Suggestions for Making XP clients work with Fax Server2008

First, on your 2008 server, stop sharing the faxclient folder. It is not for XP computers and it has nothing to do with sending faxes from XP. If you unshare it, you will not be tempted to use the files inside that folder. They will not help you.

Second, on your 2008 server, change the fax service to use the local system account. It defaults to the Network Service account. I am willing to bet this one step solves 90% of the peoples problems. Restart the service after making the change.

If your XP clients are not at least SP2, stop reading this now and go update them.

Third, on your XP client PC, login with a user who has local admin priv. Go to control panel, add/remove programs. Click on add/remove windows components and make sure you *uncheck* Faxing.

Fourth, have your XP cd handy or make sure you have the I386 folder somewhere. Browse to your 2008 server and double click on the shared Fax printer. Windows should now install the faxing componet your just removed in the previous step. If you are forced to install a modem, just do a generic on any port for now.

Finally, go to printers and faxes and remove any fax printers that may be listed except the one shared from your fax server. Then open the fax console and see if it says connected in the bottom right. Or, click on tools, and choose fax printer status. It should show the server as online.

If you still have problems, check to make sure the permissions you set on the fax printer are correct. The user account you are testing may not have permission to use or manage that shared fax printer.





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