WinFax PRO Support » fax

Export WinFax phonebook service

admin — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:55:53 +0000

Do you have phonebooks stored in WinFax that you need exported to dBASE .DBF, Comma Separated Values .CSV, Comma or Tab delimited, or Microsoft Excel 2003/2007/2010 spreadsheet format? No longer have Symantec WinFax PRO installed to export the data? We can help. We can also convert your WinFax phonebooks for use with FaxTalk or Outlook ready format. You send us the original phonebook files, and we convert them to the format of your choosing. We can even repair a corrupted phonebook. Contact us for your specific needs

How to determine what version of Microsoft Word 2010 you are using.

admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:56:33 +0000

Since the introduction of the 64 bit operating system, Microsoft released two different versions of Office 2010. A 32 bit version (which is used my most, and is compatible with many of the existing Office add-ons) and the 64 bit version of Office 2010 for use with the newer 64 bit operating systems.

You may have a 64 bit version of Windows (Windows 7 x64) but this does not always indicate that you have a 64 bit version of Office 2010 installed. If you are not sure which version you installed, the following article will describe how you can determine the version you are using.

Why use the 32 bit version of Office 2010 if I have a 64 bit operating system like Windows 7 x64?

The advantage of using the 32 bit version (the default installation, and recommended installation from Microsoft) is that your existing add-ons and templates that are designed specifically for 32 bit operating systems will (or should) continue to work with Office 2010.

The advantage of using the 64 bit version of Office 2010 is that you can utilize more memory and handle larger documents within Office 2010. So, unless you’re normally dealing and working with large files of 2GB or more, Office 2010 64 bit isn’t going to give you any advantage over the 32 bit version.

The following Microsoft Engineering Blog has some good information on this, http://blogs.technet.com/b/office2010/archive/2010/02/23/understanding-64-bit-office.aspx

NOTE: You can’t run mixed 32 bit Office and 64 bit Office 2010 components (side by side). If you install Office 2010 64 bit, all your Office 2010 software will be 64 bit (Outlook 2010, Excel 2010, Word 2010 …) The same is true for the 32 bit version. If you have the 64 bit of Outlook 2010 installed, you must uninstall Outlook 2010 64 bit and install the 32 bit version to install any other Microsoft Office 2010 32 bit applications

If you’re using any of the following software products, you’ll require the 32 bit version of Office 2010.

Sending fax merges with the FaxTalk Fax Merge requires a 32 bit version of Microsoft Word 2010.
WinFax PRO with a compatible operating system (Windows XP, 2003) will function with 32 bit Microsoft Office 2010.
WinFax is not compatible with Outlook 2010 contacts.
FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro 8, FaxTalk Multiline Server 8 and FaxTalk Messenger Pro 8 require the 32 bit version of Outlook 2010 to use contacts**

** FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro, FaxTalk Multiline Server and FaxTalk Messenger Pro can fax using 64 bit or 32 bit Office 2010 products.

How to determine the version of Microsoft Office 2010 installed

If you are not sure what version you have installed, you can check by clicking FILE from the Word ribbon, and then click HELP.

A 64 bit or 32 bit version will be indicated in the dialog box as shown. (32 bit or 64 bit will appear after the version information)

WinFax PRO for Windows 7 x64 bit,Fake Torrents and counterfeit CDs

admin — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:40:04 +0000

We have noticed an increased number of links to fake (pirated/illegal) WinFax software. These links contain malware and viruses. We also noticed fake links to file torrents. There is no such product as WinFax for Windows 7 (x64). These are fake torrents and contain virus/malware. There is no version of WinFax software that will support any x64 operating system or Windows 7/Vista. Stay away from these links!

A Fake WinFax PRO 10.03 CD ROM in a paper sleeve

If you purchased WinFax software and have a questions regarding if it is fake or not, let us know and we can check it out for you. If you purchased a download of Symantec WinFax PRO, it is an illegal copy and could contain malware.

WinFax PRO is no longer being sold & distributed by Symantec and the only way to purchase a legitimate version is 2nd hand (used) or New Old Stock (NOS) from a retailer.

