FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  551 (06/02/07)

Q. Please excuse me because I am a novice when it comes to computing. A while ago I came across a newspaper cutting, which showed how to convert a photograph into an icon. I have tried it few times but it just doesn’t work for me.

Sureen, via email

A. No need to apologise, we all had to start somewhere and creating your own icons is a good introduction to image files and formats and the noble art of desktop customisation.

The first thing you need to know is that icons are actually bitmap files but with the extension .ico, so if you want to use a JPEG image shot with your digital camera, for example, it will have to be converted to a bitmap (extension .bmp). Bear in mind also that the image will be reduced to microscopic proportions so it is pointless trying to ‘iconise’ pictures of small objects or containing a lot of fine detail; simple bold shapes work best. There’s also going to be a big drop in colour information, so avoid images where this matters (skin tones and so on).

There are plenty of specialist icon editing programs but you can do a pretty good job using Windows Paint (Start > All Programs > Accessories). Start by opening your image and if necessary use the Selection Tool to crop the part of the image that you want to use. Try to keep the shape reasonably square otherwise it may be distorted when it is reduced. Your original image will probably be in JPEG format, so go to SaveAs on the File menu and Save it as a 256 Colour or 24-bit bitmap file, give it the extension .ico and save it in a folder where you will be able to find it.

Now you can go to the Desktop and right-click on the shortcut whose icon you want to change  (by the way you cannot normally replace Windows or Microsoft application icons). Select Properties and on the Shortcut tab click the  'Change Icon' button and use the Browse button to find and select your newly created icon picture file, press OK and it's done.

Q. When I boot up Windows XP I get the error message ‘ordinal 6663 could not be located in dynamic link library mfc42.dll’. What can I do to get rid of this please?

Doreen McCann, via email

A. Translated into English this basically means a program that you’ve installed recently has replaced the dynamic link library file mfc42.dll -- shared by a number of programs on your PC -- with a corrupt or older version. There are usually several instances of this file on most PCs so the best thing to do is run the built-in Windows diagnostic and repair utility, System File Checker. This should identify the rogue file and either replace it or tell you where to look for a new one. To use it go to Run on the Start menu and type ‘sfc /scannow’ (without the quotes and note the space before the forward slash) and follow the prompts. At some point you may need to load your Windows installation disc, so have it ready. If you haven’t got one then your Windows files are almost certainly on a separate partition on your hard drive and the System File Checker should know where to look for them.

Q. I tried to remove Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 from my computer to resolve a problem. When I tried to reinstall it the computer says there's a problem and I suspect there are still some left over files in the system. Short of reinstalling XP is there any way out of this?

R. Wells

A. Many programs have a nasty habit of leaving files behind when they are removed. Sometimes they are just log files and configuration settings, which are fairly benign and supposed to make it easier to re-install or update the program. Otherwise they can include shared ‘dlls’ library files and Registry entries, and if any of them are corrupt they can interfere with a new installation.

There are a couple of things you can try. The first one is to delete the ‘Roxio’ folder, which is probably still lurking in C:\Program Files and may contain old data and config entries. If that doesn’t help then run a freeware utility called RegSeeker and use the ‘Clean the Registry’ tool (make sure the Backup option is checked). This will root out any redundant entries that may be causing problems. 

To avoid this type of problem in the future it is a good idea to install a program that monitors new programs, as they are loaded on to your PC. Try a freeware utility called ZSoft Uninstaller, this stores details of all of the changes made and where new files are stored so that when it comes to uninstalling a program it can do a much more thorough job.

Q. I have an HP laptop that I will be leaving unattended for six months. Could you please advise me what should be done with the battery pack?  Should it be taken out and if so is the internal battery likely to fail or should it be left in the computer?

Hervey Raymond, via email

A. Provided the machine is carefully packed (preferably in its original box) and stored in a cool, dry environment and well away from any strong magnetic fields. It is extremely unlikely that anything untoward will happen if you leave the battery pack connected, but why take any chances? Removing the battery for prolonged periods won’t hurt it either. The clock backup battery may run down but when you next power it up all you have to do is reset the time and date. The files on the hard disc drive and all of your configuration settings and applications will all be perfectly safe.  

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© R. Maybury 2007 2901