Disappearing fax driver

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r50cheapskate · #1 Post by **r50cheapskate** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:02 pm

My computer suddenly stopped being able to use the fax modem. I first noticed when printing to fax made the machine hang for several minutes. There had been no updates or changes since the last time the feature worked, and virus scans revealed no problems.

I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the fax feature in Windows. Nothing. I then tried removing and reinstalling the driver via Software Installer. Nothing. One error message is that the "Windows Shared Fax Driver" is missing. Attempting to run the Fax Console, it says no fax printer is available.

A quick, and then exhaustive, Google search came up with several people who have had this problem, but no solution anywhere. Microsoft's own website has no mention of the problem. (Surprise!)

I doubt reinstalling Windows XP will do anything, and that's a major time commitment. I'm running Windows XP Pro with all the latest updates. Please please give me any ideas. This is seriously interfering with my job search. Thanks.

#2 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:10 pm

You could try running System File Checker. Type SFC in the search box for Help and Support off of the Start menu for more info.

r50cheapskate · #3 Post by **r50cheapskate** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:43 pm

Running SFC did nothing. Was it supposed to return a report after taking its time to run?

#4 Post by **Kyocera** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:58 pm

SFC usually does not give a report unless you have a corrupted file. It simply checks the windows files and tries to repair if there are any bad ones. If you have system restore turned on I'd try going back to a time when the fax was working and see if there has been some software changes that have caused it to stop. Maybe your modem got damaged is another thought.

r50cheapskate · #5 Post by **r50cheapskate** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:04 pm

I did a system restore, and that didn't help. I also ran a modem diagnostic which said it was operating fine. (Not sure if that's reliable.) I truly hate the thought of spending hours on the phone with Lenovo. I firmly believe that Microsoft has f---ed something up and denying it.

#6 Post by **Kyocera** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:27 pm

If you have a dial up connection are you able to connect to the internet OK?

r50cheapskate · #7 Post by **r50cheapskate** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:35 pm

I have a cable modem running over wireless with no problems. I only use the fax and landline to send faxes. Having the line connected makes no difference. I haven't used dialup in years.

Disappearing fax driver

Disappearing fax driver

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