Windows Server 2003

The first problem with installation of WinFax PRO under Windows 2003 is that the printer driver support in the operating system was moved from kernel to user mode. The reason is that the use of kernel mode printer drivers can possibily cause a server to hang, result in a blue screen and require a reboot. This isn’t something you want happening on a server. Because of this possibility, Microsoft decided to block the installation of all kernel mode printer drivers in Windows 2003. During the installation of WinFax PRO, a kernel mode printer driver (also called version 2 printer driver) is added to your list of installed printers. By default, Windows 2003 won’t allow you to add this printer, and during the installation it is either ignored silently or a printer driver related error message is displayed. Fortunately, in Windows 2003 you can bypass this restriction. You can set a group policy in Windows 2003 to allow the installation of kernel mode printers. Once you’ve done this, you should be able to successfully install WinFax PRO under Windows 2003.

Windows Server 2008

 Windows Server 2008 does not support Type 2/Kernel Mode printer drivers. While the installation of WinFax (may) appear to complete under Windows 2008, the installation  will not include these printer drivers.  WinFax PRO is not compatible with this operating system.

Our initial testing confirms that you can run WinFax PRO in Windows XP mode, but you cannot “share” the WinFax PRO printer driver with Windows 7 applications.  We successfully shared the fax modem, (and it was a software based modem!) but not the fax printer. This prevents any access from Windows 7 programs to the WinFax printer. Only the applications that are installed within the Windows XP Virtual machine can be used with WinFax to send faxes, you cannot create faxes from within Windows 7 applications. 

This limits the usability of WinFax in Windows 7.  if you require to fax from a Windows 7 application, it will not work.  Although, having Windows XP within your Windows 7 operating system saves you the expensive of having another separate computer just to run legacy Windows XP applications such as WinFax.

An alternative to WinFax PRO is FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro,  more details here

 More on Windows XP Mode with Windows 7.

Windows XP Mode is a feature that is optional on Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise versions of Windows 7. Windows XP Mode is not available in the Home Premium or Starter Editions of Windows 7. Windows XP Mode option can be downloaded at no additional charge with a qualified version of Windows 7 directly from Microsoft’s Web site here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

In addition to the downloads, you’ll need a compatible processor and motherboard that supports hardware virtualization (AMD-V or Intel VT , also code named Vanderpool technology) . Microsoft has released a tool which you can download to test to see if your processor can support the AMD-V or Intel VT mode.  See Microsoft’s link above for more details.

More info on some compatible CPU’s in this post: http://www.getfaxing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=718

Situation: During the installation of WinFax, or when you reboot your computer, the WinFax PRO configuration wizard setup screen appears. When you are presented with the screen to enter your name, fax number and CSID, the screen disappears or the computer hangs/freezes. You cannot continue the setup, and you cannot start WinFax as the setup is not completed.

These steps apply to Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3, and all versions of WinFax PRO and TalkWorks PRO.

Start WinFax Tools (The full version of WinFax Tools is provided to all paid subscribers to the WinFax Forums. Click here for Premium Subscription Information)

1. Click on Install & Setup Tools button.
2. Click on Fix Start Up Errors button.
3. Click YES, WinFax will automatically close if active.
4. Click OK to any messages that appear, until completed.
5. Click Fix Entry Problem on the Main WinFax Tools screen.
6. Follow the on screen instructions that appear.
7. Reboot computer when done.
8. If WinFax setup appears, continue with setup. If WinFax Setup does not automatically start, start WinFax Tools, click on Install & Setup Tools button, click Start WTNSETUP button & Continue the WinFax installation.

This is an error that causes an uninstall of WinFax PRO to fail.  This file is an uninstallation log file that is generated by a third party installation tool called Install Shield. Its automatically generated when you first installed WinFax PRO, so you won’t find this file on the WinFax PRO installation CD ROM. This log file contains all the information and settings that the uninstall program requires to remove WinFax, such as the program folder locations and features that you added or removed during the install process.

