FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  269 (28/06/01)

Q

I have a similar problem - I think - to that described by Tim Dench (F!F!F! 14th June). On startup, my PC advises it can't locate a file that may be needed to run Windows, stated to be: C:\unzipped\n2pw10~1\wtomb2cd.386. Hitting any key allows the normal boot to continue, without problems. I've tried the process you advised to Mr Dench, but I can't locate anything like the file described. (I am using Windows 95).

R. S

A

Your problem isn't quite the same as Tim Dench's and we'll spare your blushes by not printing your full name and email address… The file your PC is searching for is part of a small utility known as the 'Nude Raider Patch', used to reveal – ahem-- the charms of Ms Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider 2 game. I presume that the game has been uninstalled, taking with it the missing files. The problem is caused by a reference to the 'wtomb2cd' file, which was written into the System.Ini file in the Windows folder. Use Notepad to find and edit the file reference, which you can do simply and safely by typing 'Rem' (without the quotes) in front of it.

Q

I have a similar problem on boot up as Tim Dench, only in my case the message is 'A required .DLL file, Apitrap.DLL, was not found'. When I click on OK the message disappears and the computer functions as it should, as far as I can tell. However, the message is irritating. I've tried the remedies you suggest to Mr Dench without success. Help, please.

Ian Wilkinson

And…

Like a previous letter, I also have managed to lose 3 files, which do not affect during boot up except I have to keep pressing the enter key. They are pqsc\program\sc.vxd,turbobvf.vxd, and turbovcd.vxd. I have tried to find them on the 98 SE CD to no avail. Can you tell me were they may be hidden?
Adrian Davies

A

Since that letter from Tim Dench appeared we have had scores of similar emails from readers concerning error messages about lost files. Each one is different and unlike the original query most of the files mentioned have nothing to do with Windows so they won't be on the Windows CD-ROM. The problem is sometimes caused by anti-virus software but more often than not it's due to programs not being removed properly, by deleting the program folder in Windows Explorer.

In most cases the solution is to reinstall the program then uninstall it using Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel, or the programs own uninstaller utility. If that doesn't help try typing the error message or the file name into the search field of a search engine like Google (www.google.com).

Ian Wilkinson's problem with 'Apitrap.dll' suggests a conflict between Internet Explorer and Norton Clean Sweep (more info at: http://support.microsoft.com/support/

kb/articles/q224/8/13.asp). Adrian Davies's problem can probably be resolved by re-installing his modem driver software, there's some useful information at: http://www.newsnet5.com/sh/technology/

thehelpmenu/national-technology-

thehelpmenu-991006-110408.html

Q

Is it possible to connect a computer up so that it can be used in two different places in the house? We have two screens, two mice and two keyboards. Would it be possible to be able to control the computer like this without having to buy another one?
Sam Smith

A

Yes it is, with a device called a 'KVM Switch' (Keyboard Video Mouse), which safely transfers operation from one set of controls/display to another. Normally cable lengths for each item is limited to around 5-metres, but you can also get devices called 'extenders' which allow you to use cables of up to 75 metres though I understand mice do not work very well at such distances. Everything you need can be obtained from a company called KVM Switch Direct, which specialises in remote and multi user systems (http://www.kvmswitchdirect.co.uk/), though if you go for the whole kit and caboodle you may find it cheaper to buy a 'base unit' (i.e. a PC without a monitor or keyboard etc.) and possibly network the two machines, if it's important to be able to access files at both locations.

Q

Every year, I have occasion to compile an alphabetical list of names for a memorial scroll, which I prepare on 2 pages of landscape A4 each divided into 3 columns.    I should like to know if there is a way to get my computer to treat the two pages as one, so that the first column of page 1 continues alphabetically to the first column of page 2, and so on over the three columns.   This would enable me to add and subtract names without upsetting the alphabetical sequence over the two pages.

I am using Word 2000 and, at the moment, prepare this scroll by compiling one long list and, at the last moment, copying and pasting blocks of names to create the scroll over the two pages.  I can't help thinking there might be a better way!

Rachel Nield

A

In Word you can link columns and text boxes so that text flows continuously, as it does between pages, all of the information you need is in Word Help, though as usual it is well hidden, type 'Newspaper Style' in the keyword search field on the Help Index tab.

Q

In the never-ending quest to find more space on my hard drive, I recently went to C:/windows/cabs where there was a load of links to Internet sites and image and sound files being stored on my PC. Totalling around 30Mb and never used, what is a 'cab' file and is it safe to delete all of this unwanted junk?
Tristam Jones, West Chiltington, West Sussex

A

Cab is short for 'cabinet', these are folders containing compressed setup and configuration files that Windows needs from time to time, when installing new peripherals, etc., they save you from having to load the Windows CD-ROM. I would leave them alone. If you are so short of space that 30Mb is significant I strongly suggest you upgrade to a larger hard disc drive or add a second one as a slave. (See Boot Camps 87 & 88)

Q

My son (among others) takes great joy in sending me jokey attachments with his e-mail messages. This is fine, but occasionally the correspondents go mad and attach an item which in excess of 1Mb. This can take over an hour to download, and meanwhile the mailbox becomes overloaded and unable to accept any more incoming mail. I wonder if there is a method in Outlook Express 5 of viewing the content before downloading and selecting which messages to accept or reject. Your (brief!) advice please!

Brian Johnson, Epsom, Surrey

A

You can't preview messages using Outlook Express but you can access your POP3 mailbox, inspect its contents (size, sender etc.) and delete messages, using a webmail server like www.mail2web.com, all you need is your email address and password. Brief enough?

Q

It is really useful to have the time displayed at the right-hand end of the taskbar but it would be even handier for me if I could also display the date alongside it. Can you advise how this can be achieved?

Mark Porteous

The date is shown if you move the mouse pointer over the time display, otherwise there are some small shareware/freeware utilities that will display it permanently. Try TrayDate at: http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?2293or TrayDay at:

http://www.mjmsoft.com/trayday.htm