FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  270 (05/07/01)

Q

I wonder whether you could help me to remove an irritating problem that has been bothering me for some weeks. My monitor has a developed a flicker which I have been unable to cure. The problem is in the computer since I have tried another monitor operating flicker-free on its own computer but which replicates the flicker when plugged into my computer.  Similarly my monitor operates flicker-free on the other computer.

I have a suspicion that somewhere a setting has been changed. I see from Display > Settings in Control Panel that my computer working with 16-bit colour and 800 pixels.  Other options include '16 color', '256 color' and 'true color 32 bit'.  None of these eliminate the flicker. 

Clicking 'Advanced' in the settings window brings up a Properties window.  Clicking on 'Adapter' in this shows me to be operating at 'optimal' refresh rate. The only option is a refresh rate of 60Hz but selecting this option again makes no difference to the flicker.

I am retired  (aged 75!) but I have been 'driving' computers since 1982.  However I still know almost nothing about their 'engines'. I use my computer extensively for my involvement in charity work and the flicker is proving very tiresome. 

Tony Willcocks, Haywards Heath, Sussex 

A

The optimum refresh rate setting for most monitors/PCs/users is 75Hz or 85Hz and it is unusual not to be able to adjust it from Display Properties. 60Hz is rather low and whilst it may not produce a significant flicker it does indicate that the video adaptor is not set up properly. As a first step I would re-install the video adaptor's driver software, it should have been supplied with the PC, usually along with all of the other drivers, on a CD-ROM. If you know the make and model of your PC's video adaptor it's worth download the latest version from the manufacturer's web site. To delete the existing driver go to Device Manager (right-click on My Computer and select Properties then the Device Manager tab), click on the plus sign next to Display Adaptor highlight the entry then click Delete, when you re-boot Windows should ask you for the driver disc of Windows CD-ROM. You might also like to try a useful little utility called Power Strip for Windows, which will give you complete control over all of your video settings, it's quite small, only around 700kB and can be downloaded from: 

http://www.entechtaiwan.com/ps.htm

Q

Recently my computer has become a mute. I can no longer play music through the speakers (which I have checked) and the usual Windows sounds have disappeared. When the computer is rebooted it no longer bleeps. The only sound now possible is through the CD-ROM headphone jack with a CD inside. Initially the problem was intermittent with each reboot but now it is a permanent fault. I have looked for and checked all the volume and mute boxes I can find but to no avail.

Dominic Radford

A

I suspect a hardware fault; the most likely cause is the sound card (if you have one) has become unseated. If you don't mind poking around inside your PC switch it off at the socket (but leave it plugged to ensure the case remains earthed, and don't forget to touch the case to dispel any static charges that may have built up on your clothes or body) and try reseating the card. If that doesn't work, or the sound system on your PC is integrated into the motherboard and it has developed a fault then the only solution is to get a replacement sound card, which should bypass the faulty circuitry on the motherboard. They're not expensive and prices start at around £15.

Q

I am a student studying engineering, which requires me to add a lot of words into the dictionary in MS word. Recently I have been getting the error message saying that the Custom Dictionary is full and new words are not being added. Is there any way to make the dictionary bigger or remove unwanted words?

Tim Mortimer

A

The size of the Custom Dictionary is set at 64kB, which is enough to store around 5,000 words. If you haven't reached the limit there's a chance it has become corrupted in which case it will have to be restored. If it is really full you can add and remove words using Notepad or create a second custom dictionary. Full details of how to replace, edit the old dictionary and create a new one can be found in the Microsoft Knowledgebase at: http://support.microsoft.com/ support/kb/articles/Q224/0/35.ASP

Q

Why is it that when I try to send AVI and MPEG files, Outlook breaks them down and sends one file as numerous messages. Surely this can't be right?

J.B.N

Some ISPs have restrictions on the size of email messages and attachments that their servers can handle, so they split them up into chunks. Outlook Express can also be set to do this, the option can be found under Accounts on the Tools menu. Highlight your email account then click the Properties button and select the Advanced tab. Look to see if the box 'Break apart messages larger than…' has been ticked, if so you might want to check with your ISP to see if this setting is necessary. And don't call me Shirley…

Q

My preferred background display is 'Clouds' but this is no longer showing as blue and white but grey & white. All other background displays, including predominantly blue ones appear okay. At the same time that I lost the original display colours all graphics on the net became fuzzy and their colours feint - I can, however print out pictures, which are indistinct on-screen perfectly well.  These problems occurred at the same time as the start-up page changed: instead of working straight through to the opening screen I am prompted to choose one of six start-up methods. I have tried reinstalling Windows 98, but to no avail. Any suggestions please?
Barney Webb

A

Your PC is starting in 'Safe Mode', which is a special troubleshooting condition that allows you to fix problems caused by the numerous drivers and programs that load automatically during a normal boot-up. This can be caused by Windows failing to delete a 'log' file that was created when Windows first failed to boot up correctly. Full details of how to delete this file manually can be found in the MS Knowledgebase at: http://support.microsoft.com/ support/kb/articles/Q143/2/83.asp

Q

I would like to be able to convert MP3 music files stored on my computer into a suitable digital format, which can be fed into a consumer type audio CD recorder to record the music onto CD. Is this possible and is the necessary hardware and software available to do this?  I do not want to go to the expense of installing a CD writer in my computer if the above method is feasible at less cost 
Michael Dewhurst

A

You won't need any special hardware or software, just a connecting lead to link the audio output on your PC (usually a 3.5mm stereo minijack) to the 'line' input (phono sockets) on your CD recorder. Suitable stereo jack-to-phono cables are obtainable from most audio-video dealers for a few pounds.