Faxing does not Work

If Faxing does not work, try verifying your installation with something simpler like HyperTerminal first.  If Hyperterminal fails to work it could indicate some basic problems with your TCP-Com Server or Client configuration or with the modem itself, which should be solved before attempting to use TCP-Com for Faxing.

Dialing out using HyperTerminal Works, but faxing fails

Make sure that the modem supports Class 2 or Class 2.0 fax mode. Many of todays inexpensive "Windows Modems" (also known as Software Modems) only support class 1 fax mode. Class 1 will not work over a LAN connection due to sensitive timing issues. When purchasing new modems for TCP-Com faxing use, make sure the model you get is not limited to Class 1 fax mode.

Also make sure that the fax software is configured for either "Class 2" or "Class-2.0" fax mode.

Unfortunatly the MS-Fax included with Windows 2000, XP, and 2003 is hardcoded to only support Class 1, so a third party faxing application such as WinFax or BitFax must be used. (Note: BitFax is under new ownership and is now known as Simply Messanger Pro).

Older versions of MS-Fax for Windows 95/98/ME which were included with Microsoft Exchange do support Class 2 fax mode, but not Class 2.0. However it defaults to using Class 1, so you will need to do the following:
From the Windows 9x/ME Control Panel, double click the "Microsoft Fax" icon, Click PROPERTIES > MODEM, and then select the modem associated with the redirected port. Click PROPERTIES > ADVANCED, and check "Use Class 2 if available".



Winfax defaults to Class 1 fax mode when installed, and it must be reconfigured for Class 2 or Class 2.0. This can be done by doing the following:
From the WinFax Message Manager, click TOOLS > SETUP, then click on "Modem and Communication Devices". Select the Modem name, and click on PROPERTIES. Then select "TAPI" as the port, and Under MODEM TYPE select "Class 2" or "Class 2.0" depending on which one your modem supports.

Keep in mind that Class 2 and Class 2.0 are NOT the same protocol, and you must configure the fax software based on which protocol is supported by the modem. 

BitFax does not require any configuration, as it will use Class 2 or 2.0 if it detects your modem supports it.

How do I find out if my modem supports Class 2 or Class 2.0 faxing?

In some cases, especially for digital modems, only data calls are supported. You can verify which Fax class your modem supports by sending it the following command, which can be typed into a terminal program such as Hyperterminal:

AT+FCLASS=?

Type enter after the command to send it.The modem reply will be in the form:

0,1,1.0,2,2.0

Where 0 is for data, 1 is for Class 1 fax, 1.0 is for Class 1.0 fax, 2 is for Class 2 fax, and 2.0 is for Class 2.0 fax. Some older data-only modems may report "OK" or "ERROR" instead.