I just installed a DSL line at work. I was told by Verizon that there would be no problem with using the phone line and the DSL at the same time. I hooked it up to my fax line, including the filter, and the internet was working fine right away. I checked the fax line and got a dial tone. I even called out from the fax line, no problem. But for some reason, I can't recieve faxes when the computer is on!

Has anyone else had this problem? Is it a cheap fax machine? Is this normal for DSL? Or did I hook something up wrong?

Double check the filter. It needs to be installed between the fax machine and the wall socket, and it needs to be the right way around.

I take it you can receive faxes when the computer is off?

I take it you can receive faxes when the computer is off?
Yes. Or if I turn of the modem, or disconnect the phoneline from the back of the modem.

My filter is on. I tryed changing it since they sent me four. I also tryed using two and even three filters in a row. No dice. Right now I'm turning off the modem when I'm not using the computer so I can recieve faxes.

The tech support guy said I might need a new modem. Serves me right for bragging about how surprisingly easy the DSL was to hook up.

Another modem would be worth trying, for sure. You might be able to borrow one, or buy one from a department store (with an appropriate returns policy ;)) and return it for a refund after testing.

What happens when you dial the fax number with the modem turned on and hooked up?
Do you get a busy signal? Or does the fax machine just not pick up?
If you hook up a regular phone instead of the fax machine, can the regular phone receive calls?

The phone rings once, then stops. This happens with the fax machine or a regular phone.

It sounds like a program on the computer is picking up the call.
Is there a fax program installed on the computer?

When calling, what do you hear? Is there some sort of beep or whistle that sounds like a fax machine?

I'm thinking it's the computer rather than the modem, since it's OK with the modem on and the computer off, right?

Good point. I wonder if the computer is, somehow, picking up the call? But there is basically no sound, maybe a little static after the one ring.

The only softwear on the computer is what came with it, plus the DSL stuff. Maybe I'll check with the tech support for the computer.

Good luck!

Thanks.

I've not had that problem when I used a DSL connection, it was possible to place a fax machine or answer phone through the phone socket on the filter and it wasn't interrupted by the computer being on.

The Filters themselves are made to split the signals for both sockets so that they shouldn't suffer from collision, this is why it's important to have the filter connected to the wall socket, otherwise it allows collision.

I think the usual problems that can occur with DSL is if you have more than one wall socket in your house and if they were properly connected beforehand or not. Every socket needs a filter, if you have a phone without a filter on one socket it might cause issues receiving calls.

The only other possibility is if your fax machine has been set to Tone or Pulse dialtones, since your DSL might be different from your initial phoneline in that sense.