The problem is if you don’t have this file, or it is bad/corrupt, you won’t be able to successfully uninstall WinFax PRO.  The uninstall halts, and you can’t continue. You’re left with WinFax that may be partially installed.

Possible Solutions:

If you have an installation of WinFax on another working computer, you could copy the WFXUNIST.ISU to the computer where the problem is occuring.  However, both computers must be using the same folders and features.  If you installed the software in the same way on both machines, to the same folders, then this may  solve the problem.

The preferred solution is to reinstall WinFax PRO to the same installation folder, so the uninstall log file is recreated and any corrupt or missing files are recreated.  You should then be able to perform a proper uninstall after you’ve reinstalled successfully. We always recommend making a backup of your entire WinFax folder including any Data folders before attempting this if you require any WinFax information.

NOTE: WinFax PRO versions 10.02 and 10.03 also require that you must uninstall before you can reinstall the software, so the above method will not work for these versions as it will display a message that an existing version of WinFax is installed, and it will halt the install process. Since you can’t uninstall, you can’t reinstall.

If you are a premium support subscriber, we have our own tools available within our WinFax Tools program and in our premium download area to bypass this message and allow an install overtop the existing version.

Another option is to bypass the WinFax PRO uninstall completely and use the WinFax Clean utility, available in the Premium Downloads area. This program will completely remove WinFax and all related registry keys.

This error message can be corrected with WinFax Tools.  Click “Install & Setup Tools”, then click “Fix Start Up Errors” option in WinFax Tools.

This error message, along with the “ WinFax is not active for this User Account. Please start the controller and try again.” error message are both related. They can only occur with version 10.02 and higher of WinFax PRO that is operating in the Windows XP environment.  This error does not appear under Windows 2000 or Windows 9x environments, or versions 10.0 or 10.01 of WinFax PRO. To determine the version of WinFax PRO you are using, click “WinFax Info” button in WinFax Tools.

This error message can occur when you are using the Windows XP Fast User Switching feature.  The reason these messages only appear under Windows XP and versions 10.02 and higher is because these versions included support for Windows XP and specifically checked for the use of the fast user switching feature under Windows XP. This feature allows you to switch between users that are logged into Windows XP, while keeping that users applications running in the background.

The problem is that if another user already has the WinFax Controller running in the background, you can’t start another WinFax instance from another users account. (If you could, it would mess up the database and probably cause data failure).  In this specific case, this message is normal. You can’t start another copy of WinFax if someone else is running it in the background.

While this is the most common situation where this message can appear, its also possible something else is wrong and you don’t use Windows XP Fast User Switching, or don’t even have other users logged into Windows. 

Usually, when you run into this message you may need to reboot of the computer. Its possible that specific WinFax PRO startup programs and service were closed down prematurely, or didn’t execute or startup properly under the current user.  A reboot of the computer should successfully restart these programs that WinFax requires to use.  If this does not solve the problem, then your installation of WinFax is likely corrupt and needs repair. 

If you continue to encounter this error we recommend using the “Fix Start Up Errors” option in WinFax Tools. ]]> http://www.getfaxing.com/winfax/2009/07/14/error-another-user-on-this-computer-is-using-winfax-please-try-again-later/feed/ 0 http://www.getfaxing.com/winfax/2009/07/13/using-two-dual-fax-modems-with-winfax/ http://www.getfaxing.com/winfax/2009/07/13/using-two-dual-fax-modems-with-winfax/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:38:49 +0000 admin http://www.getfaxing.com/winfax/?p=296 WinFax PRO will support up to 2 modems on a single PC. If you need to have dual modems, I’d recommend ensuring both modems are different, otherwise, you may run into difficulties. Two external controller based modems are best, or one external controller-based and one internal controller-less. You can try two controller-less modems, but make sure they are different models/manufacturers. Never use two softmodem based modems on a single machine, you’re just asking for trouble.