There are also counterfeit CDs in existance, and they are poor quality copies of the original. Don’t get ripped off by purchasing a WinFax PRO CD! The picture above is an image of an actual FAKE / COUNTERFEIT WinFax PRO CD. If in doubt, ask the seller to send you a picture of the actual CD they are selling. Compare it with the picture here. It is difficult to determine the fake from a real CD if you have never seen an authentic CD, but once you compare the two, the differences are easy to spot.

The first clue is if your CD contains the version of WinFax PRO. All official CDs will only list version 10.0 on the CD. Authentic CDs do not include version identifiers 10.02 or 10.03. This is not listed on the CD anywhere. Official CDs are on silver “shiney” surface where “WinFax PRO” is printed. A dull matte-finish is a fake CD.

: An authentic WinFax PRO 10.02 or 10.03 CD ROM

Here is an image of a real “10.02″ or “10.03″ WinFax PRO CD ROM. See that the silver portion is shiney, and the version has “10.0″ beside WinFax PRO. The fake version has 10.03 printed on the CD ROM.

Version 10.0 and Version 10.01 authentic CD ROMS have a different CD design and to our knowlege, counterfeits likely don’t exist for these versions.

What is a fax merge or mail merge?

admin — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:10:46 +0000

About FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word

FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word has two purposes, it allows you to send fax merges and it simplifies faxing from within Microsoft Word. Looking for Fax Merge for WinFax PRO click here.

Simplify Faxing from Microsoft Word

FaxTalk Fax Merge simplifies faxing from within Microsoft Word. For example, you can fax any open document in Microsoft Word via a fax icon, retrieve a fax number from a document automatically and add it to FaxTalk Send screen via built-in Word styles, automatically switch to the FaxTalk printer driver and switch back to your original printer when you are done. You can also set specific options for sending, such as setting a default resolution when sending faxes or printing a copy of your Microsoft Word document to your local printer every time you fax. However, the primary function and most powerful feature is performing fax merges.

What is a fax merge or mail merge?

Included with Microsoft Word is a feature called mail merge. A mail merge allows you to create a form letter that contains personalized information for the recipient. An example would be sending a payment reminders to customers with outstanding accounts, each letter would contain the name and address of the recipient, the payment due amount, and payment due date and any other information you’d like to include. While the main components of the letter will remain the same for everyone, the greeting, address, due date, amount or other information is personalized for the specific recipient. Printing and mailing these letters manually is easy enough, but stuffing envelopes and mailing is time consuming and expensive. This task can be accomplished with ease by faxing instead of mailing using the FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word. You can also use the FaxTalk Fax Merge for announcing new products, sending press releases, advertising, marketing & promotions, bulletins, newsletters and more.

A mail merge in Microsoft Word consists of two components, the template (for example, a letter), and a data source (a recipient list that contains names, addresses, phone numbers and any other personalized information.)

The template is the document you want to fax. It contains the body of the message along with placeholders which are replaced with the personalized data that you want to appear in the fax. The placeholders that appear in the document are linked to a data source. The data source is any type of database that can be linked to Microsoft Word. This includes a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, Outlook contacts, Hotmail Live Contacts, an Access database, dBase, SQL, and any ODBC connected database.

More info on FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word

Want to see it in action? We created a video showing an example of a fax merge using FaxTalk Fax Merge with Microsoft Word 2010/2007 here:

Video of FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word 2010/2007

WinFax PRO Remote Technical Support

admin — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 04:00:45 +0000

Get fast and professional support for Symantec WinFax PRO. We’re WinFax experts, we’ll setup, configure or repair any WinFax PRO installation or setup for you and have it ready to send and receive faxes again. If we cannot resolve your issue we’ll refund 100% of your service fee. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

We fix annoying and cryptic WinFax error messages.
We fix problems when WinFax suddenly shuts down or cannot start.
We fix problems printing or attaching files to WinFax PRO.
We can export, import WinFax faxes & WinFax phonebooks.
We fix misleading “Not enough disk space” error messages when copying or moving log entries.
We verify WinFax setup for use with Windows XP Service Pack 2 & 3.
We repair WinFax errors due to file corruption and failed installations.
We troubleshoot WinFax Send & Receive problems with your fax modem.
We repair WinFax Printer drivers with Windows XP/2000/2003
We can configure WinFax Fax Sharing across your network using Windows XP/2000/2003 (for Host & Clients)
ACT! phonebook integration (ACT! 6 or lower)
Fax merge and much more!

