Help wanted for some baffling PC problems<\/p>\n
By Zatni Arbi<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP) I had a very easy time writing this article, as
\nthroughout last week, I received several computer-related
\nquestions from readers of this column.<\/p>\n
As most of them were having problems with their software, I
\ndecided to share with you the ones that I could not solve myself,
\nwith the hope that you could share your knowledge with all of us
\nand suggest the solutions.<\/p>\n
First, there was a question from Ellen: \"My sister in the
\nStates has bought a little device (as big as a pocketbook) that
\ncan only send and receive e-mails, but while I have no problems
\nat all e-mailing her, the e-mails that my brother sends her, from
\nthe computers in cybercafes in Bali, always reach her truncated.
\nHer screen displays the message, 'This message is truncated'.<\/p>\n
\"Other than that, no other message comes through. What does it
\nmean? And what should be done to overcome this?\"<\/p>\n
I have included Ellen's question here for two reasons. First,
\nthere might be someone out there who has the answer. If you do,
\nwe will certainly appreciate you giving it to us. Second, the
\nquestion also serves as an example of how detailed we need to be
\nwhen asking for suggestions to solve our computer-related
\nproblems.<\/p>\n
I replied Ellen's query, admitting that I was also at a loss.
\nWithout knowing which e-mail client software her brother in Bali
\nand her sister in the States were using, for example, we would be
\nunable to isolate the problem. I suspect they were not using the
\nsame software. But, if they were, the settings on both computers
\nmight not be the same.<\/p>\n
They would then have to make the settings as similar as
\npossible -- which might not be practicable as her brother was
\nusing a cybercafe's computer.<\/p>\n
Solving a computer problem is all about identifying probable
\ncauses and then isolating the real culprit, that is why it can be
\nso time-consuming. Just keep in mind that when you report a
\nproblem to a helpdesk or to a friend whom you think may know the
\nsolution, you need to provide as much specific information as
\npossible.<\/p>\n
For example, what version of Windows do you use? 95, 98, 2000,
\nor Me? What software applications do you run? Outlook, Outlook
\nExpress? Eudora? Communicator? Which version? These details are
\nnecessary in finding the real cause of the problem.<\/p>\n
Rocky shutdown<\/p>\n
Here is an interesting question from Mr. Srinivasan, a reader.<\/p>\n
\"Recently I installed Windows Me in my computer and ever since
\nthen I have had occasional hiccups during the shutdown operation.
\nMany a time the shutdown is normal, but at times the computer
\nfreezes.
\nPressing Ctrl, Alt and Del doesn't solve the problem. I would
\nhave to reset, or switch off the power and restart the computer.
\nCould you explain the possible cause for this?\"<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, I have no experience whatsoever with Windows
\nMe. I am planning to buy the program when I go to Singapore later
\nthis week. However, given the workload that I have to clear at
\nthe moment, it will be some time before I have the chance to
\ninstall it. So, again, who knows, someone out there may be able
\nto help Mr. Srinivasan.<\/p>\n
Actually, this problem during shutting down is not uncommon in
\nWindows 95 and 98 too. One of the causes that I have discovered
\nis a program that does not run properly and which we may have
\noverlooked. This happens to my PC, too. If, for some reason, my
\nInternet Explorer (IE) hangs, the shutdown process will not be
\nsmooth. If that were the case, I would opt to close the troubled
\nIE session manually, and then Windows would reboot normally. I am
\nnot sure whether Mr. Srinivasan's problem is the same as mine.<\/p>\n
Sticky Outlook<\/p>\n
And here is another interesting question from Lillian, which I
\ncannot solve, either. She wrote: \"My Microsoft Outlook does not
\nlaunch quickly. After a long and patient wait, there will be a
\nmessage saying my personal folders cannot be opened. I was told I
\ncould rectify this by reinstalling the MS Office. But it has not
\nsolved the problem.<\/p>\n
\"So, now I just hit Ctrl-Alt-Del to end the task when there is
\na message that Outlook is 'not responding'. What could be wrong?
\nHow can I fix this?\"<\/p>\n
Incidentally, I am facing the same problem with my PC and I
\nhave not been able to solve it either. I am using Outlook Express
\n(OE) 5.0. Every time I start it, it takes a very long to load. If
\nthere is no error message, OE will run smoothly and I can read
\nthe messages in the preview pane. However, it keeps me waiting
\neach time I want to do something else.<\/p>\n
For example, when I want to reply or write a new message, I
\nhave to wait for a few minutes for the window to appear.
\nStrangely, after that, OE will run without a glitch -- until I
\nclose it and load it again.<\/p>\n
Like Lillian, I have reinstalled IE--which also included OE,
\nseveral times, but the problem still persists. Anybody out there
\nwho can help Lillian and me?<\/p>\n
Finally, here is what may be good news for notebook users who
\nwish the batteries will last for more than just 30 minutes. Sales
\ndirector of Five Star Advantage Steve Legato e-mailed me saying
\nthat his company now has PowerPad electrofuel notebook batteries
\nthat can keep your Acer, Compaq, Gateway, IBM and Toshiba
\nnotebooks running for up to 16 hours.<\/p>\n
His phone number is (661) 294-0074 x 428, and the company's
\nWebsite is www.fivestaradvantage.com. I must tell you though that
\nwhile the US$499 and $529 PowerPad products are familiar, the
\ncompany is new to me and I have not come across any review on it.
\nTherefore, as always, you will need to exercise prudence.
\nNonetheless, 16 hours of uninterrupted notebook computing does
\nnot sound bad at all.<\/p>\n
(zatni@cbn.net.id)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/help-wanted-for-some-baffling-pc-problems-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }