asked on

Fax printer DC

Microsoft docs say I can obtain fax device context using FaxStartPrintJob(), then StartPage(), write data to the DC, EndPage() and EndDoc() to send the fax. This doesn't work at all. Each of these functions returns 'success'. Windows Fax and Scan will fax a TIFF file (MS docs say ANY file type, but not true). The fax printer shows no errors. I'm using Windows 7 and VS-2010. Has anyone ever made this work?

Member_2_5069294

Does FaxStartPrintJob return a DC in the FAX_CONTEXT_INFO structure?

PacificaResearch

ASKER

Yes, FaxStartPrintJob returns a DC which I've used in StartPage, EndPage and EndDoc. These functions give no errors with that DC, but no results either.

PacificaResearch

ASKER

Of course, I put test data, using TextOut(), between the StartPage and EndPage.

Member_2_5069294

So when you say no results, how are you seeing the results? Do you get a blank fax document?

PacificaResearch

ASKER

No blank fax document. If I open the Windows fax printer (devices and printers->see what's printing), I get a window with Inbox, Outbox, Sent Items, etc. In the Sent Items is a list of faxes I sent using the Windows Fax and Scan dialog box, which seems to work. But only with TIFF files.
I would expect to see my efforts with StartPage, EndPage, EndDoc appear in this Sent Items list. I would also expect my fax modem to light up and dial. Nothing happens.

Member_2_5069294

Then my next line of thinking would be the FAX_PRINT_INFO structure. How are you initialising it?

I suspect TIFF's work because they already contain fax compressed data. Maybe you need to give it monochrome 1 bit files. Please try the two files I've attached. What other types have you tried?
bumpsf.bmp
jello.tif

PacificaResearch

ASKER

I used windows Fax and Scan to fax the two files. The .bmp file gives this error:

"The file C:\temp\bumpsf.bmp cannot be attached to your fax"
"Message. Click on help to find out more about Attaching Files."

The .tif file appeared to fax (no errors, fax modem showed data going out), but after 8 minutes no fax was received at the other end. When I canceled, 1/2 page was received.

Here is a simple Win32 console app that should send a fax, but fails in the same way that my program fails. It's compiled in Visual Studio 2010 and executed on Windows 7.

#include "stdafx.h"
#include "winfax.h"

int _tmain(int argc, _TCHAR* argv[])
{
short s;
FAX_PRINT_INFO fpi;
FAX_CONTEXT_INFO fci;
DWORD jobID;
HDC faxDC;
char scr[1000];

      memset(&fpi,0,sizeof(fpi));
      fpi.SizeOfStruct = sizeof(FAX_PRINT_INFO);
      fpi.SenderName = "Pacifica Research";
      fpi.RecipientNumber = "17603448952";
      fpi.RecipientName = "Pacifica Research";
      fci.SizeOfStruct = sizeof(FAX_CONTEXT_INFO);
      s = FaxStartPrintJob(NULL,&fpi,&jobID,&fci);
      faxDC = fci.hDC;
      s=StartPage(faxDC);
      strcpy(scr,"You can print a report with parameters set to a range where the record should be included.");
      strcat(scr,"\rPrint the report to the screen, find the record in the report and click to drill-down");
      strcat(scr,"\rto the record. You can use the report writer to design reports with drill-downs just");
      strcat(scr,"\rso it's simple to list the records that you want to see.");
      s=TextOut(faxDC,20,20,scr,strlen(scr));
      s=EndPage(faxDC);
      s=EndDoc(faxDC);
      s=DeleteDC(faxDC);
      return 0;
}

Every function executes successfully, but the fax modem doesn't respond and no fax is sent. Nothing appears in Fax and Scan.

Member_2_5069294

Looks OK to me, try specifying a DocName. I know that some of the Windows APIs are very picky about data in structures. They often refuse to do anything if you don't give them all the information. If you attach a phone to the fax line and dial the number exactly as shown, does it reach a fax machine? The code shown doesn't select a font into the DC before calling TextOut, so I guess it would use a default font and the default mapping mode.

PacificaResearch

ASKER

The fax machine answers when I dial the exact number manually.

I added a DocName ("Fax Report"). It made no difference.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

PacificaResearch

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

PacificaResearch

ASKER

Wasn't really a solution. Some machines work, some don't. That appears to be a weakness/defect in Fax & Scan or related functions in Windows.