Our WinFax PRO Remote Support Service connects you remotely via a secure connection with a Symantec WinFax PRO™ expert to resolve almost any type of Symantec WinFax PRO™ related problem you might have. You connect to us via our secure Remote control software that we provide to you

Visit our Web site at : http://www.getfaxing.com/services.htm

Can a HP, Brother, Canon, Lexmark or Dell MFPs (Multi-function printer, scanner, fax) work with WinFax PRO?

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:10:05 +0000

This is a question we get quite often, there are many manufacturers (HP, Dell, Brother, Canon & Lexmark) that are combining a printer with a fax machine and scanner, these are called MFPs (Multi-function printers) or All-in-One Devices. These are common in small business and home office environments. These printers usually do come with some sort of “fax” software that is bundled when you install the drivers for the printer device. You can use these devices to send and receive faxes through your computer or directly as a stand-alone office fax machine (some even include a telephone handset). Unfortunately, the software that is bundled with these devices are basic and are limited in features. At the least, they usually have the ability to send and receive a fax, keep a records of faxes you’ve sent & received, and have the ability to print your faxes. We’re often asked if you can you use WinFax PRO or other software instead of the primative bundled software? The answer is usually and often No. The hardware & software designed for these multi-function printers are proprietary to the manufactuer, and the drivers included with the printer as specific to that model of printer. These multi-function printers are not considered “Fax Modems” and do not interface with the computer as a standard Class 1 or 2.x fax modem would. This is the reason that WinFax PRO and other fax software do not detect these devices.

You can still use these multi-function printers in conjunction with a fax modem and WinFax PRO. You can use the scanner feature to scan documents, and, of course, to print your faxes.

Microsoft Word 2010 or 2007 Add-ins or template no longer working, Macros are disabled message.

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:29:31 +0000

You’ve upgraded to Office 2010 or Office 2007 and now third party Microsoft Office Add-ins or templates fail to run, this includes the FaxTalk Fax Merge Macro for Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010. You may see the following error message when you attempt to activate the macro.You have confirmed that your security settings are properly configured, however the macro does not run.

“The macro cannot be found or has been disabled because of your Macro security settings….”

additionally, one the following error messages might also appear:

“Word has encountered a problem.”

or, when attempting to compile a VBA project:

“Object library invalid or contains references to object definitions that could not be found.”

If you have determined that this error is not due to any security settings you have configured in Office 2010 or 2007 Trust Center, then you may need to delete some temporary .exd files to correct this issue.

Close Microsoft Word (or other Microsoft Office product)
Click Start, and Run. Then type
%APPDATA%\MICROSOFT\FORMS
and click OK. This will open the folder where these .exd files are located.
Locate any files with .exd extension and delete them. These will be recreated as needed.
Restart Microsoft Word.

If all is well, no more macro error messages!

NOTE: This fix may not apply to “Click-To-Run” versions of Office 2010. Microsoft has acknowledged that some third party add-ins and templates will not function properly with “Click-To-Run” versions of Office 2010.

FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro (a WinFax PRO alternative)

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:10:34 +0000

Upgraded to Windows 7 or Windows Vista and require a replacement for WinFax PRO?

If you’ve upgraded to Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows 2008, you’ll find that WinFax PRO is no longer functioning properly. We’ve posted the technical reasons for this in some of our other articles, as an alternative, we recommend replacing your WinFax PRO software with FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro or another FaxTalk fax software product.

FaxTalk software is available in three different versions depending on your needs, FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro as a replacement to WinFax PRO for faxing, FaxTalk Messenger Pro, as a replacement for TalkWorks PRO (it is WinFax with voice support if you have the proper fax/voice modem) and FaxTalk Multiline Server (a networking fax software that supports up to 8 fax modems at once, a replacement for WinFax PRO Fax Sharing)

About FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro™

FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro is compatible with both 64 bit and 32 bit versions of Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2008 & 2003 Server, Windows XP and Windows 2000. The process of switching from WinFax PRO to the FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro fax software is made easier by the fact that the FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro fax software has a similar interface to WinFax PRO and operates in much the same way. Many of the standard fax operations you perform in WinFax PRO are also performed in the same manner in the FaxTalk, so you spend less time having to re-learn how to use your new fax software.

