ActiveWin: Ask AW

Welcome to AskAW! This section of our web site lets you submit questions about any problems/queries that you may have about Windows. Be it from a little icon that annoys you to hardware freezing your PC, we will try and help you out. You can submit your questions by e-mailing us at askaw@activewin.com. You can browse through previous questions over at our Archive Page. Who knows what you might find.

Here are the answered questions for 05-25-2001

Question	Submitted by Unknown
I'm trying to run GTA2 on Win2K Pro and its very very chopy. it wasn't like that on my previous Win98 and nothing has changed on my system but the OS. I upgraded from Win982nd to 2K pro. Is there any manner of patch that Microsoft has released for Win2K that I can use to enhance the gaming end of Win2K?
Solution 1	Answered by Charles Putnam
There are a couple of things that you can do/try 1. Make sure you download the Win2000 compatability update from MS 2. Make sure you have the latest video card drivers and any updates/patches from the game mfgr. 3. Defrag the HD (sounds silly, but it does improve performance. 4. Make sure there aren't any applications/utilities running in the background. NTCompatible (www.ntcompatible.com) is an excellent site for game related issues/questions.

Question	Submitted by John
Hi guys, Is there a way to connect my PC with Creative SBLive Value to a Dolby Pro-Logic Surround System? I know that I need a Y-Audio connector, but I don't know if that would create a surround sound. thanks guys
Solution 1	Answered by Charles Putnam
It's possible, and you're on the right track. You'll need at lease one audio cord (stereo mini plug @ one end and split to 2 RCA plugs at the other). Check Creative's web site for any specifics as to connecting the rear speakers.

Question	Submitted by Paul
Hi there, i don't know if you can help me but i have a problem with the search facility on my version of windows me. when i go to "start/search/for files or folders" and do a search for anything (eg. . on my hard drive) i click the search button but absolutely nothing happens!! i have only had this new machine for about a week and i know it worked for the first few days!! all the other searches (eg. internet, people (address book)) work fine as does everything else in windows me!! i would appreciate it if someone could throw some light on the subject!! i'm not 2 familiar with how your website works so i will check it periodically but would appreciate an email just 2 let me know if you have posted an answer on there. many thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
I had this same issue and I am not sure what causes this issue, however, I was able to solve it by re-installing WindowsMe on top of itself. I did not lose any previous settings.
Solution 2	Answered by Michael Kircus
I don't know if this helps, but there were some issues with IE 6 that prevented buttons from working properly. It might even happen with earlier problems. Try reinstalling IE.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Does anyone know how to get around this? Visio 10 Beta 2 is not compatible with the release version (RTM) of Office 10/XP. Installing the release version of Office 10 on a machine with Visio 10 Beta 2 will send Visio into reduced functionality mode. Installing Visio 10 Beta 2 on a machine with the release version of Office 10 already installed will also send Visio into reduced functionality mode.
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
I am afraid you will have to wait for an update to Visio.

Question	Submitted by Porter
After I've clicked the shut down item on the Start menu the screens go thru the usual routine until it gets to the "Windows is shutting down" screen, then it won't go any farther. Any thoughts on how I correct the problem?
Solution 1	Answered by Charles Putnam
MS released a patch to correct this shortly after Win98SE was released.
Solution 2	Answered by Mean Drake
Yes it must be almost certainly Win98SE that you are running. The patch may or maynot solve your problem. There is a large article in the MS knowleedge base regarding this. Some older motherboards may cause this problem and it may not get solved even if you follow all instructions in the MS article.

Question	Submitted by Ángel
hi, my name is angel. I'd like to ask a question about scandisk for windows. I have a pentium III 800, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard disk. Every time I try to scandisk with the one for windows (this is start--> programs--> accesories --> system tools--> scandisk) there is a window saying "insufficient memory, close all the programs that are opened, etc.). There is no other program opened. I have setup windows 98 again and the problem goes on, I've tried with another windows 98 that works in another PC but it was the same result "insufficient memory". the technician told me it was a configuration problem but he was not able to solve it. What can I do? I'm waiting for any piece of information, idea, or advise you can give me. Thanks a lot. P.S. By the way, I have no problems with scandisk for MS-DOS.
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
Boot windows to safe mode. The use CTRL-ALT-DEL to shut all programs except Explorer and Systray and then run scandisk.

Question	Submitted by Alyn
Hi. I am using Windows 98 and recently created a new partition, making C: and D: both hard disk partitions and making the CD drive E:. I have since removed this extra partition and now I am unable to play audio CDs in my cd drive. Also, through the CD Rom properties in device manager, I am unable to set the start drive letter to D:, yet windows does recognize my CD drive as being D:. CDPlayer just insists there is no audio CD in the drive, and Media Player 7 says the CDA files are an invalid file format, yet through progs such as Quake and Blood, i can play audio CDs while playing. Please help me.
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
What program did you use for all these partition changes? Also, just run Fdisk to see if the partitions are just as you think they are. Finally use tweakUI to Assign a drive letter D: to your CD- Drive.

Question	Submitted by John
hi guys i need to know how to change the cd- rom icon onthe desktop in windows 98 thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
There was a registry setting I used to edit but I got lazy and now use the free ActiveIcons from Cursorarts to do it for me.hi guys i need to know how to change the cd- rom icon onthe desktop in windows 98 thanks
Solution 2	Answered by Michael Kircus
Right click the CD-ROM icon on the desktop and click "Propeties" When it opens up, there will be a button called "Change Icon." Click it and browse for the icon you want.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
How can one create a extra drive on one drive(main hard disk) and password protect it ? Can it be done?
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
This is aclled partitioning a drive. you can have one physical disk and more than one partitions on it each represented by a different drive letter. Security like what you want is not available in win9x/ME inherently. There are programs that can offer this security for you. In Win NT and 2000 you can restrict access to drives with NTFS partitions.

Question	Submitted by Matthew
hey guys, my taskbar has disappeared. i cannot access it. i cannot see it and i have to use keyboard shortcuts to get to the start menu and running programs. i have looked everywhere on the computer to see what might be the problem, but i cannot find anything. the taskbar shows for a second whilst win2000 starts up, but then dissappears quickly. can you help me out please?
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
use the key board to Click open the start menu (either the Windows key or Ctrl-Esc and the go to Settings>Task bar and start menu options and see if Auto hide is checked. Uncheck it.

Question	Submitted by Jas
sir .. I got in a trouble ... what i did as follows in my system , i am having win2000 & win98 both dump.. currently win2000 is running but i run the setup of win 98 & i switched off system in beween as i dont want 98 to intall but now the problem is that when i start my system win 98 runs & start the half setup to complete what i want is my old win 2000 o/s .. plz help me in that
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
Never reinstall Win98 on a system with Dual boot 98-2000 or try to install Win98 on a system with Win2000 and expect to double boot. win98 installation overwrites the Win2000 boot sector files and the win2000 install will not work. If you had a set of win 2000 emergency repair disks you might get it back by Booting from The win2000 CD and selecting repair.

Question	Submitted by Andrew
Hi Went to your site with windows media player 8 GUI encoder thing Is windows media player8 available to download?? I read it was available somewhere - it is the player or just the technology? i am confused. Thanks I have win98SE
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
Windows Media Player 8 does not work on windows 9x. Version 7.1 utilizes vesion 8 encoding and is availible for download at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/en/download/default.asp

Question	Submitted by Meg
I heard that XP automatically dials in and reports unregistered copies of software. Is this true?
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
No

Question	Submitted by Bobby
Hello Please tell me where I can download , or purchase Anti Virus software that will work with Microsoft Windows XP Professional Beta 2 ?, weather it be a beta or what ever ? I can not seem to find any. Thankyou !
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
I have not heard of any anti-virus software yet that works with XP beta 2. Black Ice firewall does work though. Perhaps this program will help you.

