FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  510 (25/04/06)

Q. Is it possible to look at archived emails on Microsoft Outlook? I assume the use of the word 'archived' means the files still exist, and are viewable. I am using XP Home addition, and when I try open the Outlook.pst files I get the message that Windows needs to know the program that created it. Surely this should have been created when XP was first installed so what has gone wrong, and is there a solution?

Chris Mancrief, Worcester

A. Yes, your archived files have been preserved and the correct way to access your data is to open Outlook then go to File > Open > Outlook Data File (in Outlook 2003) or File > Open > Personal Folders File (Outlook 2002), double click on the archive file and it will open

Q. I want a wired or wireless broadband modem/router with a USB printer port (to share printer between two computers. It needs to be easy to setup and without costing a fortune. What choices are there? The Internet is useless for researching this requirement, endless lists no conclusions. Even the manufacturers do not seem to list so that you can choose sensibly. Any ideas?
Richard Stevenson, via email

A. I disagree about the Internet being useless for research and would say that it is the best place to look for both opinions and the best deals but you have to know what you are looking for. Try entering the search term ‘wireless router buyer’s guide’ into Google and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Even so you are still going to have to do some homework, you also need to be more specific about your requirements -- only you can decide if you want a wired or wireless system -- and the size of your budget. As for printer sharing, there’s no need to worry about USB printer ports, your existing printer, connected to one of the PCs in your network simply becomes a shared resource and can be used by any of the other PCs in the network. Have a look at Boot Camp 391 (part 5 of a series on Wireless networking) for how to set up printer sharing.  

Q. I have two recordable CDs that have been used to store data files and photographs, suddenly when I try to open either all I get is a pop up saying Drive E is not accessible and they will not open.  Is there any way I can retrieve the information and photos on them?

Len Mills, via email

A. There are several possibilities; the most likely one being that the laser pickup in your CD drive is dirty so start by giving it a run-through with a good quality disc cleaner. (You can confirm this theory if the discs can be read on another PC). It may be that the discs were not properly ‘finalised’, in which case you should see if your CD burning application has any repair utilities. Data on the discs may be corrupted, or the discs themselves may be faulty but it may still be possible to recover data using a program like IsoBuster. I know it’s a bit late now but recordable CDs can be a bit unreliable so always verify your backups, before you delete the original data.

Q. I am planning a home system with a digital LCD TV linked to a small form factor PC.

There seems to be a digital interface called DVI on the TV, but I don't see it advertised on PCs. Can I connect it to the VGA monitor connector? Will I get monitor quality display on the TV? I see reference to High Definition Multimedia Interface. Is this the same as DVI?

Phil Thomas, via email

A. DVI or Digital Video Interface connectors are becoming increasingly common on PC video adaptor cards (and LCD monitors), so make sure your new PC has this facility, otherwise you can still use a VGA connection between the monitor and the PC but the quality won’t be as good.

That’s because PCs generates a digital video output but in order for it to be displayed on a CRT type monitor the digital video signal has to be converted into an analogue form (the VGA standard), which results in some loss of quality. However, LCD monitors are basically digital display devices, which means they have to convert the analogue VGA signal from the PC back into to a digital format, further degrading the picture. A DVI connection bypasses the need for the digital-to-analogue-to-digital conversion processes, hence a sharper, crisper image.

HDMI is not the same as DVI though there is some compatibility and a PC with a DVI output can connect to some plasma screens and LCD TVs with a Type A HDMI input using an adaptor cable. There are a few ifs and buts and it’s not quite as cosy as it appears so you might want to have a look at the reasonably intelligible FAQ on the HDMI.org website.

Q. I'm considering installing a wireless router and was wondering if you knew of any health risks? I have heard of cases of organisations banning them and read several worrying articles. Could you please convince me that they are safe to use?

David Parry, via email

A. I wouldn’t dream of it; you are going to have to make up your own mind on this matter but the overwhelming body of scientific evidence suggests that these devices are safe to use. Millions of us have been living and working in close proximity to sources of high frequency radio, TV and microwave radiation for decades. Not just from Wi-Fi but mobile phones, two-way radios, and the vast range of wireless and cordless products, not to mention the many high-powered broadcasts, commercial, industrial and military transmissions. Personally I believe that if there were a problem then it should be fairly obvious to us all by now and I should be more concerned about the other more tangible risks to my health (an over-indulgence in malt whisky and chocolate…)

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© R. Maybury 2006, 1804