FAQ #: 31
Faxes and Emails (through VSI-Fax) are not being sent or received.
2. Review the VSI-Fax status display to see if the server is running and/or what errors it might be encountering. On the Windows server, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (or MS-DOS Prompt). A black window will come up. Type in the following command:
vfxstat (space) -t
*Please note that you do not type in the space*
If you are running an older version of VSI-Fax, prior to June 1998, you will need to type fxstat -t.This command will show you the status of the VSI-Fax server as well as any fax jobs that are pending. For pending fax jobs you will see the user who submitted the job, the number of attempts thus far to send the job, and the queued status of the job. Look for a line that gives the status of the default fax device "fax1". The line is similar to:
Device Comments State ---------- -------------------- ----- fax1 Sending Modem Idle The following status codes may be displayed. Based on the status code you receive, you can continue trouble-shooting the problem. Idle - This code means that the VSI-Fax server thinks itself to be running normally and simply waiting for more fax jobs to be delivered. As far as VSI-Fax is concerned, it is OK, without any problems. If you have an idle status, but your fax jobs are not being sent, you may try stopping and re-starting the VSI-Fax server. Not running, Modem Server Keeps Dying - This message means that VSI-Fax is having a problem communicating with the modem. When the VSI-Fax server is started, it checks to verify it's connection with the modem. Then, it will periodically check to verify that it still has a connection with the modem. This message means that upon the last check, there was no connection with the modem. First, try to stop and re-start the VSI-Fax server. Next, verify that the modem is turned on, and that the connection between the modem and the server is complete. The modem is normally plugged into the serial port on the back of the server. In some cases the modem may be plugged into the Equinox board. Regardless of how the modem is connected, make sure that the cables are connected tightly. If your server has more than one serial port, we normally use the first serial port for the modem. This is where your modem should be unless we have used another serial port for some reason. The only cause for this message is that the VSI-Fax server cannot find the modem. The most common cause is that the modem is turned off or the cable connecting the modem to the server is loose or that the modem is otherwise disconnected from the server. The modem does not have to be plugged into the phone line, only connected to the server. Disabled by Administrator - This message means that the adminstrator or root user has disabled VSI-Fax from sending any faxes. Normally, this is done so that the modem can be used for either dialing out on the internet, or to allow someone to use the modem to dial in. Fax jobs submitted to the server will simply wait until the sending mode is re-enabled and then they will be sent. Re-starting the fax server should correct this problem. Too Many No Dials or No Dial Tone - These messages usually mean a problem with the phone line. The first message of "too many no dials" can sometimes be corrected by stopping and re-starting the VSI-Fax server. However, the second message almost always means there is a problem with the phone line. First, verify the connection between the modem and the phone outlet. If your phoen system requires that you dial a number, such as 9, in order to reach an outside line, you might need to configure VSI-Fax to dial this pre-fix. Please see the topic on "Configuring VSI-Fax to dial an outside line" for specific instructions. You might also check the phone line with a regular phone to verify that there is a dial tone on the line and that you can place a call on the line. Phone line problems need to be reported to your phone carrier.