Using the advanced fax features included in FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro software you can send documents to any fax machine or email address. With FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro you have all the tools needed to manage your fax communications quickly, efficiently and easily. With easy-to-use, powerful fax features, FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro conveniently manages all of your faxes, both sent and received. FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro’s advanced fax capabilities eliminates the need for a stand-alone fax machine and turns your computer into a complete fax communications system. FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro provides you with a central place to store and manage your fax communications with tools to provide quick access to all of your fax information.

Some of the features of FaxTalk software include:

Fax from any application by clicking Print and selecting the FaxTalk printer driver.
Scan pages directly from your scanner.
Supports Super G3 Fax speeds with compatible Class 2.1 hardware.
Import WinFax PRO faxes and contacts/phonebooks (See Notes below) (*does not import WinFax cover pages)
Produce professional looking faxes with full preview and annotation.
Cover Sheet Designer with 9 included pre-designed cover sheets.
Access Microsoft Outlook (Outlook 2010 32 bit edition) contacts directly when sending faxes.
Forward received faxes by email. (as PDF, TIFF or proprietary .FAX format)
Operates as a network fax client for FaxTalk Multiline Server (for FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro or FaxTalk Messenger Pro)
Broadcast faxes to fax numbers and email addresses.
Fax Merge (personalize multiple faxes automatically) with Microsoft Word using optional FaxTalk Fax Merge software add-on.
Fax Merge compatibility with ACT! 2008, ACT! 2009, ACT! 2010 and ACT! 2011 using optional add-on called FaxAdmin.
Block the reception of unwanted junk faxes.
Developer Fax SDK to integrate FaxTalk with your custom software application. (Programming experience required)
Voice mail and Fax back capability with a compatible voice modem using FaxTalk Messenger Pro or FaxTalk Multiline Server software.

Importing WinFax data into FaxTalk

One of the nice features of FaxTalk is the ability to import existing WinFax PRO logs and phonebooks/contacts into FaxTalk. Logs (the Send Log, Receive Log and any other message stores/sub folders you created in WinFax PRO) can be imported into FaxTalk and the fax images are automatically converted to a format that can be used in FaxTalk. Logs that are imported are stored in a folder in FaxTalk called the File Cabinet. The File Cabinet works like the Attachments folder in WinFax. FaxTalk cannot import WinFax archive (.WFA) backups, so to be able to import you need to have WinFax PRO on the same system and it must be installed before you can perform the import in FaxTalk. This can pose a problem if your old computer has WinFax, and your new computer is Windows 7 (or another operating system) with FaxTalk installed. Fortunately, there is a workaround for this. You can install a trial version of FaxTalk on the older computer, and then perform the import into the trial version of FaxTalk. Once the import is completed, you can then save a backup using the FaxTalk Backup option. Performing a backup creates an archive file with a .FTA extension. You can then copy this .FTA file created from the trial version to the new computer. At the new computer, you perform a restore (using the FaxTalk Backup Tool) and point to the .FTA file. to restore the phonebooks and logs.

Fax Blast using FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word

If you need to send multiple faxes with personalized information on each fax, you need the FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word. This allows you to use your contact database to send personalized faxes easily. Automate your faxing from Microsoft Word™ and FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro, FaxTalk Messenger Pro or FaxTalk Multiline Server. Fax broadcast from your Windows desktop by using the power of FaxTalk Fax Messenger and the FaxTalk Merge Macro for Microsoft Word. You can send faxes directly from Microsoft Word by clicking an icon. Select your prepared mail merge document with a data source, click on Send a Fax merge, select your recipients & optional cover sheet and click Merge. Send a few faxes or thousands of faxes, directly from Microsoft Word.

The FaxTalk Fax Merge is available separately as an add-on, or can be bundled together with the FaxTalk product of your choice at a discounted price.

