Microsoft KB Archive/930528

Knowledge Base

Error message when you try to send an .xps file as a fax attachment in Windows Vista: "Windows can't fax or preview the attached file type"

Article ID: 930528

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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APPLIES TO

• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition
• Windows Vista Starter

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SYMPTOMS

You click Send after you attach an XML Paper Specification (.xps) document to a fax message in the Windows Fax and Scan program in Windows Vista. Then, you receive the following error message:

Windows can't fax or preview the attached file type. Try installing a program that allows you to print .tif files, save the attached file as a .tif file, and then try again.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because .xps documents do not support the print to verb.

When you fax a document, the Fax service searches for the document type that is attached to the fax message. Then, the Fax service calls the print to verb for that document type. If the call to the print to verb is successful, the Fax service generates a Tagged Image File Format (.tif) output file to represent the document that is attached to the fax message.

Because .xps documents do not support the print to verb, the Fax service cannot generate a .tif file to represent the .xps document.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, convert the document to a different document type. Make sure that you do this before you attach the document to the fax message.

MORE INFORMATION

To start Windows Fax and Scan, click Start, type wfs.exe in the Start Search box, and then click wfs.exe in the Programs list.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

For more information about how to use Windows Fax and Scan, see Windows Help and Support. To do this, click the Help button (?) in Windows Fax and Scan.

Keywords: kbfax kberrmsg kbexpertisebeginner kbtshoot kbprb KB930528

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