Solutions: Windows won't recognize new memory

Q. I am trying to install two 128-megabyte memory boards in my Gateway 266. The boards came from Gateway and are SRAM DIMM PC-133 memory modules. I installed the boards in the two open ports next to the factory installed 32MB board. After installation, Windows 95 won't start. I get the following message: "Invalid VxD link call to device No. 3 service B Windows configuration invalid." What does this mean?

A. There are only two things that will cause this error message, and one of them can occur if there is defective random access memory (RAM) in your computer. Make sure the RAM chips are correctly seated and oriented. Check with Gateway (or your motherboard documentation) that your RAM configuration is valid and that it is compatible with PC-133 memory (since you're running Windows 95, I'm assuming it's an older motherboard). Some motherboards restrict memory to being installed in pairs or in certain banks depending on the different combination of DIMMs. And, of course, you may have defective memory. This is not often the case, however. Try eliminating one DIMM at a time while keeping within your motherboard's memory configuation specifications and restrictions.

Runaway reminders

Q. I use Microsoft Outlook. My problem is I have two reminder messages that cannot be dismissed, opened or set for another time. How do I make these overdue alerts go away?

A. In Outlook, click on the Calendar shortcut icon (left side of Outlook). If it is not visible, click on the Outlook Shortcuts toolbar. Find the appointments in question. Click them once to select them, then from the menu bar, Edit, Delete.

Holding on to Windows 95

Q. You're not going to believe this, but I want to continue using Windows 95 for as long as I can. That operating system coupled with my existing software suits my needs just fine. In addition, I don't think much of what I have will run under XP. If my generic 166 PC blows up, I won't have a choice, but I would replace the hard drive and be willing to start all over with that operating system. The main obstacle in doing that lies with the service pack that I used years ago to smooth out most of the wrinkles in that system and make it much more stable. My recollection was that it was a Service Pack 2 (SP2) package that I downloaded from the Microsoft Web site. However, it does not appear in the list of updates offered at this time. There is an SP1, but it is for a version of Windows 95 that predates mine. Am I correct about the SP2, and is there still a way to obtain a copy of it?

A. I always adhere to the saying "If it's not broke, don't fix it." If Windows 95 is doing what you need, your computing environment is trouble-free and you're okay with the limitations of running an older operating system, I can understand why you want to stay with Windows 95. No, there was not a Windows 95 Service Pack 2. You may have loaded an SP2 for Internet Explorer. If you're concerned about re-creating your operating system exactly as is in the case of a lost hard drive, you may want to consider "ghosting" a copy of your existing hard drive using an application such as Norton Ghost or PowerQuest Drive Image. These products make a duplicate of your hard drive on another hard drive, Zip disks or a CD-R. This will involve some work and expense (it should cost between $50 and $75), but when and if your hard drive goes (and if it's been around since '95, it's living on borrowed time), it will be the fastest and most complete way to recover.

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