NET STOP Command Does Not Work on Microsoft Fax Service

When you attempt to use the NET STOP command on the Fax service, you may receive the following message: This message appears even if you issue the NET START command to the service immediately before using the NET STOP command.

The Fax service runs only on demand (for example, when there are faxes to be sent or devices to be enabled for receiving faxes, or when an open connection to the service exists). If no demand exists, the Fax service stops automatically. If there is nothing to process, the Fax service stops itself after being started.

This behavior is by design.