I think you are right and that is the problem. I just looked at the link listed above for free faxing and that sounds like a good option.
I did keep my old printer (in another room) and maybe I will play around with that and hook it up to the phone line in the kitchen.
Yes, Vista (and my version of XP) is missing the fax option.
I assume you’re faxing non-paper copy from your PC. If your old printer had a fax, you may still be able use that with the correct Vista drivers. If not, either buy some fax software or a cheap HP OfficeJet with a fax option — just make sure it has a Vista driver (check HP’s website). (I only keep an HP OJ cheapie for the seldom-used fax function.)