FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  527 (22/08/06)

Q. I have several roommates that I would prefer not use my desktop computer. Is there a reliable, (preferably free) software program that would require a password to activate the computer? It runs Windows 98SE.
Sue Sanchez, via email 

A Your PC almost certainly has a powerful PIN protected security system built in. It’s in the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program, which configures your PC’s hardware components as soon as it is switched on. Once BIOS password protection is enabled the PC will not start and it cannot be circumvented with boot discs or other tricks so it is very secure. To switch it on you have to enter the BIOS Setup program; details of how to do this (usually by pressing one or two keys at start-up) will be in your PC’s operating instructions or motherboard manual. Once the BIOS menu opens look for the Security or Boot sub-menu and follow the instructions.

Q. I have two hard drives and would like to configure the BIOS so that I can select which one is accessed first at start-up, to enable me to run two operating systems (XP on C: already installed and Windows 98SE on D:). The only options I have at present are: HDD; CD-ROM; Floppy etc. Is there any way round this?

Alan Cooper, via email

A. It should be straightforward but ‘dual booting’, as it is called, can be devilishly complicated, especially when, as in your case, it is unplanned. Unfortunately it cannot be done through the BIOS program. The simplest and most reliable method is to start from scratch and install the operating systems on separate partitions on the same hard drive, and they should be installed in order with the newest one installed last.

When working with existing installations on separate hard drives the only solution is to use a bootloader program or a third-party utility that will take control the PC’s boot up sequence. For Windows the best option is BootMagic, which is part of Norton’s Partition Magic suite of disc management tools.

Q. I have copied my address list onto a USB key drive for use when staying with family or friends. How can I copy "My Favourites" to the key?

Ron Matthews, France

A. Simply copy your Favourites folder to the drive. In Windows XP you will find it in C:\Documents and Settings\<yourname>, in earlier versions it is in C:\Windows. I wouldn’t copy or import it into your friends or relatives PCs -- they won’t thank you for messing up their browser and there’s a chance of carrying across an infection or links to undesirable web sites that can find their way into the folder. Instead just open the Favorites folder on the key drive; double-clicking an entry will open the browser and take you to the selected web page.

Q. I have a wireless router and have run it with WPA encryption. I found the connection to be fairly unreliable even over short distances. I'm currently running the router with security disabled and MAC address filtering to keep out anyone else. Fortunately I live in a semi rural area so having neighbours hook into my network isn't a major concern. With encryption off the network connection is much more reliable. The 3 wireless PCs in the house now connect first time most times and stay connected. Previously it was common to get an acquiring IP address message and eventual failure to connect or if a connection was made for it to disconnect after a period. Is it usual for unencrypted networks to be more stable or is this likely to be a router hardware or firmware problem?

Ken Byrne, via email

A. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption can affect the speed of a Wi-Fi connection but it is far more likely that something else is messing it up and the first thing to check is signal strength. Wi-Fi component manufacturers blithely claim operating distances of up to 100 metres but indoors, in the real world I suggest that 25 to 30 metres is a more realistic figure, less if the building has thick walls or floors or a lot of metal in its construction.

Site survey and monitor utilities supplied with Wi-Fi adaptors give only relative indications of signal strength and quality, in the end the only way to see if lack of range or a ‘dead spot’ is responsible is to move the PCs into the same room as (or as close as physically possible to) the wi-fi router. If that makes a difference try switching off any other wireless devices in the vicinity, re-orientate the router’s antenna, mount it higher up, or connect an external antenna.

If range or interference is not to blame then it could be the wi-fi adaptor’s drivers (make sure you have the latest ones installed) or Windows’ wireless configuration utilities. Microsoft released the Wireless Update Rollup Package of fixes and patches in 2003, ensure that you have this on your PC. You’ll find it listed as KB826942 in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.

Forcing Windows to reset its Wi-Fi settings might help. Open Control Panel; double-click Administrative Tools then Computer Management (or Right-click My Computer on the Desktop and select Manage). In the right hand window go to Services and Applications > Services, scroll down the list to Wireless Zero Configuration. Right click the item and select Stop, count to ten then right click again and choose Start and with luck this will kick-start your wi-fi connection. 

Q. A couple of weeks ago you dealt with a query about a floppy disc drive not working in Windows XP. I had this problem with floppies moving files from a neighbour’s Windows 98 PC and Microsoft Knowledgebase Article 140060 ‘Floppy Disk is Not Accessible, Not Formatted, or Not Recognized by Windows’ may prove useful.

David Wiscombe, via email

A. Thanks for that!

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© R. Maybury 2006, 1508