Question	Submitted by Chris
Hey AW I don't know where to turn. Over the past week I have completely lost my ability to adjust/edit any hardware devices, administrator functions including all functions in the Microsoft Management Console. First I thought i might have a virus but I scan regularly w/ Norton 2000. Next I thought I could have been hacked. I haven't installed any backyard programs lately. However, when i was looking through my computer identity properties the ID and company had been changed to Hackers Inc. Since whatever has happened has eliminated my use to print from IE, or perform any installation errors whatsoever, I'm ready to throw in the towel and reformat/reinstall. The error I seem to get on any install is "temporary directory not found or not enough disk space." Since i have no less then 250megs on all drives, I can only assume the ladder is the problem. Any ideas or should i run the thing over with my car?
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
If the company name was changed to "Hackers Inc" it is a safe bet that you have been hacked?????? I could be wrong here, however, I think not. Re-format! and get a firewall.

Question	Submitted by Ida
Hello! My Dell Demension L800r was purchased in December, 2000. I want to clean up my hard drive and want to delete the Windows Millennium Edition Preview that came preinstalled. It is an Introduction html application archival file in C:\Windows\StartMenu\Program\Accessories. I'm pretty new at a lot of stuff and want to know if it is possible to delete this without causing problems and if so, how do I do it. I do not find this in the add/delete program.
Solution 1	Answered by Mean Drake
Right click the shortcut and see what it points to and then see if it is easily deleteable.Thank you for your help.

Question	Submitted by David
I signed up for the Windows XP preview within hours of the announcement. I received the follow-up email from them and have even been following the newsgroup ever since. Only one problem, no Windows XP. I have emailed all sorts of Microsoft email addresses and even spoken with 5 different people and have gotten the runaround. Do you have any idea who I should talk with or better yet how can I get my copy of Windows XP. Thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
Windows XP RC1 is not ready yet therefore nobody has it. From what I understand only some of the first people recieved beta 2. I was one of them. I did not install beta 2 due to some compatibility issues. Have patience, I think you would be wise to just wait for RC1.

Question	Submitted by Nick
I'm running XP on a Pavilion 8595C with only one problem. System restore disk usage setting for C:drive is set to 1%(200MB) by default and it will not change. The slider bar will move but no change takes place. In fact, after moving the slider bar, I either have to click on cancel or return it to 1% in order for the OK button to work. The C:drive is a Maxtor 93652U8 with 30GB free. I also have a WDC A22500L as D:drive which I can adjust the disk usage on to my hearts content. I've tried the known workaround of turning system restore off on all drives and then turning it back on but this didn't help ... also did a clean re-install with the same outcome.
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
hmmm... Its a beta version, not all processes are going to work correctly.Thanks for any suggestions.

Question	Submitted by Ben
Hello: (1) Is the Album/Tracks Information Download from Tunes.Com & MusicBoulevard.Com in Win98Plus! DeluxeCD Player still working? I seem to be having a difficult time getting any new Track Info downloaded lately!!?? (2) Is it possible to add additional Sites to download same/similar info? How? (3) I have several entries in the DeluxeCD.Mdb file which I can open with MS Access. Is is ok to Edit/Add/Delete entries or any info at all? or will it damage the whole Database? Thanks for any help.
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
These databases do not contain all album information. I have found that it is a hit or miss situation. I do love the deluxe CD player by the way.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Hi ! How do you upgrade windows ME to Windows XP with the Beta 2 version ?? Because he don't want to upgrade he has an error he says the w95UPG.DLL can't run ?? but i have the real file and it is working great !! but how can I do it ?? Please answer me !! And if I format my c: drive and install windows Xp the error unknown hard error comes up and the whole computer does not want to work so please answer me !! Thanx !!!
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
yuk..beta versions. My guess is that you have a compatability issue. Wait for RC1.
Solution 2	Answered by Mike Poole
Actually, BETA2 is a VERY stable product. So much so, I am using it as my main OS now :) But I did have the same problem of not being able to upgrade a WinME box. I have had another person tell me that their OEM version did allow them to upgrade. My guess is it has to do with the cdkey that is in the ME reg. And about the error code installing from scratch, do you have ATA/66 or ATA/100 controllers in this computer? If you do, just like with Win2K you have to do the F6 routine and install the drivers for the controllers.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
What is the procedure for doing an OEM installation of Windows 98. I am building a computer for a friend and have purchased the OEM version with a new hard drive. I want to install it so that he can insert the CD-Key and his name at first boot.
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
Boot from the win98 floopy disk w/cd player option and run set-up. I have noticed that some OEM cd's will not install on home made systems. Why would you be using an OEM cd on this type of system anyway? I thought that was illegal???

