FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  446 (21/12/04)

Q

I want to reassign my bottom left Windows Key to perform some other function, or no function at all.  When playing games it gets in the way of the Ctrl and Alt keys, and minimizes the game.

Aaron Wentling, Cincinnati, Ohio

A

Windows 2000 and XP have a built-in keyboard ‘remapping’ facility called Scancode but this involves modifying Registry keys. However, there is a small freeware utility called KeyTweak with a simple to use Windows control panel, so you don’t have to go anywhere near the Registry and this can be downloaded from: http://webpages.charter.net/krumsick/

Q

My computer boots up to the desktop but then Windows Explorer opens, how can I prevent this happening?

Alan Smith, via email

A

I’ve had quite a few similar emails recently, several complaining that Windows Explorer opens with the contents of the System32 folder, My Documents and other folders. The System32 problem is caused by a faulty Registry entry, often following the installation of Service Pack 2.  There’s a solution involving editing the Registry so be careful. You’ll find it in Microsoft Knowledgebase article 170086 (type the number into Google). For more answers there’s a forum on the Annoyances.org web site with a range of possible answers involving everything from sound card drivers and configuration settings to faulty motherboards. You’ll find it at: www.annoyances.org/exec/

forum/winxp/t1035195498

Q

I seem to have acquired some malware, which is identified by AdAware as a possible Trojan. It is called ZaZZeR. It seems to re-activate itself after deletion. It also takes over my browser home page which and as I use Internet banking I am quite worried.

George England, via email

A

Nuisances like this usually lurk inside the Windows Registry and the only sure way to track down and eliminate them is to use our old friend Hijack This, which identifies and lets you delete programs and components that attach themselves to your browser. Hijack is a powerful tool, so use it with care; it is freeware and can be downloaded from: www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

I’ve also been testing an excellent program based on Hijack This, called X-Ray PC. This is better for novices as it has an on-line ‘Analyser’ that automatically flags up ‘safe’ and potentially malicious entries. This is also freeware and is available from: www.x-raypc.com/

Q

When I switch on my PC I get a message "invalid boot.ini file, and then things appear to proceed normally.  This all started after a virus attack during broadband installation. Is there anything I can do to restore the boot.ini file?

Ray Hartley, via email

A

A procedure for repairing a corrupt or invalid Boot.ini file using the XP Recovery Console is outlined in MS Knowledgebase article 330184. It’s not difficult but make sure you follow the instructions to the letter!

Q

I just wanted to add to your response to C. Martin (F!F!F December 7th) about viewing PowerPoint files sent as email attachments. Microsoft provides a free downloadable viewer program called PowerPoint Viewer 2003. The MS link is rather long-winded but there’s a quick way to get to it by going to: http://tinyurl.com/3nend.

Boyd Marcotte, via emaill

A

My thanks to Mr Marcotte and several other readers who drew my attention to this useful utility.

Q

Some time ago in Boot Camp, you outlined a method stopping Google retaining a list of search words, which appear when you start typing.  I have successfully utilised this tip for some time but, for some reason, within the last few days, Google is now listing them again. Unfortunately, I did not take a note of the method you outlined (as I did not think I would need it again), can you remind me how it was done?

Bruce Burgess, via email

A

Assuming that you haven’t installed the Google Toolbar then search entries are being stored by Internet Explorer’s AutoComplete facility. To switch it off go to Tools > Internet Options, select the Content tab, click the AutoComplete button and under ‘Use AutoComplete For’ deselect ‘Forms’, and while you are at it click Clear Forms to delete stored entries.

Q

I have recently installed a program, which offers a free scan for spyware. It told me my computer is infected with several items, which it rates as ‘Very dangerous’, and ‘Medium risk’. I have tried two other anti-spyware programs, neither of which identified the ones the first program found, although they did find a couple of new ones.

None of the threats are listed on my anti virus program’s web site, and a search gave no result. As far as I can tell neither is doing any harm. Is this a scam to get me to buy the program? Secondly, since the other anti spy programmes didn't give identical results, how many does one need to ensure a clean sweep?

R. A. Parsons via email

A

A great many anti spyware programs and web sites purporting to rid your PC of ‘malware’ have emerged from the woodwork recently and quite a few of them either deliberately infect your machine then offer to remove them or generate ‘false positives’ usually with the intention of selling you a program that may or may not remove them. There are also a growing number of clones or thinly disguised ‘knock-offs’ of reputable products. I continue to recommend using two freeware utilities, namely AdAware (www.lavasoftusa.com) and Spybot Search & Destroy (www.safer-networking.org/), which are safe to use and between them eradicate most known threats. Be very careful entering the web addresses as several suspect spyware products have very similar-sounding names and URLs. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of a particular anti spyware program I suggest that you visit the Spywarewarrior website: www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm which carries an extensive list of rogue products.