Receive a fax with Windows Fax and Scan

Before you can receive a fax, your computer must be connected to a fax modem or fax server. For more information, see Set up your computer to send and receive faxes.

If you're using a fax modem, you have several options for receiving faxes with Windows Fax and Scan. A fax server automatically delivers faxes to your inbox.

 To receive faxes automatically

If you choose to receive faxes automatically, the modem will answer all incoming calls. To answer a regular phone call, you'll need to pick up the phone before the modem answers the call.

1. Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan.

2. To use Fax view, click Fax at the bottom of the left pane.

3. Click the Tools menu, and then click Fax Settings.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

4. Click the General tab, and then, under Send/receive options, select the Allow device to receive fax calls check box.

5. Click Automatically answer after X rings, select the number of times you want the phone to ring before the modem answers, and then click OK.

   Note

   • The Fax Settings menu option doesn't exist in Windows Server 2008.

 To receive faxes manually

If you aren't set up to receive faxes automatically, Windows notifies you during each incoming call. To answer the call as a fax:

1. Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan.

2. To use Fax view, click Fax at the bottom of the left pane.

3. On the toolbar, click Receive a Fax Now. The Fax Status Monitor displays the progress of the fax.

 To automatically save a copy of each fax that you receive

1. Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan.

2. To use Fax view, click Fax at the bottom of the left pane.

3. Click the Tools menu, and then click Fax Settings.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

4. Click the General tab, and then click More options.

5. Under When a fax is received, select the Save a copy to check box, and then browse to the folder where you want to save copies.

6. Click OK, and then click OK again.

   Note

   • The Fax Settings menu option doesn't exist in Windows Server 2008.

Tips

• To preview a fax in your inbox, click it. The fax's first page is displayed in the preview pane.

• To open a fax in your inbox, double-click it.

• To make the fax bigger or smaller, click the View menu, click Zoom, and then choose an option.