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Word files copied to My Documents already were shortcuts

By DAVE GUSSOW
Published December 5, 2005

Whenever I create and save a new Microsoft Word document (Windows Me), the document shows up in Start>Documents>Most recent 15, but does not show up in My Documents. I can copy the document and paste it into My Documents, but then it shows as a shortcut file. That's fine as long as I am accessing that document on my own computer. However, when I record the My Documents file to disc, I can't open that document from the disc using a remote computer (such as when I'm on a trip). That is because, of course, the file for that document is not on another computer, only my own. On another computer, the shortcut icon for that document takes me to a brick wall. Can you tell me what to do to correct this so that my saved Word documents will be saved to My Documents? Also, how can I convert the files I have previously copied and pasted into My Documents to regular files so I can copy them to disc and then open them on a remote computer?

The files you are copying from in Most Recent 15 are just shortcuts. Even when you save it to My Documents, you are just saving a shortcut to a shortcut. You need to find out exactly where Word is saving your documents. Open Word and click File, Save As. Make note of where and which folder Word is using as a default to save your document. You can change the Word defaults by clicking Tools, Options, File Locations tab.

Warning is result of page author's choice

When I go to one particular Web site and search for items, I'm having problems when I press the Back button in Internet Explorer. It gives me the following error message: "Warning: Page has expired. The page you requested was created using information you submitted in a form. This page is no longer available. As a security precaution, Internet Explorer does not automatically resubmit your information for you. To resubmit your information and view this Web page, click the Refresh button." When I click Refresh and then Retry, it does take me back to the page I was trying to get to. What's extremely strange is that this happens only at Amazon.com. Amazon has told me it is not an Amazon site issue, it's an Internet Explorer issue. And it has never heard of this problem. I've tried massive searching and have had zero luck finding a solution.

This happens when you submit a form that was programmed using the POST method. This is a programming choice (a poor one in this case) used by the author of that page. To get around it, right-click on the link and choose Open in another Window, then simply close the new window when done and you'll be back to your search page.

DOS window message indicates virus or worm

When I start XP Home, I get a DOS window with this message: "C:\windows\system.exe." The window is empty and lasts only a second or two. How can I stop this window?

This is usually indicative of a virus or worm (could be one or more of several). Make sure you have an antivirus program installed that is updated with the latest definition file and then do a system scan.

Don't buy anything to eliminate suspected spyware

AOL Spyware Protection shows that I do not have spyware. Microsoft AntiSpyware shows that I do not have spyware. Spyware Doctor shows that I have 34 spyware items and that I have to purchase the right to delete them. Why is it that Spyware Doctor finds something the other two do not?

Spyware/malware detection is more of an art than a science. Each spyware cleaner is going to use different criteria when determining friend from foe. However, I would be wary of having to purchase anything to rid yourself of the suspected spyware. If AOL and Microsoft antispyware say you're okay, then I would assume your PC is safe.

[Last modified December 5, 2005, 03:00:29]