I have a single FAX compatible, PCI modem. I can get to the internet, OK, but I...

I have a single FAX compatible, PCI modem. I can get to the internet, OK, but I can no longer use the modem to send FAXes (when not on the internet of course). The FAX program is WinFAX PRO 10.0, that provide the "printer driver". I cannot print from within WinFAX, nor from any other application to WinFAX. I have reviewed/implemented the changes directed in their FAQ, but with no joy.

I have swapped the modem out with the original ISA modem (same Best Data brand), it is still configured as COM3. Both Windows and WinFAX can talk to the modem.

I have uninstalled AOL, WinFAX (3 times), and the modem card. I have deleted all serial ports. Everything short of reinstalling Win98. No software or hardware installation simultaneous to this issue occuring, except perhaps SpyBot 1.3 (I think this was after).

WinFAX Pro Viewer comes up with the message, "Could not start print job".

PerfectPrint (Worperfect) comes up with the message: "FAX cancelled", twice.

Any help, short of $30 to Symantec?

Thank you, Mona Smith. The 69 year old mother of David and Julie Smith, grandmother of Zach and Chris Smith.

This question was answered on September 5, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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The majority of problems that happen with PCs are due to the active program code and data, held in RAM, becoming scrambled and are not caused by faults with the hardware or programs stored on the hard drive Reloading the RAM from scratch usually restores normal operation The first thing to try, therefore, when somethings amiss, is a full reboot.

Follow this procedure:-

1 -

Close all programs and select Shutdown from the Start Menu If things are taking too long, wait until the hard disk access light has been off for a few seconds and then turn the power off If the power switch is not responding pull the mains plug out.

2 - Wait 15 seconds for any internally stored voltages to discharge.

3 - Turn the power back on, let any disk checks complete, and, if given a list of boot options, choose Boot Normally.

This may solve over 90% of problems but, if youve tried it twice, say, 15 minutes apart, and the problem persists then rebooting's not going to solve it for you this time.

2  Dont Install Programs or Change Settings

Many people wouldnt dream of it but others cant resist fiddling.

Here are some reasons not to:-

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> PCs work best with the minimum of software installed  just stick with your work related programs.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Uninstaller programs rarely clean up properly so even after a program you were just trying out has been removed therell be garbage left behind on your hard drive and in the registry.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Programs that promise speed gains rarely deliver any useful improvement Greater speed comes with a faster processor, a fast hard disk, lots of RAM and a high bandwidth connection to the Internet.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> IT support over the phone is easier when the PC is setup how the IT person left it.

3  Turn off your Computer at Night

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> It saves electricity and wear and tear of mechanical devices like fans and hard drives

"...a Cornell University study calculated that the US could switch off 7 power stations if TVs, videos and computers were not left on standby."

New Scientist Article

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Its a daily reboot - see tip 1 - which will pick up any new configuration changes from the logon server.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Its less of a fire hazard and theres less chance of damage from power cuts or electrical storms.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> It doesnt disrupt overnight server backup procedures by keeping files open unnecessarily

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Youre likely to find people wholl argue that leaving PCs permanently on is best  ignore them

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Make sure that youre turning the system box off and not just the monitor

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> It's OK to leave your PC on overnight occasionally, if it has some long process to finish and you want to go home

4  Save All Data to My Documents

In a networked office My Documents is normally located on a server computers hard drive.

This means its more reliable and secure than on your own PC, it gets backed-up daily by someone else, and its password-protected against the wrong people accessing your files or accidentally deleting them.

Data is easier to find in My Documents as this is where most programs look first.

5  Learn Some Simple PC Housekeeping Skills

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Learn how to rename, move and delete icons and files.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Learn how to use Windows Explorer to find out whats where.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Learn to sort files by clicking on column headings.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Understand how the 3-letter filename extension indicates the type of data a file contains.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Watch the Taskbar to monitor which programs are open.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Use the Search command on the Start Menu.

<http://www.rhebus.com/images/BD14583_.gif> Learn to terminate an errant program by invoking Task Manager

(press Control Alt Delete).

About the author

Posted by Shamsul of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on September 5, 2004

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