Usually, starting the WinFax Controller may correct this problem, in some scenarios you may need to reboot of the computer.  If this does not solve the problem, then your installation of WinFax is likely corrupt and needs repair.

If you continue to encounter this error we recommend using the “Fix Start Up Errors” option in WinFax Tools.

An important update to all WinFax PRO fax users 

UPDATED NEWS : Microsoft releases “ActiveX Killbits” Security Patch for XP February 9th, 2010 (See below)

A security flaw (called a Remote Buffer overflow) with a specific ActiveX Control that is used by WinFax PRO was reported. This type of security flaw is fairly common with ActiveX controls, and effects many programs out there. Recently the same security risks were identified in Facebook & Yahoo Music ActiveX controls. The flaw allows a script (on a Web page that you visit) to execute a program on your computer. When these risks are identified, Microsoft releases a security update to the operating system that fixes these holes.

For this flaw to effect you, you’d have to 1) Have WinFax PRO, TalkWorks PRO or WinFax Basic Edition installed 2) be tricked to visiting a Web page set up with this exploit, and 3) click “Yes” to allow the ActiveX component to run (it is preferred that you don’t allow ActiveX components to automatically run, so beware and check your settings in IE)

We’ve tested the “proof of concept” test script in Internet Explorer and our AVG Anti-Virus detected it immediately and prevented the script from executing. However, one user commented to us that a carefully encoded script could bypass current Anti-virus detection. We’ve determined this Fax Viewer flaw effects all versions of WinFax PRO (from 8.0 to 10.04) and TalkWorks PRO (2.0 and 3.0) and all WinFax Basic Editions.

Symantec’s Security team response was they would not be updating the effected file since they discontinued sales and support of WinFax PRO in 2006.

How to protect myself?

We have included a free tool (WinFax Tools) which sets the “killbit” for this WinFax specific ActiveX control in the Windows registry. A “killbit” disables the WinFax ActiveX control from executing in Internet Explorer and Microsoft Explorer. This doesn’t effect the normal operation of WinFax PRO but will disable any custom written (WinFax SDK) applications that may use this WinFax Viewer Control from a Web page.

The Fix:

1. Click here to download WinFax Tools
2. Click the “No Operator Code” button when prompted
3. Click the “Fix Viewer DLL Security” button to set the “Killbit” for the WinFax ActiveX Control.
4. Click ”Yes” when prompted.
5. You’re done, and are now protected from this security risk.

This type of security flaw is common with many ActiveX components used in applications, not just WinFax. Facebook & Yahoo ActiveX controls have recently been indentified with the same risks. It always recommended to follow safe surfing practices, have anti-virus enabled and a firewall, keep your Microsoft Windows OS updated with the latest security patches released by Microsoft, don’t allow ActiveX controls to run automatically, and be aware of any ActiveX controls that you allow to run.

It’s possible that Microsoft will include a security update (which includes the Killbit) in the near future that would prevent the execution of this specific ActiveX control. We recommend you take action now, instead of waiting for Microsoft to release Killbit Security updates.   

 UPDATE March 2010: In a Windows XP update that was released February 9th, 2010, this security flaw was finally addressed. The actual update released by Microsoft is: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-008 – Critical Cumulative Security Update of ActiveX Kill Bits (978262).   If you have already downloaded this security update for Windows XP, then your system will already have the necessary ActiveX Kill bits set for the WinFax PRO ActiveX control.  You can still download WinFax Tools and check to see if the ActiveX kill bit was applied properly by Windows XP Update. If your system has the Killbit set, the WinFax Tools program will indicate it has already been applied.

Here are some links to interesting applications and technical articles on ActiveX controls and Killbits for those interested in learning more about “Killbits” and security issues with ActiveX controls.