Question	Submitted by Joe
I need a generic USB drivers for Windows NT 4.0 Many Thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Marc Strickland
I am not sure why you would want generic USB drivers for NT4.0. The USB drivers required for indiviual devices typicaly are supplied with the devices.
Solution 2	Answered by Mike Poole
From my understanding Microsoft has stated that NT 4.0 will not, and never will have USB support.

Question	Submitted by John
Hi - To speed up my system, I purchased Win ME and (2) 128 MB of additional RAM (had 128 already). Much to my horror, I learned that Win ME only uses 128 MB max and the additional 256 MB is not used. 1. Does Win 98 support 384 MB of RAM? 2. Which OS would be best for PowerPoint presentations and making movies (thru Dazzle), Win 98 SE or 2000? Thanks ever so much!
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
WinMe supports 700 some-odd amount of MB of RAM. If you right click My Computer and go to properties, it will list your RAM. If it still says 128MB RAM then it doesn't recognize the new RAM. I would check to see if the RAM is pushed firmly into the port inside your computer and if it is, then the chip may be defective. As for PowerPoint, if it installs, then it will work great.

Question	Submitted by Nadja
Hello together, i have a problem since 2 weeks i am looking for a resolution but no chance!!! hope you can help me!! a workstation nt4.0.when i want to open outlook express i click to the outlook express icon on the desktop and outlook express opens but i quickly get Dr.Watson errormessage msimn.exe failed....and outlook express crash down so i even can not export and backup all my mails.... do you have any idea why and wherefrom this problem is comming??? thank you very much for your help
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
Since the file that failed was Outlook Express itself, it may be corrupted. Try downloading the latest version, 5.5, at http://www.windowsupdate.com or http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie .

Question	Submitted by Julie
Is there a limit for installed fonts in windows2000? Thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
I don't think there is an actual limit on Fonts, but having several Fonts (like 700) has the potenial to drastically reduce system resources right from start up. So if you don't need them, don't keep them. A word of caution, avoid deleting system fonts.

Question	Submitted by Mark
Ia sked before about having 768Mb Ram running Windows ME and you said it only supports 512Mb. Is it worth me taking the 256Mb out ?
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
If you can get a copy of Windows 2000 which supports more memory, than do that. However, if you have another computer that is low on RAM, use it for that. I found this KB that may be interesting: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q253/9/12.ASP, which talks about error messages with too much memory.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
I've recently installed Windows 2000, however when i try to access the windows update site, it tells me this instead "Thank you for your interest in Windows Update Your organization has decided to provide software updates internally rather than through Windows Update. To download updates for your Windows computer, please see your network administrator." How do I enable the system to access the windows update site ?
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
I believe this can be done with a reg hack, but exactly where it is I can't recall. Look for a WindowsUpdate key in the Windows key in all places in the registry. The value was fairly obvious when I saw it.

Question	Submitted by David
Hello. I am a neophyte, so I hope that I am giving you the necessary information to help me. I have a Compaq 30.0GB hard drive,and an Intel Pentium lll 933 MHz processor with Windows ME. I run a program from Dos that needs about 8 hours to complete. However, there is a safety feature in my software that compels me to hit a key every 20 minutes. If I don't hit a key, the program stops. I thought that just the monitor shuts off if I don't hit a key, but that is not the case; the program will also stop and not resume until I hit a key ( any key). How can I disable this safety feature, so that I can start the program, go to bed, and wake up in the morning with the program being completed? Thank you in advance for any advice.
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
Start up in safe mode. When you hit the power button to start your computer, start tapping the F8 key until you see the start up menu. Select "Safe Mode." When your computer starts, run the program you need to run, and nothing will interupt it.

