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Personal Tech

Solutions: ID error is linked to default Word file

By JOHN TORRO
Published January 29, 2007

Q: I am running XP and Microsoft Word 2000, which has worked fine in the past. I now get an error message, "Microsoft Word for Windows has encountered a problem and needs to close." If I log on using my two other IDs, it works fine. I have removed and reinstalled Word. Microsoft does not support this version.

A: One of the first trouble-shooting steps for a Word problem should be finding and deleting the Normal.dot file. This is the file Word opens by default to set the default settings for each Word document. You get varying results when logging on as different users since a separate Normal.dot is created for each user. Turn on "Show hidden files and folders" from Windows Explorer, Tools, Folder Options, View tab, search for and delete and Normal.dot files. Start Windows Word to get a new Normal.dot file.

Q: I have a E-Machine T3985 with Microsoft Windows XP, SP2 Home Edition. The screen saver fails to work when on the timer, however preview works fine.

A: Check if your power settings (Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Power Settings) turn off the monitor before your screen saver timer kicks in.

Q: I am using RoadRunner high-speed Internet, and lately it has been slow. Looking around in my programs I see the following: Python 2.2 combined with WIN 32 extensions and Python 2.2.1. I can't find information on these on the Internet and don't know if they are necessary.

A: Python, a UNIX-like scripting language, is not an intrinsic part of the Windows operating system. Perhaps another of your programs requires it. For your bandwidth concerns, I would start by seeing which browser add-ons are active (Tools, Manage Add-Ons...) and making sure you have a clean bill of health from one of the antispyware detectors (use Microsoft's Windows Defender if you don't have one installed). Work with RoadRunner support using the bandwidth tester found at web.tampabay.rr.com/speedtest to see if you're getting the connection speeds expected.

Q: I have a Dell Dimension 4400 running Windows XP Home Edition. I have been unable to put my machine into Standby condition, and get this message: "The device driver for the Standard 101/102 key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 keyboard is preventing the machine from entering standby. Please close all applications and try again. If the problem persists, you may need to update the driver." I am unable to identify either of the items mentioned, and a "Search" turned up nothing.

A: This can occur if a program installs a kernel-mode driver that attaches itself to the standard keyboard driver and does not support Plug and Play I/O request packets. Adobe Type Manager is an example of a program that is known to cause this problem. Check the Microsoft Knowledgebase article found at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314118 for more detailed information.

Send questions to personaltech@sptimes.com or Personal Tech, P.O.Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. Questions are answered only in this column.

[Last modified January 29, 2007, 06:08:19]