Help wanted for some baffling PC problems

By Zatni Arbi

JAKARTA (JP) I had a very easy time writing this article, as throughout last week, I received several computer-related questions from readers of this column.

As most of them were having problems with their software, I decided to share with you the ones that I could not solve myself, with the hope that you could share your knowledge with all of us and suggest the solutions.

First, there was a question from Ellen: "My sister in the States has bought a little device (as big as a pocketbook) that can only send and receive e-mails, but while I have no problems at all e-mailing her, the e-mails that my brother sends her, from the computers in cybercafes in Bali, always reach her truncated. Her screen displays the message, 'This message is truncated'.

"Other than that, no other message comes through. What does it mean? And what should be done to overcome this?"

I have included Ellen's question here for two reasons. First, there might be someone out there who has the answer. If you do, we will certainly appreciate you giving it to us. Second, the question also serves as an example of how detailed we need to be when asking for suggestions to solve our computer-related problems.

I replied Ellen's query, admitting that I was also at a loss. Without knowing which e-mail client software her brother in Bali and her sister in the States were using, for example, we would be unable to isolate the problem. I suspect they were not using the same software. But, if they were, the settings on both computers might not be the same.

They would then have to make the settings as similar as possible -- which might not be practicable as her brother was using a cybercafe's computer.

Solving a computer problem is all about identifying probable causes and then isolating the real culprit, that is why it can be so time-consuming. Just keep in mind that when you report a problem to a helpdesk or to a friend whom you think may know the solution, you need to provide as much specific information as possible.

For example, what version of Windows do you use? 95, 98, 2000, or Me? What software applications do you run? Outlook, Outlook Express? Eudora? Communicator? Which version? These details are necessary in finding the real cause of the problem. Rocky shutdown

Here is an interesting question from Mr. Srinivasan, a reader.

"Recently I installed Windows Me in my computer and ever since then I have had occasional hiccups during the shutdown operation. Many a time the shutdown is normal, but at times the computer freezes. Pressing Ctrl, Alt and Del doesn't solve the problem. I would have to reset, or switch off the power and restart the computer. Could you explain the possible cause for this?"

Unfortunately, I have no experience whatsoever with Windows Me. I am planning to buy the program when I go to Singapore later this week. However, given the workload that I have to clear at the moment, it will be some time before I have the chance to install it. So, again, who knows, someone out there may be able to help Mr. Srinivasan.

Actually, this problem during shutting down is not uncommon in Windows 95 and 98 too. One of the causes that I have discovered is a program that does not run properly and which we may have overlooked. This happens to my PC, too. If, for some reason, my Internet Explorer (IE) hangs, the shutdown process will not be smooth. If that were the case, I would opt to close the troubled IE session manually, and then Windows would reboot normally. I am not sure whether Mr. Srinivasan's problem is the same as mine. Sticky Outlook

And here is another interesting question from Lillian, which I cannot solve, either. She wrote: "My Microsoft Outlook does not launch quickly. After a long and patient wait, there will be a message saying my personal folders cannot be opened. I was told I could rectify this by reinstalling the MS Office. But it has not solved the problem.

"So, now I just hit Ctrl-Alt-Del to end the task when there is a message that Outlook is 'not responding'. What could be wrong? How can I fix this?"

Incidentally, I am facing the same problem with my PC and I have not been able to solve it either. I am using Outlook Express (OE) 5.0. Every time I start it, it takes a very long to load. If there is no error message, OE will run smoothly and I can read the messages in the preview pane. However, it keeps me waiting each time I want to do something else.

For example, when I want to reply or write a new message, I have to wait for a few minutes for the window to appear. Strangely, after that, OE will run without a glitch -- until I close it and load it again.

Like Lillian, I have reinstalled IE--which also included OE, several times, but the problem still persists. Anybody out there who can help Lillian and me?

Finally, here is what may be good news for notebook users who wish the batteries will last for more than just 30 minutes. Sales director of Five Star Advantage Steve Legato e-mailed me saying that his company now has PowerPad electrofuel notebook batteries that can keep your Acer, Compaq, Gateway, IBM and Toshiba notebooks running for up to 16 hours.

His phone number is (661) 294-0074 x 428, and the company's Website is www.fivestaradvantage.com. I must tell you though that while the US$499 and $529 PowerPad products are familiar, the company is new to me and I have not come across any review on it. Therefore, as always, you will need to exercise prudence. Nonetheless, 16 hours of uninterrupted notebook computing does not sound bad at all.

(zatni@cbn.net.id)