Posted by Robert/VA on 8/7/08 9:42pm
Msg #259228

Fax options other than MFC

I seem to be having much trouible with faxing with my Brother Multi-Function Fax machine. Does anyone use Windows Vista for faxing? Do you have to "scan" the outgoing docs first, then connect via the computer modem? What about the full-blown fax programs that are for sale? I am very, very frustrated trying to fax the "traditional" way, via my Brother MFC...the connection seems to bomb out after the first page or so......Verizon has been out twice to check my line, they report no trouble...but I do receive a printout of "poor line condition". Any help here is appreciated!

Reply by bhb/VA on 8/7/08 10:13pm
Msg #259231

Have you tried plugging the fax line into another jack? n/m

Reply by Norman Tasey on 8/7/08 10:31pm
Msg #259232

I have a Brother MFC-8440 and run Windows XP Professional. What a nightmare with repeated messages when attempting to fax. I received the same message, "poor line connection". I use Comcast as my internet and phone subscriber and their tech reps told me it was my Brother unit, not the phone line. I recommend you try a portable fax unit and see if you get the same message.

We have 4 different fax units and all 4 couldn't fax from my line. My problem eventually cleared and I have no idea how!

I don't scan the pages, I just fax traditionally.

I can only tell you that one day the fax starting functioning and I have not since received the "poor line connection" message.

Reply by Robert/VA on 8/7/08 11:08pm
Msg #259234

Thanks Norman,

I also suspect the Brother MFC is the fault. I''ll try a stand-alone fax to se if there's a difference.

Thanks again......

Bob

Reply by ZeeCA on 8/8/08 12:20am
Msg #259240

they prob magically fixed the line. I n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/8/08 1:35am
Msg #259244

<<I use Comcast as my internet and phone subscriber and their tech reps told me it was my Brother unit, not the phone line.>>

Back in the 80s I was a telecom manager with responsibility for more than $3M in telecom lines and equipment. About the only thing that has NOT changed since then is that they all still are notorious for blaming the other guy! It's *never* their problem... In those days, I used to insist on a "meet", to bring both of their techs together to fight it out and get it fixed. Unfortunately, that was costly and not necessarily practical for us little guys.

I guarantee you that if it just "magically fixed itself", it was their problem all along and one of their techs finally found the line problem and got it fixed. Your hardware or inside wiring didn't just fix themselves! This is not intended as a criticism of Comcast; they all do the same thing. I guess you can only be grateful that it finally cleared.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/8/08 9:29am
Msg #259265

I used to have a buzzing hum on my land line, would call phone co to come and fix. They would get rid of it, but then my neighbor would have the buzzing hum. So she would call, they would fix, and guess who got it next? one day, we both called after comparing notes, and when they came to fix they found the problem up the street. Whether up the street got the problem next, we don't care - we no longer have it.

Reply by LKT/CA on 8/7/08 11:26pm
Msg #259237

I have a Brother MFC 9420CN and have no problems faxing. I put the document face up, dial 1-area code-number and hit Start. Goes through no problem. I have Windows Vista and Earthlink DSL.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 8/7/08 11:51pm
Msg #259238

I'd bet it is the line itself.

I had alot of trouble with Verizon.
Why don't you learn to use that scanner?
It is 1000% better than faxing, faster, smoother,
making it more effective...and no pesky dsl poor line condition error messages, lol.

Reply by ZeeCA on 8/8/08 12:19am
Msg #259239

No prbs with my MFC... did you try swapping out the connect

ion cords (phone, usb?)

Reply by Dawn/PA on 8/8/08 4:57am
Msg #259247

I downloaded a free trial of RKS fax (www.rkssoftware.com) totally compatiable with Vista. I have an older Brother MFC that wouldnt redial and was a PITA with larger faxes. You do have to scan it in and then use your computers modem to fax so it does add to your work. The upside is you have what you fax stored on your computer. I think the purchase price was around $20 after the free trial.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 8/8/08 7:20am
Msg #259253

Online fax service

I have a Brother 8220 and use it to scan the docs into an email for online fax service. Works like a charm and costs me only about $10 a month. Cheaper than having a dedicated line ($40 a month) for it. That way I get a confirmation of delivery, and have the docs ready for email if there are problems at the other end with their fax. I and send the docs as an attachement to the individuals email.
I am finding that my contacts often prefer that they get any faxes in their emails. You have to ask because they don't expect that option.

Reply by ZeeCA on 8/8/08 8:35am
Msg #259262

RE: STAMPER: If you are scanning them in why not just pdf

the file as an EM attachment instead of paying for a fax service since they are already scanned in to your computer?

Reply by thnotary_NY on 8/8/08 7:39am
Msg #259258

I've got the Brother 8860MFC and haven't had any problems with the outgoing fax. Check to make sure you have enough memory, I even added to mine. If it's something that has just started, then maybe you should have the machine checked out.