FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  408 (30/03/04)

Q

I am using windows 98.  If I delete any sort of file, rather than it being deposited in the Recycle Bin, it just disappears completely. If I drag and drop a file into the bin, likewise it seems to just vanish and the bin remains empty. I have checked Recycle Bin Properties by right-clicking on the icon window and the box "Do not move files to the Recycle Bin…’ is not ticked.
F. Norris, via email

A

In fact there are three ways of bypassing the Recycle Bin when deleting files. In addition to the method you’ve already outlined you can also hold down the shift key when you select a file and press Delete. The third method, which may be the cause of your problem, concerns the ‘Maximum Size’ setting for the Bin, which you’ll also find on the Properties dialogue box. It’s normally set to 10% of disk capacity but if for any reason it is set lower, or to zero, or if you are deleting large multimedia files, then they will be sent off into the void without going anywhere near the Recycle Bin (though as we all know by now deleted files can be recovered…)

Q 

I am running Windows XP and copy pictures from my Kodak digital camera onto the computer. Everything was fine until recently when I began to encounter difficulties. Despite closing down all other programs the process stops dead in the middle of copying picture No. 2, and I get the message "cannot copy your pictures".  I have found that I am able to copy the pictures singly, but this is obviously very time consuming and heavy on batteries. I thought that the problem may be caused by lack of sufficient battery power and I have invested in rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and a good quality charger, but have experienced no improvement.

Pauline Cooper, via email

A

I have often found that the software and connection systems supplied with digital cameras can be slow, unreliable and difficult to use. My preferred method is to bypass them completely and use a memory card reader. They are widely available from PC dealers, camera stores etc. and sell for around £10 upwards, though I would pay a little extra for a multi-format type that can read all current types of memory card. The reader simply plugs into one of your PC's USB sockets and a memory card appears as an extra ‘removable’ drive, from which you can drag and drop picture files into a folder on your hard disc drive. Aside from being quicker and easier it also saves your camera batteries, not that that was likely to be a factor in your particular case. It’s difficult to say why your current setup is stalling but the chances are that one of the picture files on the camera’s memory card is corrupt. If so the card reader method will allow you to download the remaining files and erase the faulty one.

Q

I use AdAware 6.0 to eradicate spyware. I recently downloaded another program, called Spyaudit. After running AdAware I tried the new program and it found several adware and spyware programs and cookies. Why were they missed by AdAware?

Alex Donald, via email

A

AdAware in common with all such programs relies on a regularly updated ‘reference file’ that it uses to identify threats to your security and privacy. Since there is no universally agreed definition of what constitutes spyware and adware the contents of reference file databases varies from one product to another, or maybe the components identified hadn’t been included in AdAware’s database at the time of the scan. Personally I check my PCs with both AdAware and Spybot S&D at least once a week and often find that one program picks up something the other missed.    

Q

I am no longer able to play Solitaire. Occasionally it comes back for a day or two but then again becomes unavailable. The following notice comes up:

"SOL caused a general protection fault in module usep. exe..’ Your help would be greatly as it is the only game my wife enjoys.

Peter Felton, via email

A

I think you must have misread the error message and it actually refers to ‘user.exe’ which is an important system file involved in Windows video settings. There could be any number of reasons for this problem so you are going to have eliminate the possibilities one by one. Start by going to the Microsoft Knowledgebase articles 237900 and 234430 (just type the numbers into Google and it should be at or close to the top of the list) and follow through the troubleshooting tips. I’ve come across several references to Microsoft Instant Messenger and recent installations or updates of Norton AntiVirus and System Works interfering with Solitaire, so try disabling them. Uninstall and re-install Solitaire from Add/Remove Programs (Windows Setup Tab > Accessories > Games). Failing that try replacing User.exe, which may have become corrupted, simple to follow instructions are contained in MS Knowledgebase article 129605.

Q

We have recently bought a digital cordless 'phone with three handsets, one of which we keep upstairs on the desk by our computer. Three weeks ago we bought a new computer; the problem is that when the upstairs 'phone is switched off after a call, the computer emits a rasping buzz for about ten seconds.  My wife also says she gets interference from her mobile.  I have been back to the PC dealer and was advised not to use these phones in the room with the computer. The phone manufacturer’s help line says that this interference is quite normal and that we have nothing to worry about. I am somewhat perplexed…

Geoffrey Corbett, via email

A

Almost all electronic devices produce a certain amount of radio frequency (RF) interference and you’ll often hear a ‘chirruping’ sound when a mobile phone is placed close to a radio TV or amplifier, and radios can make a dreadful noise when they are near to PCs. However, cordless phones have a pretty good track record so I think in this case the PC may be unusually sensitive. The noise shouldn’t affect the normal operation of either device so the phone and PC should be able to coexist in the same room. Try moving them further apart and make sure the phone isn’t near to any mains, speaker or printer cables.