Bundle with the FaxTalk Fax Merge for Microsoft Word

Compatible with Microsoft Word 2010 (32 bit edition only), Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Word 2003 and Microsoft Word XP

Below you can view a video that shows the basics of sending a “fax blast” fax merge using Microsoft Word 2010 (32 bit edition) and FaxTalk Multiline Server (the operation is exactly the same with FaxTalk FaxCenter Pro or FaxTalk Messenger Pro, and Microsoft Word 2007)

You can order or download a trial version here http://www.getfaxing.com/faxtalk

Requirements for FaxTalk software:

Compatible Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2008, Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000)
Compatible Class 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 2.1 fax modem. (Internal or External models)
Compatible Voice/Fax Modem for voice features of FaxTalk Messenger Pro or FaxTalk Multiline Server
Compatible version of Microsoft Word for the FaxTalk Fax Merge option. (Word XP/2003/2007/Word 2010 32 bit edition)
Microsoft Word 2010 Starter Edition is not compatible. 64 bit version of Office 2010 is not compatible.

WinFax PRO and Windows Server 2003/Windows Server 2008

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:32:31 +0000

One of the main components of WinFax PRO is its printer driver, the printer driver allows you to fax from other applications. Without this driver, you cannot send faxes from other applications. WinFax PRO is crippled without the installation of the included printer (WinFax) driver, without it, all you can fax are single cover pages that are built into WinFax.

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.

WinFax PRO clients with NET SatisFAXtion fax server software

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:05:51 +0000

Notice to WinFax PRO users that are using WinFax PRO clients with NET SatisFAXtion server software and are considering upgrading to version 8.5 or 8.6.

FaxBack has recently released version 8.6 of NET SatisFAXtion server software. WinFax PRO client support has been completely omitted in the documentation of versions 8.5 and 8.6. The last version that mentioned the ability to connect WinFax as a client was version 8.1.

We couldn’t find any upgrade warnings in the 8.5 or 8.6 upgrade or administration documentation for users that could possibily upgrade only to find they now have a bunch of client software that won’t connect to NET SatisFAXtion anymore.

It’s obvious that the WinFax client feature has been depreciated since version 8.1, but it’s possible that WinFax PRO clients are still “unofficially supported” in versions 8.5 and 8.6 with use of the latest WinFax Connector.

If you have any additional details regarding compatibility with these versions please let us know. We contacted FaxBack directly and received a reply that WinFax PRO connector had not been supported since version 8.0 (while we found a WinFax Connector update released about 2 years after the release of 8.0? and 8.1 mentions it in the documentation.

We do know that NET SatisFAXtion version 8.0 will be retired December 31, 2009.

Windows 7 and Symantec WinFax PRO

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:01:47 +0000

Unfortunately, like Microsoft Vista, Windows 7 is not compatible with WinFax PRO due to some of the changes made to the operating system. With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft has acknowledged that many are still using legacy Windows XP applications, like WinFax PRO, and require a method to run these applications on a Windows 7 based PC. A possible solution to run these legacy “XP” applications on your Windows 7 desktop is a feature that is available in some versions of Windows 7 called Windows XP Mode.

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

How to detect a counterfeit WinFax PRO 10 CD ROM

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:12:35 +0000

Don’t get duped into buying a counterfeit WinFax PRO 10 CD ROM. Here is how you can tell the difference from a “real” CD ROM and the obvious fakes. If you purchased your Symantec WinFax PRO with a box and manual, chances are it is the genuine item. If you purchased a “loose” CD ROM, usually referred as “OEM”, then you should check for the following:

Symantec never included the actual revision of WinFax PRO 10 (10.01,10.02 or 10.03) on the CD ROM. So, if your WinFax PRO CD ROM says “WinFax PRO 10.03″ its a fake. All genuine WinFax PRO 10 cd’s contain the heading ”WinFax PRO 10.0″
If you see text with “winFAX” or “Live Update” anywhere on the CD its a fake. The official Symantec trademarks are ”WinFax” and “LiveUpdate”, no other variations of this text should appear on the CD ROM.
Failure to capitalize ”symantec” and “corporation”.
An “All rights resverd” spelling error, or other spelling errors.
Incorrect font used for WinFax PRO and Symantec logo. The current Symantec logo is consistant across all software they produce.
Silver portion of CD is a (dull) matte finish, on the real CD it is relective (mirror surface).
To determine if the CD is brand new and sealed – geniune WinFax PRO 10 CD’s come in a white envelope sleeve that are sealed with a sticker that may have one or more of the following: a bar code, a Symantec 5 or 6 digit product code, a brief license agreement.
In most cases, manufacturer information is printed on the inner rim of the CD ROM of genuine CD’s. This is usually missing on a counterfeit.
Update patch 10.04 is not included on genuine CD ROMs. Any CD that contains the patch update to 10.04 is a counterfeit.

