Solutions

Uncertainty keeps reader from running Spybot

Q. I am probably overcautious, but when I read disclaimers that tell me my system may not run the same as before downloading Spybot, I kind of chicken out. What are the most likely changes one would notice after installing Spybot? Are there any drawbacks or known problems in having the program installed?

A. Before Spybot runs through your system, cleaning spyware from your system, it warns you that some of the applications that depend on these spyware hooks may not function once its run is complete. For example, Kazaa Media Desktop, a popular music sharing-downloading application that depends heavily on spyware, will no longer work. However, Kazaa Lite, which has no spyware, will work without problems.

I have run Spybot on a number of systems without any problems. Programs that are likely to break are ones you don't want on your system in the first place.

Removing the CNBC ticker

Q. I would like to uninstall the Microsoft Investor CNBC ticker, which appears on my desktop with news and stock quotes. I don't know where to begin. I'm running Windows XP.

A. I'm not sure what makes this control automatically appear for you. The stock ticker I checked on the Microsoft investor page stopped when I closed the window and did not start again when I returned. Make sure that the ticker is not part of an "Active Desktop" configuration. Right-click anywhere on your desktop, click properties, Desktop tab, then the Customize Destop button. Click the Web tab and check to see if the MSN Stock Ticker is listed there. If it is, uncheck the option box and click the OK buttons all the way back out. Otherwise, try this:

In Windows Explorer, navigate to the C:\Windows\DownLoadedPrograms folder. You will see a file named MSN Money Ticker. Right-click on this file and choose Remove. The Windows\DownLoadedPrograms folder is where several Internet Explorer plug-in controls are stored, including the Windows Update control. It's always a good idea to check this folder to see which plug-in controls are on your system, some of which could be spyware.

Internet printing problems

Q. I cannot print anything that I get from the Internet. I have a Lexmark Z22 and an HP Deskjet 720C. I downloaded a Lexmark driver and have done everything that I know to correct this situation. I can print letters, cards and anything not associated with the Internet.

A. You didn't specify which if any error message you are getting, so I can't be very specific. Here are a couple of things to try: First make sure you have the latest Internet Explorer and Windows XP updates (www.windowsupdate.com) Next, disable third-party browser extensions in Internet Explorer this way:

* Start Internet Explorer

* On the Tools menu, click Internet Options. Click the Advanced tab.

* Click to clear the Enable third-party browser extensions (this requires restart) check box. Click Apply, then OK.

Trouble with Internet Explorer

Q. I have run into recurring error messages on my 4-year-old computer, which is running Windows 98. It usually happens when I click on Favorites. The message reads: "Internet Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module KERNEL 32.DLL at 015f:bff714ac." Then it says it must shut down. If I click on Internet Explorer, an error message may warn that there is not enough memory to run the program and suggest that I shut down other programs running on the computer. Then the computer locks up. I have reduced the number of programs running and have repaired IE. I reinstalled Windows 98 as well as doubled the memory. I have plenty of room on the computer, enough memory (128 megabytes), not much running or stored on the disc and still the problem persists.

A. This could be related to many things. Some things to try:

* Make sure you are up-to-date on all Internet Explorer patches (www.windowsupdate.com)

* Disable the hardware acceleration of your video card (Control Panel, System, Performance tab, Graphics button).

* Delete all temporary Internet files and cookies (Tools, Internet Options, General Tab).

* Delete your Favorites list. You can save them by first clicking File, Import and Export, and following the Wizard's instructions. Then in the Windows file Explorer, go to C:\Windows\Favorites. Delete all the files in this folder. You can reload your Favorites by reversing the process in File, Import and Export.

* Uninstall any third-party controls in the C:\Windows\DownLoadedPrograms folder (right-click and select Remove).

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