Fax Modem Drivers

Fax modem drivers can be tricky to navigate if unaware of how to install, run, and troubleshoot errors. The ability to use a fax modem is of great convenience and necessary in today’s high tech business whether running a home office or working at a facility. They are several simple tips that can help a struggling computer technician to make peace with a fax modem that may appear incompatible with the computer network or PC.

Description of Fax Modem Drivers

With every fax modem there are a set of unique instructions or software required directing the fax application to work with the other instructions on the computer. The fax modem driver gives instructions on how the fax modem should configure itself to work with the computer once a fax request is made.

First Look at Installation

The best case would be a plug and play hardware that instantly configures to the operation system installed on the computer. However if the fax modem is primarily for an older or different operating system then a fax modem driver is needed to reconfigure the two pieces of computer equipment. For example if the Windows XP is on the PC or network computers, then there are a variety of fax modem drivers already available to correct any problems.

The fax modem drivers can be installed for either an external or internal fax modem. Usually there is a self-detecting application on the PC, which can be used. However, to ensure proper installation selecting the following options will be beneficial.

For the Windows example, Click Start, Control Panel, and then Phone Modem Options tab.

Next select Add Modem and a wizard may pop up. Ignore the wizard and select Install a New Modem without choosing the self-detecting option. Next choose to Detect the Modem from a List option. In the List box a number of Modem options will appear. Select the option that matches to the fax modem driver you are installing. For XP this will initiate the automated steps to install your selected fax modem driver.

If another operating system requires different drivers the best source for simple to install drivers for fax modem is driverwhiz.com.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Most Common Problem:

The software does not recognize the fax modem.

The driver is not communicating with the operating system on your computer. Possibly an older fax modem driver is the default and needs to be rerouted.

Sometimes more than one modem has been setup with the network and the system is confused as to which driver to use with the modem currently installed.

If the setting on the communications port is not in sync with the driver, it will not transfer the right instructions. In this case verifying the COM port and the modem are linked will correct the issue.

The Windows line of operating systems has proprietary software already installed. If the modem being installed is not on the preselected list or somehow was removed, then it needs to be reinstalled. There are standard and compatible modems that will work with any software, once selected. This is where downloading the correct driver is important.