Example of a counterfeit CD ROM and genuine WinFax PRO 10 CD ROM. Notice the differences in the mirror surface, the Symantec logo, and different font types. The counterfeit contains ”10.03″ version, something that is not printed on the genuine CD. You’ll also probably see manufacturer information around the inner rim of the genuine CD ROM. This is likely to be missing on the counterfeit WinFax PRO CD.

This is a counterfeit poor quality copy of WinFax PRO 10.03 that appears to be created on a home deskjet printer. Note the non-reflective matte finish on the CD ROM.

Here is the original design of the WnFax PRO 10 CD ROM used for North American releases of WinFax PRO 10.0 and WinFax PRO 10.01. This has a different design, yellow with silver (reflective) images. This version uses the older style Symantec logo.

This image on the left is an example of a genuine WinFax PRO 10.0 or 10.01 CD ROM. Symantec updated most of its design & software boxes when they changed logo designs. Version 10.02 and 10.03 use the updated design & Symantec logo. This design also uses a reflective mirror finish on portions of the CD ROM. Lack of reflective mirror finish would indicate a counterfeit CD, or a version with the 10.04 update included on the same install CD would indicate a counterfeit.

Installing the WinFax PRO 10.04 update

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:51:31 +0000

WinFax PRO 10.04 update is a patch file released from Symantec in 2005 that updates the Fax Sharing features of WinFax PRO. After the patch is applied, the following WinFax PRO 10.03 files are updated in the WinFax installation folder:

About.cfg
ISUtil.dll
UNINSTAL.DLL
WFXCTL32.EXE (2 different versions depending on operating system)
WFXRES32.DLL
WFXIFWPP.DLL
WPHOST.WPI

The update should only be applied to WinFax PRO 10.03 (North America) version, and is recommended only if you are using the Fax Sharing feature where one or more client(s) are using Windows XP.

We do not recommend installing this patch for any other purpose, as it does not solve any other issues. If you’re having a problem with WinFax not related to fax sharing under Windows XP, then this update will not fix it. If you are using version 10.03 and do not use fax sharing, this update is not recommended. Do not install this update overtop any other version of WinFax, or any non-English language version of WinFax.

Symantec’s instructions to download and install WinFax PRO 10.04 update is available here: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/faxprod.nsf/docid/2004113014595304

TCP and UDP Ports for WinFax PRO or TalkWorks PRO Fax Sharing

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:42:55 +0000

WinFax PRO and TalkWorks PRO does not use fixed TCP or UDP ports when using Fax or Message Sharing. Fax Sharing is accomplished using Microsoft DCOM technology. DCOM dynamically assigns one TCP port and one UDP port to each executable process serving DCOM objects on a computer. DCOM initially uses Port 135, once this connection is established, other ports are used. To ensure proper Fax Sharing, you need to ensure port 135 is not blocked and that wfxctl32.exe process is not blocked in your firewall or anti-virus settings.

WinFax PRO WFXCTL32 caused an invalid page fault in module WFXIFWPP when connecting to a Fax Sharing host

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:38:31 +0000

Error: WFXCTL32.EXE caused an invalid page fault in module WFXIFWPP.DLL when connecting to a WinFax PRO or TalkWorks PRO Fax Sharing host.

Versions of WinFax affected: Confirmed with all versions of WinFax PRO 9.0x, WinFax PRO 10.0x and TalkWorks PRO 3.0. This error only exists on a fax sharing client, when connecting to a fax host.

