How to Convert a Fax to eFax

Fax machines help you to conveniently share physical documents using a phone line. Unfortunately, you must be present at the fax machine to send and receive documents. Using an electronic fax, or efax, system, you can send faxes over the Internet using documents on your computer or on an online storage site. You can convert your physical fax machine to efax by transferring your fax number from your fax phone line to the efax and use the fax machine as a scanner, if possible, to upload physical documents into the computer.

• 1

  Call the provider that offers your fax phone service. Request a service cancellation and a transfer of your fax number to your efax service. Ask for the date of the transfer so that you know when you can set up your efax using the number.

• 2

  Unplug your fax machine data cord from the telephone jack. Test the scanner bed of your fax machine, if available. Your computer must be hooked up to the fax machine to scan documents--unlike the fax machine that operates without a computer attachment.

• 3

  Set up your efax account on the day your fax number transfer is scheduled to take effect. Let the efax representative know you are waiting for a same-day transfer. Log in to your efax account to set up your incoming fax preferences. The most common method of receiving faxes is via email. When faxes are sent to your phone number, the document will appear as an attachment to the email sent from your efax server. You can open the faxed document and save it to your computer or print a copy for your records.

• 4

  Scan a document into your computer. Upload it into your efax software. Type in the fax number of the recipient and click "Send."