Expert: Spencer Holcombe - 9/11/2009

Question
Hello, I need help please. I have an AT&T land-line. I have AT&T DSL too. I have one phsyical line and I also have a "ringmaster" number that I only use as the fax number. I have a fax machine hooked up, with a DSL line filter installed. The line going to the fax machine is dedicated to the wall outlet with no other extensions. When I try and fax a document, the fax machine will dial out, (I can hear the dialing tone), it will be ringing the number called, (again I can hear the ringing tone), then while the fax machine speaker is still ringing, I hear a very faint voice stating for customer service I should dial 1-800-***-****. I can't understand the number because the voice is very faint. Then after the voice is telling me to dial a toll-free number the fax machine hangs up and an error pops up stating fax not sent or fax error. I thought the fax machine had bit-the-dust so I purchased a Brand New fax machine and it does the same exact thing. On both fax machines I know the phone line is hooked up and working because when someone calls the caller ID pops up the number and name of the caller and the fax machine ringer rings as it is designed too. I am really stumped. Have you ever heard of such?
Thanks for any assistance,
Jospeh Gill

Answer
Joseph,

I'm not versed in "ringmaster", I would check my fax settings to make sure it's not factory set to dial a 1 or other number code when dialing out ie "dial 9 first for outside line" etc. Also do a one time check of your connection by NOT using "ringmaster" and see if a fax will go thru, that will help pin down where the problem is, fax, ringmaster, dsl service...

                                                   Spencer