How to Send a Scanned Document as a Fax

Set up your fax machine as a printer. This will usually be done automatically when you install the software for an all-in-one printer and fax machine onto your computer. If not, follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting up the printers. If you don't have a fax machine connected to your computer, you can use Windows XP to send your fax. In Windows XP, click Start > All Programs > Control Panel. Click Add or Remove Programs and click the Add/Remove Programs button to add Fax Services. Open the Fax Console and click Tools > Configure Fax to start the Fax Configuration Wizard. Then click Tools > Fax Printer Configuration to set up your fax printer preferences. Be sure to give the fax printer a name you can easily recognize, such as "Windows XP Fax."

Scan your documents. If necessary, reduce them to grayscale and darken the text. In most cases, you will be able to do this with the software which came with your scanner. Save your files using a filename you can easily find later.

Open your images in a program which allows you to select and print multiple images at one time, such as Windows Picture Services. Select all the images you would like to send, and click "Print." In printer options, select the desired fax service as a printer. The fax software will open automatically so that you can send your fax.

Enter the recipient's name, fax number, and create a cover sheet. Preview your fax if your software will allow you to do so. Previewing can prevent many errors and is especially important if you're sending faxes long distance.

Watch the fax to make sure it sends properly. Scanned files can be very large, and may take a while to send. Note any errors which you receive from your fax software. You may wish to contact the recipient to make sure they got the fax in legible condition.