Windows XP is no longer supported by the Microsoft, but the methods for faxing previously used should still be valid. This guide covers those methods but be advised that as new generations of fax machine models and fax modem models roll out, there may be driver compatibility issues.

There are three ways Windows XP supports sending and receiving faxes – through online fax services, where you use a virtual fax machine to send and receive faxes as you would an e-mail; the second method involves a fax machine or a multipurpose machine with faxing capabilities which is connected to the PC, and the third method is through a fax console, which, combined with a fax modem card, turns your PC into a replacement for a fax machine.

Online Fax Services

All online fax services are compatible with Windows XP, and as long as there's full browser support for this operating system (and there will be support for foreseeable future), you will be able to send and receive fax messages from a Windows XP running PC with no issues at all.

Online fax services do not require you to have a fax machine or even a land line, you're managing the inbox of a virtual printer, and you're able to set up an account from your Windows XP PC and use it from whichever platform you want, as long as you have a working internet connection. You can see our guide for sending and receiving fax messages from Windows Mobile devices here. Messages sent and received this way with act as e-mail with an attachment – received messages will be in the form of a PDF format, and it's recommended that you send messages using that format as well.

Windows XP and Fax Machines/Multifunction printers

Now, here's a faxing method that is going to run out of date pretty quickly if you intend to use one of the latest models of fax machines or multifunction printers. Windows XP is no longer supported by Windows, and there will be issues regarding the drivers for the latest fax machines. However, if you're using one of the older models that hit the shelves while the Windows XP was still fully supported, you're going to be able to use it with no hitches or issues for a while yet.

This method involves using a regular fax machine connected to your PC, allowing you to send and receive messages without having to step away from your PC. You don't even have to print the incoming fax messages; most fax machines allow you to download the digital copies of the incoming faxes directly to your hard drive, without wasting paper on printing them out.

Specific details may vary depending on which model of fax/multipurpose machine you use, but these devices usually come with the software suites that let you set everything up and use them from the PC. You can check if the machine supports Windows XP by checking the original box – models supported are usually listed.

Using Fax Modems and Fax Console in Windows XP

If you plan on using your PC as a replacement for a fax machine with a Windows XP system installed, you will be using a fax console. First, you need to plug your fax modem into your PC, and install the appropriate drivers from it (they usually come with the fax modem, or you can use generic Windows drivers)

Now you need to install the Fax Console protocols for Windows XP:

Click start button, select “run” option and type in “appwiz.cpl”, click Ok.
Select the “Add/Remove Windows Components” and start the Windows Component Wizard”, selecting the “Fax Services” option from the list. The installation process will begin, and it may require you to insert the Windows XP CD. Once the installation is done, hit finish.

Fax protocols have been installed, now you need to configure them:

Click the start button, select “All Programs/Communications/Fax” and select Fax Console option, you will be allowed to set your fax page details and set up additional faxing info like area code etc, select the fax modem you will be using and ensure that you can send and receive faxes.

Two things to be aware of when you're using a fax modem board for sending and receiving fax messages with Windows XP. You will need to keep your computer on if you want to receive documents, as the fax modem doesn't work while the computer is turned off, and you need to have your landline connected to the correct socket to be able to send and receive faxes.

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Matt Gerchow

Matt Gerchow is an author, marketer, inventor, husband, father and yoga enthusiast. He enjoys travel to distant lands , fine wine, time with his family and dinner with friends.