FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  444 (07/12/04)

Q

My previous computer ran Word Perfect. I found the facility to insert filename and path into a document very useful. My present computer has Windows XP and Word 2000. I am sure it must be possible to insert filenames and paths but I have not discovered how to do this. Can you help?

Alan Turner, via email

A

It certainly can be done, go to View > Header and Footer. Select the header or footer that you want the information to appear in then on the Header and Footer toolbar click the Insert Auto Text button and select Filename and Path from the drop-down menu.

Q

I inadvertently wrote on the recording side of a CD-R -- used to store photographs -- with a permanent felt tip marker pen. I have been unable to discover a solvent that will remove the marker, isopropyl alcohol was suggested by a knowledgeable friend but I’ve been told that it is now a restricted substance and no longer available. The spray included with a CD cleaning kit has no effect. Do you know of a solution that will work?

John White, via email

A

I do but it takes a little nerve, some elbow grease, and you try it entirely at your own risk! You’ll need a couple of new clean soft yellow dusters and a tin of Brasso. This contains a mild abrasive, which will remove just about anything from the surface of a CD, including light scratches and scuff marks, but you need to be quite careful. Only use a little at a time and polish the marks using a light circular motion. Afterwards make sure you remove every last trace of it then buff up the surface with the second clean duster.

Q

Your reply to David Saunders (F!F!F! 21/10/04) caught my eye. I am shortly intending to replace my old Windows 98 PC for a new one with Windows XP. I understand XP comes with a security centre including Firewall and anti-virus protection. Does this mean I don't need to install additional antivirus software? If I do and I was to use my current anti-virus program, would the pre-installed Microsoft program interfere with it? As for the Firewall, presumably as you recommend ZoneAlarm in addition, you do not think there would be any conflict with the Windows Firewall?

Adrian Piper, via email

A

You have been misinformed Windows XP doesn’t come with any anti-virus software, before or after the installation of Service Pack 2. The Security Centre to which you refer simply tells you if an anti-virus program is installed, and whether or not it is working and up to date. However, Security Centre doesn’t recognise all antivirus software, there’s a list of the ones it does know about at: http://www.microsoft.com/security/partners/antivirus.asp.

The XP Firewall, whilst better than nothing, falls short in one important area and it doesn’t block or control outgoing connections from your PC to the Internet. So yes, I suggest that you use third-party software like ZoneAlarm, to provide some protection against spyware and trojans etc. You can leave the XP Firewall switched on, as it doesn’t seem to interfere with other Firewall software, or vice-versa.

Q

I have recently installed Windows SP2 without any problem except that when I connect to the Internet the normal speedy electronic chirrup of the dialling has been replaced by a rather mechanical clunking - almost as if it is using an old finger-dial telephone.  I have spoken to the Microsoft Help people but they were completely flummoxed, advising me only to uninstall and reinstall my modem driver.  This I have done, but to no avail.  Can you shed any light on this problem please?

Barry Moule, via email

A

It sounds as though your modem is trying to use pulse rather than tone dialling. Try running the modem connection setup Wizard again (Start > Control Panel > Phone & Modem Options, on the opening page you’ll find the check boxes to select Tone or Pulse Dialling.

Q

I have Windows XP Home Edition and am a complete beginner. Although making good progress, I have a particular problem. A friend regularly sends me email with attachments, which, I am assured, are 'clean funnies'. Most of these files have a .pps or .ppt suffix and I can't open them.  My computer-literate son says that they cannot be opened. Is he right or is there a way I can gain access?

C. Martin, via email

A

Both file extensions belong to Microsoft PowerPoint (pps = PowerPoint Slideshow, ppt = PowerPoint Presentation) so in order to open and display these attachments you must have the PowerPoint program installed on your PC. It can be bought as a stand-alone application and it is included as part of the Microsoft Works and Office program suites. Older versions (i.e. 2002, 2003 etc.) can be found for between £30 to £40 from online retailers and ebay, or maybe you know someone who has an unused copy that came with their PC (they are often included as 'bundled' software with new PCs), that they could donate or sell to you.

Q

My default homepage is www.freeserve.co.uk, but I am repeatedly finding it being replaced by "about:blank". Despite going to Control Panel>Internet Options and selecting Use Default and clicking Apply and OK, once I've opened an internet page the "blank" address has often replaced the Freeserve default.  Can you help? 

Eric Hayman, via email

A

Several nasty little infections cause this problem and some of them can be tricky to remove but there’s a useful step-by-step guide at: 

www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml