Symantec Winfax 10.0 Fax Sharing Problems with XP Service Pack 2
In recent weeks Sejours Ltd have had calls from users who are having Winfax problems after installing Windows XP Service Pack 2.

The specific error message is that when trying to install a Winfax hosting server, or a Winfax sharing client the user receives the error message "Cannot connect to Server (Reason: The RPC Server is Unavailable)" like the error message below.


Winfax 10 RPC fax sharing error message

Sejour Ltd must remind customers that this is a Symantec Winfax 10.0 problem, and not a problem with our Sejours Office Automation Software, which operates with no problems under Service Pack 2.

However, we have researched the problem and have some information for our customers.


The Problem with Norton Winfax under XP Service Pack 2

This error message above is being shown because Norton Winfax uses a Windows RPC service that is blocked by the new security features in Microsoft's XP Service Pack 2.

Users have the difficult choice of either
  • Not installing XP Service Pack 2
  • Removing the security settings in Service Pack 2, by installing a Symantec Winfax "patch"
  • Finding alternative fax sharing software
Sejours are of the opinion that users would be better off choosing new Fax sharing software, rather than installing the Winfax 10.0 patch.

However, the final decision rests with the system administrator of your company, and should you wish to use the Symantec Winfax "Fix" then you can follow the instructions below.

The first installation will probably take you about 30 minutes to 60 minutes depending on your experience.

Later installations can take as little as 15-20 minutes!!

Sejour Ltd would remind customers that they install the Symantec Winfax "Fix" at their own risk.

Furthermore, the Symantec Winfax 10 fix does not work on computers running IIS.


Installing Norton Symantec's Winfax 10.0 Fix

Winfax users should use the Automatic Update feature of Winfax to make sure they have the latest version of their software.

This is best carried out by visiting the Symantec technical support home page, and using their "Automated Support System". Note:
  • You will need Administrator Priviledges
  • You will have to install two ActiveX modules
  • You may have to Restart the Computer, and repeat the update process many times to be sure that you have all the available updates.
The Installation of the Symantec Fix occurs in 3 Parts.


PART 1 of 3

The url for Symantec's support pages is http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/ (opens in a new window).

A typical installation sequence is shown below:

Symantec Technical Support Home Page Choose - Access Free Online Support Select Automated support Assistant Install the ActiveX module
Open the website link in your browser. Select - "Access Free Online Support" Select "Automated support Assistant" Install the ActiveX module
Install Live Update Scan Computer for Software Fixes Click yes to install live update Select "Download Lusetup"
Click "yes" to complete installation of ActiveX Scan for Updates You will be told you have an old Live Update software Choose "Download lusetup.exe"
Save and run updated "Live Update" Save and run lusetup.exe Installation of Lusetup.exe You should now restart your computer!
Save the lusetup.exe file to disk Install the new live update facility. If all goes well you will recieve this message.  

Now Winfax fax sharing may work on some Symantec Versions, if not continue to Part 2.


PART 2 of 3

In any case you should run Winfax Live Update, to look for available patches to Winfax.

The process runs as follows:

Choose Live Update Run Live Update
Start Winfax and open the "Liveupdate Menu". Run the Liveupdate until there are no more updates available.
Remember you will need to restart the computer after each update.

Repeat this until there are no more updates available.



PART 3 of 3

If the fax sharing still doesn't work, then there is a Winfax 10.04 patch available from Symantec's website at  http://service.symantec.com/wfx1/

This final installation looks like this:

Symantec Support website Tick "Yes" and continue
Read the warning very carefully before clicking on the "Agreement Form" Read the disclaimer before deciding to click "Yes" and continuing.
Save the patch file Install the Winfax Patch
Make a note of the PASSWORD (cut and paste doesn't work), save the patch file. Using the password, install the winfax patch, and restart the computer.


Now your are ready to re-install the Fax Sharing:


Installing fax sharing Fax Sharing - Host or Client
Start the controller and setup for Fax Sharing. Here you should setup for Fax Sharing Host or Client.
Install RPC sharing Install exception in Windows XP Firewall
Select "Yes" to install RPC sharing (at your own risk). Select "Yes" to install Exception in Windows XP Firewall (at your own risk).


You are now ready to start Winfax Fax Sharing.

You will have to carry out this process on the Winfax Server, and all Winfax Clients.
San Computer > Sejour Support  - Sejour Suggestions for Winfax Problems under XP Service Pack 2
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