This error occurs when a Fax Sharing client connects to a Host, and displays the Received Fax Dialog box. This dialog box contains a selection list box from the Host computer containing the Fax Message information, including the number of pages, the Remote CSID, the type of message (fax or voice), and the date & time the message was received. This data is stored internally as comma delimited format. If a Remote CSID contains a comma, the list is becomes shifted and is positioned in the list box incorrectly. Lack of error conditions in this module causes the error message in to fault in module WFXIPWPP.DLL

Solution/Workaround:

To correct this problem, you need to view the Host receive log and examine any received faxes that have a Remote CSID that contain a comma. You need to remove these specific faxes from the Receive log (either delete them, or move them into another folder).

If these faxes are being received from within your own organization, you can prevent future occurances of this error by remove any comma’s from the CSID’s in the fax machines, or software that you use within your organization. Unfortunately, you cannot control other fax machines that you receive from, so any other fax machine you receive from with a comma is the CSID will trigger this error.

What is a Remote CSID (also called a TSID)?

This is the data that the caller has entered in the fax machine, or fax software that identifies that specific fax machine. Usually, this information contains the fax number but sometimes can also contain a text message, like a company or department name. If the CSID (or the TSID) contains a comma, this triggers the error in WinFax. This is a flaw that was not fixed by Symantec, expecting that a CSID would never contain a comma.

Internet Fax with your own fax number for only $1.00 a month.

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:12:47 +0000

Your own dedicated incoming fax line for $1.00 a month ($12.00 a year) Yes it is true. Forget those other services that charge $10 to $20 a month! Available in the USA and Canada!

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If you want to be able to send and receive faxes, the service is $2.95 a month and includes unlimited incoming faxes. Sent faxes are charged at a per page rate , in USA/Canada the current rate is 2.5 cents per page.

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WinFax PRO Security Update for ActiveX control

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:58:42 +0000

An ActiveX security flaw has been detected in the WinFax PRO Viewer Control. This bulletin applies to the following versions of WinFax:

WinFax PRO 8.0x
WinFax PRO 9.0x
WinFax PRO 10.0x
TalkWorks PRO 2.0x
TalkWorks PRO 3.0
WinFax Basic Edition (all versions)
TalkWorks Basic Edition (all versions)
Delrina Fax (French release, version 8.0x and above)

More details on this security flaw by clicking here

Symantec has released this official Security Bulletin for WinFax PRO, technical details can be found at Symantec’s Web site

If you use a Norton product for security, such as Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security 2009, this threat is detected with current definitions. Other security software from other vendors may also detect this threat.

Regardless of the type of security you are using, We recommend setting the KillBit for this specific ActiveX control to always prevent it from activating. Setting this KillBit does NOT effect the normal operation of WinFax PRO.

This is recommended if you have or do not have an installation of WinFax PRO.

If you have prior experience in setting a KillBit in the Windows registry, the CSLID for the WinFax PRO Viewer Control is {C05A1FBC-1413-11D1-B05F-00805F4945F6}

or, you can use our tool to do this for you, download our Free version of WinFax Tools. Click “Fix Security DLL” button and the KillBit will be set automatically.

UPDATE: 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 confirm if the ActiveX kill bit was applied properly by this Windows XP Update. If your system has the Killbit set, the WinFax Tools program will indicate it has already been applied.

WinFax, Super G3 and the speed of fax.

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:23:16 +0000

Why are faxes so slow to complete when sending or receiving?

This is a common question that isn’t always easy to answer without more details on the specific fax pages you’re actually sending or receiving. There is a possibility that transmission errors can cause pages to be re-transmitted, increasing the overall send and receive time. In addition, there are compatibility issues with specific types of fax devices, where the maximum fax speed may be limited due to different fax specifications such as v.34, v.32bis and v.17 (more on this later.)

WinFax and the maximum fax transmission and reception speed.

The truth is, all fax transmissions are slow when compared with today’s high speed internet. The maximum speed you can receive and send with WinFax PRO is 14.4kbps (14,400bps), regardless of the type of fax modem you use. This is a fax specification that is called v.17. You can send a 50 page Word document via e-mail in seconds, while that same 50 page document would take almost an hour to fax using a v.17 fax.

Super G3 and v.34 fax

Some newer office fax machines support something called Super G3 (also called v.34bis), and an older fax standard called v.34, both with transmission speeds of 33.3kbps and 28.8kbps respectively. However, most consumer grade fax modems that you buy for your computer don’t support Super G3 or v.34.

