FAQS! FACTS! FAX!  593 (11/12/07)

Q. When attempting to back up text files from hard disk to a memory stick, the operation almost always comes to a halt and I get a message, which reads: ‘Cannot copy (filename): The directory or file cannot be created’. I use Windows Explorer in XP.  Almost all of my files are written in .RTF format.  I have had the problem using at least half a dozen different brands of memory stick. Please, what am I doing wrong?

Mike Doodson, via email

A. This error message usually means the memory device hasn’t been formatted or there’s something wrong with its filing system. It can also indicate a problem with the file or name of the file you are trying to copy and occasionally it is associated with the USB port you are using to connect the drive to your PC.

The last one can be avoided by only using an internal powered port, preferably one on the front or rear of the computer (i.e. hard wired to the PC’s motherboard), as these are assured the full 500 milliamp supply required by some USB devices. External ‘powered’ hubs sometimes have inadequate power supplies, which can result in read/write errors, especially if it’s being shared by other USB devices.

Otherwise the solution is to format the drive. In Windows Explorer or My Computer right-click on the drive icon and select Format. Under File System make sure FAT32 is showing, select Quick Format and click Start.

Q. I have been following your directions in Boot Camp 500 to create a Puppy Linux disc. I get as far as burning the CD without any problems, using the ImgBurn program you suggested, however, after it has finished, when it starts to Verify the disc I get a read error message. I have tried a fresh download and a different CD with the same result.  What could be the cause please?

Merrick Boston

A. You should have eliminated the possibility of a corrupt download so the problem almost certainly lies in the disc burning process. Usually the only things to go wrong at this stage are a faulty disc, or a problem with the CD writer drive. Try another disc, but not one from the same batch that you have already used, it should be another make, preferably a well known brand, especially if you have been using cheapo unbranded or bulk discs. If your PC is more than a year or so old you should also give the drive and laser read/write head a thorough scrubbing with a couple of run-throughs with a good quality cleaner disc.

Q. When I re-boot My Windows 2000 Pro computer I often get a program error message that says: ’hidserv.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows…’.  Is this important? Acrobat Reader also sometimes fails to open .pdf files and I have to re-boot.

Are these connected?

Anthony Southey, via email

A. I don’t think they are connected and it’s probably just Acrobat Reader throwing a wobbly, or a corrupt PDF. If you are using a recent version of AR do yourself a favour, get rid of it and install an earlier version (V4 is very stable, it loads quickly and doesn’t keep ‘calling home’, you’ll find it on www.oldversion.com). Alternatively try a freeware alternative, Foxit Reader is even faster than Adobe Reader and there are no annoying splash screens.

Back now to hidserve.exe, or the Microsoft Human Interface Device Audio Service, to give it its full name. This utility handles things like audio devices connected to USB ports, such as multimedia keyboards (with volume controls), joysticks with audio controls and so on.

If you are using one of these devices you should visit the manufacturer’s website and download and install the latest drivers.  If you are not then you should be able to safely simply disable the Service by typing ‘services.msc’ in Run on the Start menu. Scroll down the list to HID Input Service, right-click on it and select Properties then in the Startup Type dropdown menu select Disabled.

Q. Can I use my old copy of Microsoft Money (2003) software on my new Vista laptop?

Gill Strongman

A. Microsoft publishes two lists of programs that are either optimised for Vista (‘Vista Certified)’ or can be relied on to run in Vista, usually without any problems (‘Works with Vista’). Unfortunately Money 2003 is in neither list but that’s not to say that it, and a great many other older programs cannot be persuaded to work under Vista.

In the case of Money 2003 the trick is to install the program as normal but disable the Aero Glass visuals, which can stop it working or result in flickering screens and menus. It’s easy to do, simply right-click on the Money icon on the All Programs list on the Start menu. Select Properties then the Compatibility tab and click Disable desktop Composition. This only disables Aero Glass when Money 2003 is running, otherwise your PC will work normally.

For programs that are not listed as ‘Certified’ or ‘Works with’ Vista there are plenty of other things you can try. I would start with another list of programs that can be made Vista compatible with a package of free Microsoft updates. You’ll find them, and a link to the download in Microsoft Knowledgebase article 935280 .

If your program isn’t listed there is still a very good chance you can get it to run using the other Vista Compatibility mode options and there is a simple to follow guide in Microsoft Knowledgebase article 931362 .

If you have a computer problem write to: fff@telegraph.co.uk

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© R. Maybury 2007 2011