Overview
GFI FaxMaker can be configured to work in environments without a mail server. There are, however, some limitations with certain features. For example, GFI FaxMaker users cannot send faxes and SMS via email when a mail server is not available.
Refer to the following sections for information on how to install, configure and use GFI FaxMaker in installations where a mail server is not available:
- Sending faxes and SMS
- Receiving faxes
- Receiving SMS
- GFI FaxMker system notifications
- Transmission reports
- Using an online SMTP server
Information
Sending Faxes and SMS
In installations where there is no mail server available, use one of the following methods of sending faxes and SMS that does not require email:
NOTE: If using the GFI FaxMaker Client application, set the Client to connect directly to GFI FaxMaker via HTTP.
Receiving Faxes
When a fax is received, GFI FaxMaker typically sends out an email to the recipient(s). You can also use the following methods to view received faxes/SMS:
Alternatively, you may also consider using an online mail service for GFI FaxMaker to send out notifications. For more information refer to Using an online SMTP server.
Receiving SMS
When an SMS is received, GFI FaxMaker sends out an email to the recipient(s).
To view received SMSs when a mail server is not available, refer to the SMS log files. GFI FaxMaker logs all activity of incoming and outgoing SMS in two log files within the GFI FaxMaker installation folder:
| Log File | Description |
| sms_sent.log |
Contains a log of sent SMS in the following format:
For example: "7/6/2019","8:23:38 AM","jsmith@masterdomain.com","123126","Success","This is a test SMS sent from GFI FaxMaker - John Smith","Success. SMS posted to destination." |
| sms_recv.log |
Contains a log of received SMS in the following format:
For example: "7/6/2019","8:52:39 AM","621321","bjones@masterdomain.com","Success","This is a test SMS received by GFI FaxMaker","Success. SMS received." |
Figure 1: SMS send and receive logs
Alternatively, you may also consider using an online mail service for GFI FaxMaker to send out notifications. For more information refer to Using an online SMTP server.
GFI FaxMaker System Notifications
- GFI FaxMaker uses a mail server to send various system notifications to administrators, such as system errors. When a mail server is not available, GFI FaxMaker cannot send out these notifications.
- To monitor GFI FaxMaker operation when a mail server is not available, refer to the logs shown in the GFI FaxMaker Monitor.
- Alternatively, you may also consider using an online mail service for GFI FaxMaker to send out notifications. For more information refer to Using an online SMTP server.
Transmission Reports
GFI FaxMaker uses a mail server to send transmission reports to your users when they send out a fax or SMS. Refer to the following articles for more information:
NOTE: When a mail server is not available, GFI FaxMaker cannot send out transmission reports.
In this scenario, the status of sent faxes can be manually monitored from the Archive Viewer. Note that the Archive Viewer is only accessible from the GFI FaxMaker server machine itself, so your users may not have access to it.
Alternatively, you may also consider using an online mail service for GFI FaxMaker to send out notifications. For more information refer to Using an online SMTP server.
Using an Online SMTP Server
When a mail server is not available, you may consider using an online mail service that allows SMTP connections, such as Gmail or Yahoo! Mail. GFI FaxMaker connects to the service using your account credentials to send out notification emails.
To do this, create a dedicated mailbox on the chosen service and key in the SMTP and account settings in the GFI FaxMaker mail server settings screen. GFI FaxMaker uses this server to send out emails.
To access these settings, from the GFI FaxMaker Configuration, right-click Email2FaxGateway and select Properties (the following window is displayed):
Figure 2: Email2Fax Gateway Properties
Important notes on choosing a mail server provider:
- Certain SMTP providers restrict the number of emails that can be sent per day.
- With this type of SMTP server, you will not be able to resend sent or previewed faxes by replying to the GFI FaxMaker notification, since emails are not routed back from the mailbox to GFI FaxMaker.
- Certain providers, such as Gmail, need to be configured to allow connections from third-party applications. In Gmail, go to the account settings and from the security options enable access for less secure apps.