FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  524 (01/08/06)

Q. Is there a program that can automatically send files via email on a scheduled basis as I do work at home and now and then I need to send the files to certain clients at regular intervals but as I am forgetful I was wondering if there was some freeware that can automatically send the contents of a folder say on a weekly/monthly basis via email.

S Harden

A. If you have Microsoft Outlook on your PC and it is connected to a network using Microsoft Exchange you can set it to send email messages at a predetermined date and time. Compose your message as normal and add any attachments then go to the View menu and select Options. Under Delivery Options check ‘Do not deliver before’ and use the drop-down menu to specify the date and time you want it to be sent.

Some commercial email client programs have this facility, I believe it is possible in Eudora, though I haven’t tried it but apparently all you have to do is highlight your message in your Outbox and on the menu bar select Message > Change > Queuing and set a time.

Shareware programs like Quick Send and LBE Email Scheduler will also do this but perhaps the simplest solution is to use Windows Scheduled Tasks (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools). Compose your message and make sure OE is set to send and Receive Mail at Startup (Tools Options General tab) then uncheck ‘Send Messages Immediately (Tools > Options Send tab). Now go to Scheduled Tasks and set it to launch Outlook Express at a preset time and when it opens your message will be sent. Alternative suggestions are very welcome.

Q. I enjoyed the recent Boot Camp series on Windows Vista, but I am more tempted by the latest generation of Macs. I have a small wireless network and my main PC has two hard drives (I agree with everything you say about backing up!). I am confident that I could get a Mac to connect to my network, but can I then transfer all my music (saved as MP3s via iTunes) and pictures (JPEG) files to the Mac and access them safely?

Ian Clark Plymouth

A. You can certainly network Macs and PCs and these days it’s all quite straightforward, providing you don’t want to do anything too fancy, like share files and printers, in which case you will need some specialist software. Otherwise it can all be done using ordinary Ethernet cabling, TCP/IP protocols and standard Mac and Windows networking software. This will allow you to transfer files between the two machines and since MP3s and JPEGs are not ‘platform dependent’ they can be opened on the Mac. However, you should be aware that there are varying restrictions on music files with Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, downloaded from iTunes and other online music stores, which can affect file copying and the number of PCs you can play them on.

Q. I installed Crap Cleaner (CCleaner) onto my PC running Windows 2000 and it appears to work, but since then the file views always default to the small icons rather than the 'file and information' view that I prefer. They can be changed back but seem to change again after CCleaner is used.

Alan Shore, via email

A. CCleaner is a very powerful piece of software that removes all of the hidden files and settings in Windows that can compromise your privacy and there is a setting that will undo some customisations in Windows Explorer, though it is not usually enabled by default. To switch it off click the Cleaner icon, select the Windows tab then scroll down the list to the ‘Advanced’ section and make sure that ‘Custom Files and Folders’ is unchecked.

Q. For about a year now any email I send to an AOL address is returned undelivered. I have contacted Microsoft Technical Support six times in the past months and have had a series of ineffective recommendations. The most recent of which is that I contact AOL and ask to be put on its  'White List'. Amongst the replies from Microsoft have been several saying that they are aware of a problem and their technical team is working on it. Have you any suggestion to help me?

Roger Allen, via email

A. To be fair to Microsoft this is almost certainly an AOL issue, though I have to say its suggestions do not sound especially helpful. The root of the problem is the decision by AOL protect its subscribers by blocking emails it considers to be a source of Spam and junk email, sent from certain addresses, ISPs and internet domains. Unfortunately it tends to be quite heavy handed in its approach and arbitrarily blocks many perfectly innocent email, simply because they originate from a blacklisted ISP. The White List is a way for legitimate bulk emailers and ISPs who consider they are being unfairly treated to be unblocked, so your first port of call should be your ISP and ask them to complain to AOL on your behalf. Failing that switch ISPs and these days all it takes is a few clicks of the mouse to sign up to another provider, though if your existing contract has a while to run you will still have to pay your subscription fees until it ends.

Q. I have Windows 98 and Outlook 98. The default New Message form in Outlook has no Bcc box. I have created a form, and can use it from my desktop but how can I make it the default when I use the Outlook program?

Janette Reed

A. To set the Bcc button as a default item click the New icon on the toolbar, go to the View drop-down menu form and click Bcc Field, it should then be checked and appear every time you open a New Message form.

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© R. Maybury 2006, 2507