USB External Modem

My PC is a Dell Inspiron 531, running Windows 7 64 bit. I have occasional need to send/receive a fax. I have discovered the Windows Fax and Scan setup which says I need a fax modem. I understand an external fax modem can be used. My specific questions are [1] I am connected to broadband [2] are fax modems available for use with broadband [3] if so where can a good supplier be found and [4] is it difficult to install and setup a fax modem? [5] if only a dialup modem can be used how would that be setup with a broadband line and are there likely to be any conflicts between the broadband, dialup modem and an answer machine? I am only a novice level computer user so as much advise as possible would greatly appreciated.

If you're planning to send and receive faxes at home, you first need to outfit your PC with a fax modem.
A fax modem is a relatively inexpensive piece of add-on hardware that allows your computer to communicate with a fax machine over a standard phone line. The devices are sold at major computer stores and come in two varieties: internal and external.
Internal fax modems plug directly into your computer motherboard, similar to a video or sound card. External fax modems are small devices that connect to the serial or USB ports.
If you're at work, another option is to see if your employer has a fax server—a dedicated computer equipped with multiple fax modems. Sending a fax using a fax server doesn't require you to add any special hardware to your PC. You just set up a connection with the fax server and go.

If fax and scan has any problems to do with broadband, which i doubt, go to this site for the solution :
How to Fax Over Broadband | eHow.com

Once you've picked up a fax modem or found a fax server, you still need to do a little setting up.
To set up a fax modem
Before you begin, make sure that you've properly installed your fax modem, and that it's plugged in to a standard analog phone line.
Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan.
At the bottom of the left pane, click Fax, and then click New Fax on the toolbar to launch the Fax Setup wizard.
Click Connect to a fax modem and follow the instructions.
Note
To set up your computer to send faxes only, click I'll choose later; I want to create a fax now in the Fax Setup wizard. Keep in mind that by choosing this option, you'll be able to send faxes but not receive them.
To set up a fax server
Before you begin, make sure your computer is connected to the network and you know the network address of the fax server (for example, \\mycompanyfaxserver).
Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Fax and Scan.
To use Fax view, click Fax at the bottom of the left pane.
Click the Tools menu, and then click Fax Accounts.
Click Add, and then, in the Fax Setup wizard, click Connect to a fax server on my network and follow the instructions.
Note
To connect to a fax server, you might need permission from the system administrator.

Most offices that have a fax machine have them on dial-up telephone lines. Thus to be able to send or receive from most businesses with a fax you will need a dial-up telephone line or if you have Voice over the internet if you have a standard dial-up telephone interface you can connect it to that, although some problems have been reported using a "standard" telephone link via broadband.

The I530 has PCI expansion slots and if you have an open slot you can install a PCI dial-up modem. There are also USB connected modems if you don't want to install a PCI type. Check www.newegg.com (where I buy most of my PC parts).

Thank you very much for this reply and sorry not to have answered sooner, holidays got in the way. I understand what you have written and think this will be the solution for me. I have done a bit more reading and plan to give this a go after the holidays are well past. Again, thanks a lot.

lamarque

I suffered with this problem for over a year. I have to send faxes 15-20 times a day, and it was a nightmare. I often ended up printing long faxes and using my fax machine to get them to my customer.
It was not the modem or my computer. Everything worked fine. I use Windows 7.
I finally found a solution that put me out of my misery. There is a program called Snappy Fax (Snappy Fax Network and Desktop Fax Software) It's easy, and costs $29.95. I believe there's a free trial. It's available on 32 bit or 64 bit. After I tried it, I would have paid them three times that...what a relief...!! I can't say enough about them. When I've had a question about a feature on the program, they've been quickly responsive.

Give them a try--I truly don't believe there is any easy answer to the problem with Fax and Scan in Windows. And Microsoft really doesn't support it or care.