Solutions

By JOHN TORRO, Times correspondent

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 3, 2000

No fix yet for Windows disk prompt

Q. After looking at my network configuration and closing it using the OK button, I get a dialog box telling me to insert the Windows 95 disk. But if I use the cancel button or close the window, this does not happen. Should this happen every time? If not, how do I fix it?
A. This is a known problem with all versions of Windows. News that this has been corrected in the upcoming Windows Me was met with a large round of applause at a seminar I attended. So you are not alone in your frustration. But there is no fix for other versions.

X-rays and floppy disks

Q. Will airport X-ray machines affect floppy disks when I go through security detectors?
A. No, floppy disks are not affected by airport X-ray machines.

Stopping a startup

Q. I installed Microsoft Home Publishing Suite 2000. Now every time my computer boots up Microsoft Works Calendar automatically opens. How do I stop this from opening and show it only as an icon on my desktop?
A. Windows 98 makes it relatively easy to trace where programs start. Run the System Information tool (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Information, or Start, Run, type MSINFO32 and press enter). Select Tools, System Configuration Utility. From here you can turn off the different areas within Windows from which programs run at startup. You'll see a tab for each area: Config.sys, Autoexec.Bat, System.ini, Win.ini (expand the Windows option and check the Load and Run lines) and Startup (this contains the programs that start from within the registry and/or the Startup program folder).

Standby lockup

Q. I have access to standby mode through the shutdown box from the Start button or by accessing the power management control through the Control Panel in my computer where I can set the number of minutes before standby starts. Once in standby mode, if I wait more than 12 minutes to use the computer again, it locks up. I get the following message: "The last few times your computer went on standby it stopped responding. Would you like to prevent your computer from going on standby in the future?" I then need to restart. I tried contacting eMachines support, but their answer pertains to not being able to go into standby rather than not being able to get out of it.
A. This can happen if an MS-DOS Prompt window is open when your computer goes into standby mode or your computer uses Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) features. According to Microsoft, pressing Alt-Tab should resume your computer from standby mode.

There also is a known problem with Universal Serial Bus mice and keyboards that will produce this situation if they are moved erratically when the computer goes into Suspend, or standby, mode. There is no fix listed for this problem.

Another possible cause may be a known problem relating to DirectX (Microsoft's graphics technology used for games). In this case there is an update to correct this at www.microsoft.com/directx/homeuser/downloads/default.asp.

When it comes to any Shutdown/Suspend problem, it is a good idea to check with your PC vendor to make sure you have the latest version of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System that controls the main board).

Inkjet printer error

Q. When I put new cartridges into my Hewlett Packard Deskjet 660CSE, I get a message when I try to print that says: "Incorrect installation. Try removing the color print cartridge and reinstalling it. If the problem persists after multiple tries, refer to the manual for more info." And: "A new print cartridge has been installed. For best quality cancel printing and run realignment procedures in Deskjet status monitor." I referred to the manual and it talks about clicking on the deskjet status monitor icon in the HP Deskjet Utilities Program, then clicking on align print cartridge. I tried going into the printer and clicking on status, but it's empty.
A. According to HP, this problem may be the result of an incomplete connection between the copper strip cartridge contacts and the contacts in the carriage assembly. Check this document from HP for the complete instructions on how to solve this problem: www.hp.com/cposupport/printers/support_doc/bpa00301.html.

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