FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  568 (05/06/07)

Q. I have two PCs and a laptop connected together in a simple wireless network. The two PCs allow printer and file sharing but I can't repeat the process with the laptop. I go through the Add Network Place Wizard but when I try to browse to my network I get the following error message: ‘MSHOME is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource…contact the Administrator’. I am the Administrator but I don't know where to go next - any suggestions?

Peter Fowler, via email

A. I suspect you’ve run up against the strengthened network security in Windows XP. Unlike earlier versions of Windows, where folders and even the entire contents of a drive can be easily shared by other PCs in the network, XP Home and Prom has more advanced user-level security, so you can specify who has access to particular folders.

Assuming that you can access the Internet on all connected computers (which shows the network hardware is okay) then it’s probably an XP ‘Simple File Sharing’ problem. In Windows Explorer right-click on the folder or resource you want to share, select Sharing and Security then check the box, ‘Share this folder on the Network’. If you are using Windows XP Pro or a mixture of Windows versions then you need more specialised help and I suggest you consult the excellent Ezlan.net website and work your way through the troubleshooting links that relate to your particular setup.

Q. When I open my list of Favourites I find that some new and unwanted entries have been created, together with a host of pop-ups, none of which I can delete. Coincidentally perhaps, this problem occurred after using Windows Live Messenger and a new webcam. A virus scan has failed to identify any problem.

Graham Watson, via email

A. Your PC has been infected with adware or malware and this is beyond the scope of most virus scanners since the offending software is designed to mimic legitimate web traffic and browser add-ons. Most malware can be removed using a ‘cleaner’ program like AdAware, SpyBot and Windows Defender, they’re all free and you will find links to them in the Software section of PCTopTips. If that doesn’t work you will have to take more drastic steps to identify and remove the source and a good place to start is another free program called X-Ray PC, which you will also find listed in the site’s Malware Cleaner section.

Q. My computer (a six-year old Compaq Presario Desktop) occasionally performs a reboot for no apparent reason. This may occur at any time during normal use, regardless of whether there is any user interaction or not. As the fault has occurred when using different operating systems (Windows ME, XP and Mandriva Linux), this leads me to believe that there may be a hardware problem. This has been an excellent machine, so I would appreciate any help you can give me to be able to prolong its life.

Bryan Bennett, via email

A. The prime suspect has to be overheating. You should check the CPU fan and cooling fins, which are probably clogged with dust, drastically reducing its efficiency. The safest way to remove it is to unplug all of the cables, take off the lid and use an ‘Air Duster’. This is a tin of compressed gas, obtainable from most PC suppliers and stationers for around £5.00; use it to blast the area clean. However, if this is your first time I strongly recommend that you do it outside! You should also blow through the power supply module (do it through the rear ventilation slots or you’ll just fill the case with more dust) and make sure the holes and grilles in the case are clear while you are at it. If the fan is the original replace it as it is almost certainly on its last legs.  

Q. I am using Windows XP and the CD AutoPlay function does not work; I have to resort to the 'now playing ' button in Windows Media Player. In addition copies of CDs made via Media Player will not play on any of my home CD players without a series of button pressing between 'Play 'Fast forward' and generally fiddling about etc. This has only started happening recently so I guess I have upset something. Can you advise?

Brian Parratt, via email

A. The two problems may not be connected but the usual reason for CDs suddenly not playing properly is often down to low-grade and error-prone blanks. If you have changed brands recently, or a have started using cheapo bulk discs see what happens when you try a good quality branded disc. Also, if you haven’t done so recently, treat the drive to a session with a cleaner disc. This may fix the Autoplay problem but since you didn’t mention if you’ve checked the drive’s configuration settings that should be your first port of call. Right-click on the drive icon in My Computer or Windows Explorer and select Properties then the Autoplay tab and use the drop-down menu and ‘Actions list to specify what happens when you load a music or data disc.

Q. I have recently moved to Belgium and wish to listen to BBC and UK based radio programmes via the Internet. Because of the design of the house it is difficult to extend the speaker cables to the kitchen where I spend a lot of my time throughout the day. I have a PC running Windows XP Home edition. I also have an old redundant laptop and PC tower both with Windows 98 ME. Is it possible to set up a wireless system to use either of these as a conduit through which I can relay the radio programmes, or is there a simpler way? 

Tony Dixon, via email

A. The cheapest solution is to use an AV wireless sender connected to your PC, with the receiver module hooked up to a pair of powered PC speakers. Otherwise, if you have the room for a PC in your kitchen then a simple wireless network would allow the PC to share your Internet connection and access the radio station websites directly.

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© R. Maybury 2007 2805