Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use EssentialFax on Windows 7?

Yes you can. EssentialFax has been tested on all variations of Windows 7 and is in use by many of our customers on Windows 7. Just get the download from here and install it on Windows 7.

Q: I currently use EssentialFax on Windows XP (or Vista) and plan to upgrade to Windows 7. How can I keep my existing faxes and phonebook? Will my serial number work on Windows 7?

If you currently use EssentialFax on Windows XP or Vista and are planning on upgrading to Windows 7, we have put together some notes that you might find helpful when upgrading to Windows 7.

You can use your existing EssentialFax serial number when installing EssentialFax on Windows 7. If you no longer have your serial number, see the next Q.

Q: I purchased EssentialFax but have lost my serial number - can you look it up for me?

Yes - please use our Serial Number Lookup Request form.

Q: Will my RKS Fax serial number work for EssentialFax?

Yes - serial numbers for RKS Fax currently work with EssentialFax. Please go to this page for more information.

Q: What are the Program Requirements? (what do I need in order to use EssentialFax?)

Program requirements:

Microsoft Windows Vista, XP or Windows 7(including the Home, 32-bit and 64-bit versions!).
A dialup faxmodem and telephone line.
Be sure to read this if you use cable or DSL, and this if you use VOIP such as Vonage, Magicjack or Skype)
The faxmodem must be a local faxmodem, not a shared network faxmodem

Q: Can I use most Windows programs to create and send a fax?

Yes. Most Windows programs use a standard way of printing. To create a fax, create your document in the program, and then print it and select the EssentialFax Printer as the printer.

There are three exceptions to this that we are aware of: there are some older copies of Quicken, Quickbooks, and. Paperport , which cannot print to the EssentialFax Printer. If you want to use print-to-fax with these programs, please test it out first.

Q: Can I create faxes with my scanner?

Yes you can - that is built right in to the EssentialFax program.

Q: Can I create a single page fax with EssentialFax, without scanning or printing? In other words, a simple cover sheet?

Yes. You can use a cover sheet by itself for a simple "cover sheet fax".

Q: How do I update my registered copy?

Please see the EssentialFax download page for complete information. It is a fairly simple process, and its free.

Q: Is EssentialFax a service? Are there ongoing fees?

No it is not a service. No there are no ongoing fees. Think of it as a fax machine that has been made into software. It works much the same way. You need a faxmodem and telephone line to dial out on. Phone costs including long distance are your responsibility.

Q: Can I use EssentialFax if I have Cable or DSL?

In most cases. Please read this informational page.

Q: What is my fax number?

As with a fax machine, you must provide the phone service and phone number. Essential Fax just communicates with your modem, which in turn is plugged into your telephone line. Think of it as a fax machine that has been made into software. The fax number, as with a fax machine, is the phone number of whatever outlet you are plugged into.

Q: Can I use one telephone line for both voice and fax?

Yes, but not both at once.

EssentialFax is not able to send or receive faxes while the telephone line is in use, nor can it differentiate between incoming voice calls or fax calls. This is just like a fax machine, which can only send or receive faxes while the phone line is free.

Q: Does EssentialFax use an internet connection?

No. EssentialFax works directly with the modem. It does not use your internet connection. EssentialFax dials out on you telephone line, just like a fax machine.

Q: Can I receive faxes when the computer is off, or when EssentialFax is not running?

Unlike email which is stored by your Internet Service Provider until you retrieve it, the telephone company does not provide any capability to store incoming faxes until retrieved. To receive a fax, the computer must be on, and the program must be running in Receive mode.

Q: Can I schedule faxes to be sent at a later time?

Not at this time.

Q: Does EssentialFax support sending faxes in batches?

Yes. Select the faxes you wish to send, and click the Send button.

Q: Does EssentialFax support sending the same fax to a group of people (also known as broadcasting or fax blasting)?

Not at this time.

Q: Can EssentialFax work on a network so that several people can use it?

No. It requires a local modem, and the software may not be shared.

If you have a question that is not answered here, feel free to send us an email. For technical questions, email support@essentialfax.com and for purchase or upgrade related questions, send email to sales@essentialfax.com.