Killbit Explorer application (lets you see all ActiveX controls that have killbits set.) http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/killbitexplorer

How to disable ActiveX controls from running in Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer http://support.microsoft.com/kb/240797

Article on ActiveX Controls and Security http://www.infoworld.com/d/security-central/security-pros-kill-activex-164?page=0,0

Symantec’s Official Report on this flaw http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/attacksignatures/detail.jsp?asid=23348

Note that Outlook 2007 is not compatible with WinFax PRO – you cannot use Outlook 2007 contacts with WinFax, and the fixes noted below do not resolve phonebook/contact compatibility issues with Outlook 2007 and WinFax PRO

There are three solutions to this problem

Solution #1

If you are a WinFax Forums premium member, you can download the file to fix this here:  Outlook Patch If you are not yet a member, you can find out more details on becoming a Premium Forum member http://www.getfaxing.com/services.htm#forums

NOTE: This does not delete your logs in WinFax PRO, it only removes the link in Outlook to your WinFax logs.  You can continue using your Outlook 2003 contacts in WinFax PRO. Outlook 2007 IS NOT SUPPORTED at all in WinFax PRO.

Solution #2

1. Start Microsoft Outlook 2003 or 2007
2. Click on File, Data File Management.
3. In the list, you will see “WinFax Logs“, if so, Select “WinFax Logs” from the list and click “Remove“.

4. Verify you selected “WinFax Logs” and then click “Yes” to confirm removal of the data-file.  (WARNING: Be sure you only select and remove the WinFax Logs folder)

NOTE: This does not delete your logs in WinFax PRO, it only removes the link in Outlook to your WinFax logs.  You can continue using your Outlook 2003 contacts in WinFax PRO. Outlook 2007 IS NOT SUPPORTED at all in WinFax PRO.

Solution #3

If you can’t perform the above steps because Outlook won’t start properly (crashes, hangs) after installing WinFax PRO 10.0x, then try the following steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Mail icon. (If the MAIL icon does not appear, try switching to CLASSIC VIEW)
3. Click on the Data Files button.
4. Select “WinFax Logs” from the list and click “Remove”. (If you are using Outlook 2007 you will need to click on the Data Files tab first.)
5. Verify you clicked ”WinFax Logs” and then click “Yes” to confirm removal of the “WinFax Log” data-file.   (WARNING: Be sure you only select and remove the WinFax Logs folder)

NOTE: This does not delete your logs in WinFax PRO, it only removes the link in Outlook to your WinFax logs.  You can continue using your Outlook 2003 contacts in WinFax PRO. Outlook 2007 IS NOT SUPPORTED at all in WinFax PRO.

A subscription to the WinFax Forums gives you access to all our WinFax Support forums, and includes use of our exclusive WinFax Tools application, download access to fax modem drivers and many other related WinFax downloads. For more details on subscribing to our service, please visit:  http://www.getfaxing.com/services.htm#forums 

1. Subscribe to WinFax Tools here with your Paypal account : http://www.getfaxing.com/services.htm#forums
2. Download WinFax Tools and save Winfax Tools to your desktop or other location.
3. Start WinFax Tools. Click “Check for Updates” to update WinFax Tools to the latest version (included with your subscription, enter your user id and password to access the download)
4. Click WinFax No Pages Fix. Click Yes to start the check. Click Yes to check compatibility settings. This option checks to ensure all the settings for WinFax are configured for Windows XP.
5. Click OK to the “Done processing” message.
6. Click Fix Viewer DLL Security button.  Click OK to continue. (NOTE: A Windows XP security update from April 2010 makes this option obsolete, but if you should NOT skip this step. If WinFax Tools detects the security update has already been applied by a Windows XP update, it will report this.)
7. Click “Fix Entry Problem” button. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Reboot computer.  NOTE: A reboot is necessary for the changes to be applied by Windows XP.
9. If you continue to experience problems, visit our forums at http://www.getfaxing.com/forums and post a message. A technician can provide you additional assistance. (Forums support is included with your subscription)