FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  469 (07/06/05)

Q

A recent question in F!F!F! was of interest to me. You advised against a direct upgrading from Windows ME to XP but to carry out a clean install, using an XP Upgrade disc, and to have the Windows ME disc ready to prove eligibility. My PC was bought from PC World and I do not have a Windows Installation disc but I have discs created when the PC was first set up. Do you know if that set of discs is suitable?

Brian Martin, via email

A

Unfortunately not, these are likely to be the PC manufacturer’s recovery discs. The XP Upgrade requires that you briefly load an original, fully licensed retail Windows 98/SE or ME installation disc. This is a thorny subject and some users simply borrow a friend’s copy since it only takes a few seconds for the PC to run the check. However, we should point out that this is not permitted by the Windows End User Licence Agreement (EULA). Of course you could always buy an unregistered copy of Windows 98 and there are plenty on ebay selling for around £20 but again the EULA throws a spanner n the works and Windows discs are not supposed to be re-sold. Incidentally there is also a clause that says you are not allowed to install the earlier version on another PC after it has been used for an upgrade.

Q

Recently when sending e-mail messages Outlook Express stopped making a copy of the message in the Sent Items folder. I have tried going to Tools > Options > Send and the box for Save copy of sent message is ticked. I have unchecked this box and rechecked same followed by apply and OK but this has not solved the problem.

Geoff Hughes, via email

A

When an email message folder starts acting up it is usually corrupt. ‘Compacting’ all folders sometimes helps, go to OE’s Tools menu, select Options then the Maintenance tab, click Clean Up Now then the Compact button. Failing that you can create a new Sent Items ‘dbx’ folder. First save all of your old messages, right-click on Local Folders, click New Folder, give it a name and drag the messages from Sent Items into the folder. Exit Outlook Express, open Windows Explorer and navigate to your store folder (usually C:\Documents and Settings\<yourname>\Application Data\Identities\{GUID}, where GUID or Global Unique Identifier is a long string of numbers and letters). Delete or rename the old Sent Items.dbx file, exit Windows Explorer, open Outlook Express and a new Sent Items folder will be automatically created. 

Q

We have recently bought a Canon MP780 printer/fax/copier/scanner but cannot install it.  Whenever we load the CD we get an error message saying: ‘Msetup4.exe has encountered a problem’… We have managed to install it on our laptop so the installation disk seems to be okay.  I've spoken to Canon but they were unable to help.

Carolyn & Barrie Lawless, via email

A

Msetup4.exe is the printer installation program on the CD-ROM. When you insert the disc it should run automatically, which might point to a problem with the disc, or your PC's ability to read it. Try opening the disc in Windows Explorer and manually click on the Msetup.exe file to see if that spurs it into action, otherwise try cleaning your CD-ROM drive. If that doesn't work, request a replacement disc from Canon or go to http://software.canon-europe.com/

multifunctionals/pixma_mp78010139.asp

Download the driver/installation files and run them direct from your hard drive.

Q

I have been running Microsoft Word 2003 without any problems at all for nearly two years.  Suddenly the desktop icon no longer works. I can launch Word by opening a document in My Documents and proceeding normally so what has gone wrong?

Anne Bell, via email

A

It’s difficult to say what has happened but since Word is still working the simplest thing to do is delete the old desktop shortcut and create a new one. To do that use Search/Find on the Start menu to locate the file ‘winword.exe’. Make sure it works by double-clicking on it and Word should open. If so right-click on the winword.exe icon and select Send To > Desktop (create shortcut).  

Q

I use Window 98 with a dial-up modem, after about 3 minutes the system disconnects and I see a window saying ‘Do you wish to re-connect’. Any suggestions please, other than switching to broadband.

R. Aked, via email

A

There is long list of things to check but start by installing the latest driver for your modem, which you can download from the manufacturer’s web site. If you subscribe to Call Waiting make sure that is disabled by dialling #43# before you go on line (*43# to re-enable). Check the automatic timeout setting for your Dial-Up Connection, it should be set to 20 minutes but it might have been changed so open My Computer, double-click Dial Up Networking, right click your connection and select Properties. Click the Configure button and select the Connection tab. Under Call preferences uncheck or change the ‘Disconnect if Idle…’ setting. Noise on the line is another possibility. Unplug any other devices connected to the line (cordless handsets, fax machine, caller ID display, answering machine, satellite TV receiver and so on) then if the problem disappears reconnect them one at time to find out which one is responsible. Changing the cable between your PC and the wall socket might help, you could also try another modem; they’re not expensive and can be purchased from on-line sellers for around £10. Finally, if the problem persists ask BT or your phone provider to check the line.