ethernet
connection and another phone line which plugs in to the internal modem which
I now use just for faxing.

I'm sorry I can't visualize your setup (the last guy bragging about his zoom
was not talking about a modem - it was a camera lens...lol) but if you can
split the phone line so one feed is strictly DSL & one is the fax/phone line
you should be able to stay online - it does take a little filter gizmo for
the telephone is all. I suspect they have those in Great Britain (since
you're so close to Germany.....lol)

I'm not sure this exchange is helping anybody else - if you want to get in
touch directly you could always IM me @ (e-mail address removed).

Dar

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hi Darlene, apologies for not giving kudos for the contents of your
previous post. Believe me - the fact that you knew of the Outer Hebrides DID
register in the correct department. I try to strike a balance between
staying on topic and chatting with you so don't chastise me too much! ;-)

Peter,

If I remember the time difference correctly it's some ungodly hour in the
morning where you are now, yes?

No Darlene, it's approx.10.30 pm right here right now. Time doesn't stop me
girl, I carry on into the wee small hours if need be.

And you were supposed to give me props for
having heard of the Hebrides my dear boy - will I have to launch into a
chorus of "Donald where's your trousers" to impress as a true afficionado
of
all things related to the British Isles?

No - I will take your word for it my dear. That and the fact you
called yourself an Anglophile!

Seriously, I'm pretty sure that I was online while I successfully sent a
fax. Please remember that you are dealing with a Luddite here - I don't
know
what a NIC is!

It's a Network Interface Card and links ones computer/notebook with a
modem, router, etc.

I have two seperate modems, one built in to the computer (an
all purpose gizmo which I previously used for dialup - thank God my phone
company called me with a promotion for their DSL product!) and a seperate
DSL
modem. My phone line from the wall (let's deal with incoming for a sec)
is
split between the external modem which handles the DSL internet connection
&
feeds my Gateway (that almost sounds obscene...lol) through an Ethernet
connection and another phone line which plugs in to the internal modem
which
I now use just for faxing.

That's all they're good for nowadays, dial-up is pretty much useless in
this day and age.

I'm sorry I can't visualize your setup (the last guy bragging about his
zoom
was not talking about a modem - it was a camera lens...lol) but if you can
split the phone line so one feed is strictly DSL & one is the fax/phone
line
you should be able to stay online - it does take a little filter gizmo for
the telephone is all. I suspect they have those in Great Britain (since
you're so close to Germany.....lol)

I'm not sure this exchange is helping anybody else - if you want to get in
touch directly you could always IM me @ (e-mail address removed).

Dar

You betcha!

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

<snipped>

I'm sorry I can't visualize your setup (the last guy bragging about his
zoom
was not talking about a modem - it was a camera lens...lol) but if you can
split the phone line so one feed is strictly DSL & one is the fax/phone
line
you should be able to stay online - it does take a little filter gizmo for
the telephone is all. I suspect they have those in Great Britain (since
you're so close to Germany.....lol)

Darlene, that's exactly the setup I've got. So to keep my DSL internet
connection and have the capability to send faxes concurrently I have to
disconnect the telephone from the Phone side of the splitter and then
connect the fax modem to this now empty Phone socket. If this works then it
solves several problems. I could receive faxes also because I previously
thought I had to connect my fax modem to the Modem socket on the DSL
filter/splitter thereby disconnecting from the internet. And the other
telephone in the house is connected via DSL filter to the external phone
line/wall socket therefore the telephone would be available as well. I think
this mirrors the setup at your place. Well this would solve everything,
please confirm that it does indeed work.
BTW, did you design your own fax cover sheet or have you been sending
faxes without one? I'm pretty sure Micro$oft should have several that you
could choose from. They have the file extension .cov and so far I haven't
been able to find any. Can you help?

I'm not sure this exchange is helping anybody else - if you want to get in
touch directly you could always IM me @ (e-mail address removed).

Dar

Hey Darlene, sorry but I don't have/use/need/want the hotmail IM client.
AT ALL. Drops all kinds of nasty stuff into your system. I have sent you
email to the above address though. ;-)
Take care,
Peter

 

[Peter Sklodowski]

Hi, just letting everyone know that I have now found the fax cover pages
and need some practise sending faxes. Anyone?
Regards,
Peter

 

[Guest]

Well I haven't seen your e-mail yet! Hotmail must have put it in spam and I
missed it : ( Please try again at your convenience.

I have a friend who also shies away from any and all IM products but I
understand that Zonealarm makes a product which secures IM now. When I was
on dialup I was told not to worry about it but now that I've got the DSL
setup I'll have to investigate.

Glad to see you got the fax cover sheet sorted out. The MSFax Wizard has a
couple options, and Microsoft Office also lets you create Fax cover sheets,
fyi.

The weather's been gawdawful here for days and I'm one of those "lucky"
people who gets stuck in bed with a migraine when the barometric pressure
drops. Of course I realize that complaining about rain to a Brit is pathetic
but there you are. As I recall during our first trip in 1971 we actually hit
the lake region when it wasn't raining - how rare is that!

I'll be watching for your e-mail kiddo.

Dar

 

[Guest]

Peter,

(and whoever else reads this)

I stumbled across a post in the section for "newbies" which is bang on point
here. Apparently one of our fellow users had a telephone installer muck up
their modem/DSL connection so one of the Microsoft experts explains how it
needs to be set up!

Here's the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/communitie...6-ba1a8875c1a7&lang=en&cr=&sloc=en-us&m=1&p=1



(btw, sorry I rambled so much in my e-mail - I'm not always that verbose, I
promise...lol)