FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 059 (20/05/97)

MINDERS AND MODEMS

I have been advised that I cannot connect a PC modem or fax machine to my phone line if I subscribe to the BT Call Minder service, why is that? Is it like Call Waiting, where bleeps generated by the system interrupt data transfers?  If so is there any way of temporarily disabling the facility?

Steve Henson, Isle of Dogs

A

There’s nothing to stop you using a modem or fax machine if you have Call Minder. BT advise against it because Call Minder will answer, and try to record or respond to incoming data or fax calls, whilst you’re on the phone. It is designed to handle voice messages, data clogs up the recording system, and there’s a chance it could become confused by bleeps and tones.  

CANON BALLS

I have recently upgraded my computer with a new motherboard and processor, and changed to Windows 95. My Canon BJC210 colour bubblejet printer is now behaving strangely and refusing to print the last few centimetres of any document I create in Word 6. I checked all the settings, re-loaded the driver and even downloaded the latest printer drive from the Canon web site, but to no avail. Any suggestions?

Andy McGuire, Southend, Essex

A

This is quite a common problem, and unlikely to have anything to do with the printer driver. The most likely cause is the ECP (enhanced capability) port on your computer and Windows, outputting data faster than the printer can handle it. To find out if this is so, click on settings in the start menu, then printers. Highlight the driver you’re using, click on properties from the file menu and  select the details tab. If you see ‘LPT1: (ECP Printer Port)’ highlighted then you need a new device driver and update a file or two. A self-installing utility that will do all of this for you is available on the ‘ECP Compatibility’ disc, free of charge, from Canon, just give their helpline a call on (0990) 143723.

SCREEN SAVER

Recently my monitor suddenly blacked out and I now realise it can be just as bad as a complete computer failure. I intend to purchase a backup monitor, preferably something cheap and cheerful. Can I simply plug in the new monitor, or do I need a second video card and driver software as well? Is switching between two monitors difficult?  Would a second-hand black and white one be adequate for word processing/spreadsheet work? My PC is a 486DX50 with Windows 3.1 and a Hyundai VGA colour monitor.

David Arundale

A

Fortunately monitor failures are very rare. If they do go wrong, it is usually when they’re being switched on or off, so data loss is likely to be minimal. However, if you are feeling really unlucky then a standby monitor may give you some peace of mind. You can connect the second monitor using an external  switcher box; they’re readily available from computer accessory companies like Keyzone for around £30. Providing the second monitor is the same as the one you’re using, (i.e. VGA), you won’t need to make any changes to the video card or driver software. Colour is often a key element in many software applications and you may have problems identifying icons and buttons with a monochrome monitor. Budget colour monitors sell for around £130, good second-hand examples can be found for less than £80.  Incidentally, Keyzone also market VGA/SVGA to converters, which would provide you with an display using an ordinary TV. Resolution and image stability wouldn’t be as good as a purpose-designed monitor, but it would enable you to save data and shut the machine down safely. Keyzone Computer Products, telephone 0181-900 1525.

DATS ALL FOLKS...

We've got a lot of data backed up to DAT tapes. Unfortunately there was a problem with our Adaptec SCSi software and HP JetStore tape drive and we've since been unable to restore our data. There's a strong possibility that we'll need this data soon. I remember a few months ago you published details of a data retrieval company. I'd be grateful for details of how to contact them (if you think they could do the job).

Richard Hartley

A

Most data recovery companies specialise in hard-disc failures, however we have found one firm who concentrate on tape-based backup systems. They are Vogon International, who can be reached on: (0118) 9890042.