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Set up share options to view e-mail across the network

By JOHN TORRO
Published December 12, 2005

Q. We have two home computers linked via a home network (cable access). Is there any way to view the Outlook Express e-mail file on one computer from another inbox, outbox, etc.? Also, My Computer often asks if I want to continue running scripts on this. What does that mean?

A. Try this: First find out where your personal message store is located (Tools, Options, Maintenance tab, Store Folder button). Make note of the directory (folder); it should end with a folder named Outlook Express. Through Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder right before Outlook Express, right-click Outlook Express and select Properties. Click the Sharing tab and click Share this folder on the network and give it a Share name. Make sure to also select Allow networks users to change my files. Now, from Outlook Express on the other PC, click Tools, Options, Maintenance tab, Store Folder button. Click Change and then either navigate to the network share or enter the network share name. The Share name would be whatever the other PC's name is prefixed by \\ and then the Share name you gave it in the previous step. For instance, if the other PC was named PC1 and you named the share OE, then the full network name would be \\PC1\OE. You can find out the PC name by right-clicking My Computer, select Properties and click the Computer Name button. It will be under "full computer name." The scripts prompt just indicates there was a programming script error within the Internet page you're attempting to view. As long as you are up to date on all Internet Explorer patches, there is little else you can do.

Q. I downloaded PowerPoint Viewer, but I cannot open any e-mail attachments in Outlook Express that are pps (Windows XP Service Pack 2).

A. Try saving the .pps file to your hard drive first, then try opening it with the PowerPoint Viewer. You didn't specify the exact error message you are receiving, so I can't be sure if this solves your problem.

Q. When I turn on my PC, a window appears that says "These files are hidden." The top of the window names it as System 32. I don't know where it came from or how to keep it from appearing. I tried System Restore for a prior date, but that didn't work.

A. This could be the result of a known problem involving one of the startup entries. It is caused by one of the entries in startup containing an extra apostrophe. You can view the details of the Microsoft knowledgebase article by going to support.microsoft.com and searching on article 170086. It involves making changes to one or more registry entries. You may be able to avoid the registry edits by running MSCONFIG (Start, Run, type MSCONFIG) and checking the Startup tab entries for one that may have the extra apostrophe.

Q. Regarding the person with a wireless connection problem (Nov. 28), I agree with your answer that it may be a wireless phone. But I disagree with your suggestion that he purchase a new phone with 5.8 GHZ. I had a similar problem with one of my wireless phones. Receiving a call would disconnect my network. But my solution is much less costly. Simply access your router settings and change the channel it is using. I adjusted my router to channel 11 and have no problems with my microwave or the wireless phones.

A. If that worked for you, then it is worth a try. When I was experiencing the same problems (incoming and outgoing calls), changing the various router channels did not work. Perhaps different router/phone combinations will work differently. However, going to a phone in a completely different band (such as 5.8 gHZ) should solve the problem.

[Last modified December 9, 2005, 08:53:03]