FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  470 (14/06/05)

Q

In Windows XP Recent Documents on the Start menu gives a list of everything that has been opened for ages past.  Is there any way to prevent this appearing? It's driving me mad.  The only way I have found to delete the list is to select each individual item and it's so tedious.

Ron Barrack, via email   

A

Windows is only trying to be helpful and make it easier to find files you’ve been working on but if you want to get rid of it all you have to do is right-click on the Start button and click Properties, select the Start Menu tab, click the Customize button then the Advanced tab. At the bottom under Recent Documents uncheck 'List my most recently opened documents' and while you are at it you can click on the 'Clear List' button to remove all previously stored entries.

Q

Mozilla Thunderbird seems to be deficient on signatures compared with Outlook Express. With the latter, I can choose from several alternative signatures, which can be text or pictures. Thunderbird only allows one signature and that has to be in text format. I have checked on the Mozilla website but can’t find any relevant add-ons. Am I missing something?

Jack Sandover, Loughborough

A

Thunderbird has a similar set of signature options to OE, including text, graphics, HTML formatting and multiple signatures, though for the latter to work in the same way as Outlook Express you will need to download an ‘extension’. There’s a simple to follow tutorial on creating signatures in Thunderbird at: http://kb.mozillazine.org/

Thunderbird_:_FAQs_:_Signatures

Q

Recently my laptop has been misbehaving. When I try to copy, move or delete a file in Windows Explorer by right clicking on the file/folder, the screen freezes for 10-30 seconds then resets itself without having done anything. It also does this on the desktop and I cannot delete or move anything which, to say the least, is inconvenient.

Mick Gawl, via email

A

Unfortunately a great many things can upset Windows Explorer, including corrupt System files, third party applications and problems with your hard drive’s filing system. If it happened soon after installing a program you could try uninstalling it from Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. Alternatively launch System Restore (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools) and select a Restore Point before the problem started. As a last resort you could try a Repair Install -- for more details see Boot Camp 336

Q

I have a simple problem, my PC uses two drives and when I start up I am given a choice as to which to use, the problem is I must make up my mind in two seconds which is not really sufficient. How can I extend this period?

P. Marchese, via email

A

The controls for the Windows XP Boot Menu can be found by right-clicking My Computer, select Properties then the Advanced tab and under Startup and Recovery click the Settings button. There you will find the adjustment that determines how long the Boot Menu is displayed.

Q

Having just purchased a laptop with Wi-Fi enabled etc., I would like to set up a system with my desktop PC to share files and my broadband connection around the house. Have downloaded the Boot Camp Wireless Networking articles from the Connected Archives but I think these are a little dated and ask if you can give an update on my possible choices. I would like to access broadband from the laptop without having the desktop PC switched on if this is possible.

C. J. Smith, via email 

A

You are right, things have indeed moved on since those articles were first published two years ago -- look out for an update soon. Back then home Wi-Fi was in its infancy and the choice of hardware was somewhat limited. Nowadays everything you need is available in one box in the shape of a combination ADSL modem/Wi-Fi router. Gadgets like these maintain the broadband connection without the need for a PC and make it available to any wirelessly enabled PC. When two or more PCs are connected to the network they can share files and other resources, like a printer or scanner. There are several models from the likes of Netgear, 3 Com, US Robotics and so on, and prices, from on-line suppliers start around £60.

Q

I have been trying to transfer digital photos to a CD using Drag and Drop. When the transfer is complete I can see the photos in thumbnail form but if I click on a thumbnail a pop-up says "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel" - but I cannot see how to create an association. Can you advise me please?

Brian Sobey, via email

A

I suspect that you have been copying a shortcut to the file, rather than the actual file. You can easily check to see if that is the case by comparing the size of the file on the disc with the original on the hard drive. If they are just shortcuts then the files on the CD will be only a few kilobytes. To get around the problem use Copy and Paste (keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V), and this will ensure that the entire file is copied.