I want to use the faxback service that Manheim car auctions operate to receive a list of lots the day before a sale, can any computer experts out there advise me how I can use my PC to dial out and receive the fax back. I have done a program search and can't find anything obvious, where can I get the software? How do I get it setup? thanks in advance
Ian
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I know this isn't possible with the BCA faxback service because the premium line faxback is a money-maker.
HJ
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I used to use WinFax a lot, but only for sending/receiving ordinary faxes, so couldn't tell you if it works with the faxback type:
www.symantec.com/region/reg_eu/product/winfax/winf...l
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I only tried it once (due to the fantastic expense), but the only way I could get it to work was by phoning the fax number on my phone extension, then, when I got the fax tone, hitting the "receive Fax" button on my fax software on the pc. Hang up the phone and Bob's your uncle. My fax software was, I think, TXFax, probably now long dead. I recall that when the bill came through it was about a fiver, so I gave up.
V
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I bet HJ is right about this being a moneyspinner. I guess they could just as easily have the listings uploaded to a website or set up an automated e-mail response system...but then it would earn nowt.
David
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the best thing for the company would be to have a website, and you would have to register and pay about £15 per month to be a member, i think this would be much better than using faxback.
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The method you mention is called "polling" in fax terminology. Start your fax programme, press F1 for help and search for that word. Should explain how to activate it.
The service still sounds like a scam (I remember forming a very negative view of AFN in Isleworth because they offer their Audi stocklist only through a premium rate fax line!)
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> The service still sounds like a scam (I remember forming a
> very negative view of AFN in Isleworth because they offer
> their Audi stocklist only through a premium rate fax line!)
I make no comment about the service provider of which you are talking.
However, I have seen these services elsewhere.
Premium Rate telephone call
Slow fax transmission to extend call time
Graphics added to extend call time
Only available at peak hours
Failed faxes resent
Faxes "accidentally" sent more than once
Additional and unsolicited information sent
Faxes with many, many more pages than you were expecting.
I would suggest that either you are careful, or you accept that it is going to be expensive.
As to how to do it, its pretty simple if you leave your PC switched on. However, you will deal with conflicts between the PC and your answer machine as to which should pick up the call when you are not there.
If you look for polling, as was suggested, and you also look in the same help for "Receive Faxes" you will find it is pretty straight forward.
However, there are subtle changes from software to software, so you need to look at your own in detail.
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Mark is absolutely right - never unwittingly accept polling, or reply to a FAX number, which uses a number starting "09".
The cheekiest junk FAX going the rounds in UK at present is the one asking you to FAX back your details - at premium rate - so that you can be added to the official register of those who do not wish to receive junk FAXs! Like they'd really take the action if you did reply.
Other similar scams abound, using premium rate numbers - asking for your details to be included in trade directories, or to be sent a brochure. For some reason, the information always has to be sent by FAX.
Ronnie
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Ladslow is right, but this wouldn't make anything like as much money for the auction house as the Faxback service. But BCA account holders can get the information via Auctionview and all you need to becaome an account holder is at elast £10,000 permanently in a bank account.
HJ
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