Both Super G3 and v.34 fax are not supported by WinFax PRO, even if WinFax did support the newer Super G3 standard, chances are you don’t have the fax modem hardware to be able to take advantage of it. Super G3 is usually reserved for higher-priced office fax machines and higher-end fax modem cards. Usually, large and medium sized businesses may have a Super G3 Fax machine, but many are still using fax machines and devices that support the older v.17 standard at 14,400bps. About 3 out of 10 fax machines support the Super G3 specification.

If you use a Super G3 Fax, your maximum speed is 33.3kbps — that’s less throughput then standard telephone based dial-up internet access! Now that’s not so Super speed, but it does cut the transmission time in half when compared to v.17 fax, and also the initial connection and disconnection times are reduced in Super G3 Fax. To see the benefits of a Super G3 Fax machine, you must communicate with another Super G3 Fax machine or compatible device.

The good news is its all compatible, so a Super G3 Fax Machine can talk with other types of fax machines, including a WinFax equipped computer. The lowest speed of the two machines fastest speed is the transmission speed that is set during the initial connection.

Average time to send or receive a fax page

The time it takes to send or receive a fax is based on the actual content of the fax, and how that fax is compressed during the transmission. On average, a single page will take approximately 1 minute to transmit at the WinFax maximum 14.4kbps speed (about 1/4 the speed of the fastest dial up modem internet connection).

That time will increase considerably if the fax image includes photographs, or complex images on the page. A fax with continuous white-space can be sent or received much faster when compared to faxes with a lot of text and graphics, usually a single fax page with a lot of white-space can be transmitted under 45 seconds. A lot of this time is consumed at the initial connection, start of a new page, and disconnection portions of the transmission.

How to speed it up

If you are concerned about the time it takes to send a fax. I recommend reducing the quality of the fax transmitted by sending pages in “Standard” or “Low” resolution. This can be configured in WinFax setup, under the Send options. This can reduce the sending time of faxes by as much as 50%, but the quality of the fax that is received on the other side suffers. If you use a Class 1 fax modem, you can also turn on the High Speed and 2D Compression options. You do not have this option with a modem configured as a Class 2 or 2.0 fax modem in WinFax PRO.

When receiving faxes, you do not have control how they are received, if a fax is transmitted by the sender to you in high resolution, you will receive the fax in high resolution and it may take additional time to receive it. If two 14,400 bps machines are connecting, the entire fax transmission speed should be 14,400 bps unless there are some problems with the connection. Speeds such as 9,600 bps, 4,800 bps and 2,400 bps are also possible during error conditions. There are also 9,600 bps fax machines, so you may be receiving from an older fax machine where the maximum speed is 9,600 bps and it may be a normal condition.

Conclusion

Faxes are slow when compared to todays high speed internet access, regardless of the fax specification you’re using. There is nothing you can do about this limitation. Computers don’t normally come bundled with a fax modem that support Super G3 (Class 2.1 type fax modem), so you can’t take advantage of the speed increase unless you spend money on an expensive fax board and use software that will support the Super G3 specification.

At the time of the writing of this article, we found a reasonably priced hardware based internal PCI and PCI express fax modem that also supports Super G3 (Class 2.1), the MultiTech Multimodem ZXP. Multitech has been in the fax modem business for many years, and are known for reliable products. They are one of the few manufacturers that produce an internal Super G3/Class 2.1 fax modem.

If you use this fax modem with WinFax, it will not support the Super G3 fax setting, you will have to configure this fax modem as a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 2.0 fax device.

Using two / dual fax modems with WinFax

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:38:49 +0000

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.

WinFax install setup screen repeats in start up after a reboot

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

When you reboot your computer, the WinFax PRO configuration wizard setup screen appears. You need to cancel or complete the setup to continue using the computer. The next time you reboot the computer, this setup appears again. This error can be easily fixed with WinFax Tools. To repair this problem follow these steps:

Start WinFax Tools
Click on Install & Setup Tools button.
Click on Fix Start Up Errors button.
Click YES, WinFax will automatically close if active.
Click OK to any messages that appear.
You’re done.