FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  459 (29/03/05)

Q

The list of operable programs on my computer has now grown so large that when I try to view them via the Start > All Programs list, I cannot see them all without accessing them by using the little arrows at the top and bottom of the list. As the programs are all jumbled-up alphabetically, it is not easy to see the one you want quickly.  Is there any way that I can sort them alphabetically? My operating system is Windows XP Home.

Peter Odds, via email

A

You can display the All Programs list in one sideways scrolling window by right clicking on an empty area of the Taskbar and selecting Properties > Start Menu tab > Customize > Advanced, look down the list, uncheck Scroll Programs and click OK. You can also reduce the size of the list by grouping programs of a similar type into named folders. All you have to do is right click on the Start button and select Open (or Open All users if you are the only one using your PC) and you will see a Windows Explorer type Window. Double click the Programs folder then click New on the File menu to create a new Folder. Give it a name (e.g. ‘Graphics’, ‘Utilities’ etc.) then drag and drop the relevant shortcut icons into that folder and repeat as necessary. 

Q

What software do I need to find a postal address when I know the postcode?

Philip Habib

A

There's a free Postcode Finder (limited to 5 searches per day) at: www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk/

Q

Some months ago we installed four PC systems in an office environment, all with wireless keyboards and mice. It appears that two are interfering with each other in that if one person is using the mouse at the same time as the other, the second person cannot operate their mouse or keyboard. It is not feasible to move further apart due to the physical limitations of the office, but we are reluctant to go back to corded keyboards and mice. Can you give any guidance as to how we can get four systems to co-exist in the same area without interference?

Derek Heath, via email

A

These devices operate on a very limited number of channels are not designed to work in close proximity with other wireless products, especially if they are all from the same manufacturer. Some models have a switchable channel scan or switchable channel facility, if so I suggest that you try resetting the device. You may find that cordless mice and keyboards from another manufacturer won't interact but apart from that there's not much you can do.

Q

Whenever I try to print a full web page, I always find that the printed text on the right hand side of the page has been 'clipped', with one or two words missing on each line. I thought at first it was a problem confined to one PC and printer, but the problem has repeated time and again on several different PC's and printers in different locations. Several people have offered solutions linked to the Printer Properties adjustment, but none has so far been successful. Do you have any suggestions?

Ian Binks, via email

A

The basic problem is that many web pages are not designed to be printed, or are intended to be viewed at higher screen resolutions so always look out for a link or button to a ‘Printer friendly page’. Tables and frames often cause problems. The solution is to print the page in Landscape format from Page Setup on your browser’s File menu. On the same dialogue box you can also try reducing the left and right margin widths to 0. Frames can also be printed separately; you’ll find this facility under Print on the File menu (in Internet Explorer click the Options tab). ‘Background’ web page elements, such as links on the left side of the page can push parts of the page off the right hand edge, in Internet Explorer you can switch this irritant off by going to Tools > Internet Options, click the Advanced tab and scroll down the list to Printing then uncheck the item ‘Print background colors and images’. In Firefox go to Tools > Options, click the Advanced tab and under Multimedia check ‘Resize large images to fit’.

Q

Can you please tell me why when I boot-up my Windows 98 PC the first screen that comes up is always Safe Mode followed by a request for my Password every time in a smaller dialogue box than the normal dial-up box. When the normal dial-up box appears everything is OK including user name and saved Password. Can you please tell me how I can avoid the Safe Mode menu coming up first?

Ken Beer, via email

A

When a PC only starts in Safe Mode this often indicates a driver conflict so right-click on My Computer and select Properties then Device Manager. Look down the list for any yellow highlighted exclamation marks, if you see one select the item, click remove and reboot. If Windows loads normally then be prepared to load your Windows installation disc or the one that came with the errant item of hardware. Sometimes it’s due to a corrupt Registry entry, in which case when the Safe Mode menu appears select ‘Command Prompt Only. A DOS windows will appear and at the flashing prompt type ‘scanreg /restore’. You will see a list of archived Registry entries, choose one dated before the problem arose and select Restore. You may find that you will need to re-install any programs that were loaded after the date of the restored Registry entry.