Install and Share a Fax Printer for Network Users

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

When you install the Fax Server role, if you have not attached a fax device to the computer, a local fax printer connection is automatically created in the Printers folder in Control Panel. If that fax printer connection becomes corrupted or is deleted, you can create a new fax printer connection by adding a new fax account. If you have installed the Fax Server role and already have a fax printer installed, you just should follow the steps in this procedure to share the printer so that users can connect. (In addition, in an Active Directory Domain Services environment, you must also publish this printer in the directory to enable your users to find and create a connection. For instructions, see List or Remove Fax Printers in Active Directory Domain Services.)

This procedure is to create a new fax printer, and then to share the fax printer so that your users can find it.

To create and share a new fax printer

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

  2. Click Tools, and then click Fax Accounts.

  3. In Fax Accounts, click Add to open Fax Setup.

  4. On the Choose a fax modem or server page, click Connect to a fax modem.

  5. On the Choose a modem name page, type a name for the fax modem, and then click Next. The default name is Fax Modem.

  6. On the Choose how to receive faxes page, click the option that you prefer.

  7. You may be asked to install a modem. To do this, follow the instructions in the Add Hardware Wizard.

  8. The new fax modem should appear in Fax Accounts, under Account Name.

  9. Then to share the fax printer that has been created, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Printers.

  10. In the list of printers, right-click Fax, click Properties, click the Sharing tab, select Share this printer, and then type a name for the printer that you want your network users to see.

Additional considerations

To install Fax components, you must be a member of the Administrators group or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure.

Additional references