Question	Submitted by John
I currently own a Nikon Coolpix 880 digital camera. I noticed this camera is not listed on the "Windows Me" list of installed drivers. Where do I go to get an "updated driver" so that my camera can function with the new "Scanner & Camera Control Panel function with Windows Me. I've tried searching the Internet and the Nikon website with no success. thx
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
I took a trip down to their website and found this http://64.77.49.6/usa_software_dl/software.jsp#25046 . Click on NikonView Updater for Windows. In the release notes it says that is is now fully compatible with Windows Me.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
I got a quick question for you. When I click on the IE icon on the taskbar 2 instances of IE open about 40% of the time. I've got no clue why it's doing this. I know my mouse is fine. This is the only icon that will cause this problem. The icons on the desktop and in the start menu work just fine. A strange one, Hun
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
This is new indeed. I assume you accidently click it twice, which is likely if IE takes a few seconds to load on your computer. If you aren't, then try deleting the shortcut and create a new one.

Question	Submitted by Annette
I purchased my Dell computer a little over a year ago and I am having major problems with it and I can't seem to get anyone to tell me what to do about it. Anytime that I am downloading, surfing the web or just about anything that I do i always have alot of error problems. Most are them are as follows: Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module KERNEL32.DLL at 018f:bff7a388.....MSiMN caused an invalid page fault in module WSOCK32.DLLat018f:75fac48f....RNAAPP caused an invalid page fault in module WSOCK32.DLLat 018f:75fac477.....Netsurf caused an invalid page fault in module WSOCK32.32DLL at 018f:75fac4ce.....Please Help. Should I just erase my entire hard drive and reinstall everything or do you have a solution for all these error problems. Thank You
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
I see two things that may help. Updating to the latest IE version, at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie, might help. The problem could be due to OS Decay, which is when you install and uninstall so many programs over a period of time, that the OS files are filled with junk. The best way to fix it would indeed be to reformat your hard drive and start from scratch.

Question	Submitted by Jimmy
how can i change or reset the password for the ie content advisor on a pc?
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
In IE 5, go to Tools, Internet Options, Content tab, click the Enable button, click the General tab, and click Change Password under Supervisor password.

Question	Submitted by S.B
hi, do u know where can i find Windows Media Player 8 Beta 2 ? waiting for your answer thx in advance best regards
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
If you are looking for the pirated version, then don't bother. It's pirated for one, and it really is just a hash from files. If you are an official tester, then you should get it with builds of Windows XP.

Question	Submitted by Mike
hi My name is Micheal Walthour, I bought a compaq presario 5000T from them about a year ago. Now I went out and bought an ATI 32mb Radeon Graphics card. now the problem is there is the intel 810e graphics chipset on the computer, and there is no way in windows to disable it and there is no jumpers on the mother board. When I asked compaq how to disable it, they said that the intent to install another graphics card in my computer made the information on how to disable the graphics chip third party and would cost 39.95$. I think that is so much crap that this information isn't open to their customers. Can you help me please?
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
Try going to the Device Manager in System properties. Find the Intel graphics chip and right click it and click properties. There could be a checkbox called "Disable in this hardware profile." If that is not available, right click the chipset and choose "Remove." Make sure you have the drivers for your new video card in place.

Question	Submitted by Bachman
Hello, I looking for a way to run Windows9x/Me under Windows2000. I know I have seen some software that would run the other OSes in a program window, but I can't remember their names... Thanks for your help.
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
The program is called "Virtual PC" from Connectix (http://www.connectix.com). It is in beta right now, you can go to their site (http://preview.connectix.com/) to sign up.

Question	Submitted by Gary
Hello, Where can I download a driver; my laptop recognises my Nokia 7110 as a "Media Phone" but is unable to locate a driver for it.
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
Nokia has several downloads available for this at their website at http://www.forum.nokia.com/main/1,6668,5_5_4_1,00.html.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
how do I configure de messenger service in windows 2000, to avoid getting a popup window every time I receive a message.
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
If you are talking about MSN Messenger, then open it, go to the Tools menu, Options, Preferences tab, and uncheck the first two boxes under Alerts.

Question	Submitted by Steve
Any dates for when the second service pack for Windows 2000 is to be released?
Solution 1	Answered by Andrew Funderburk
It was released a couple of days ago. Go by http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 to download it or order it on cd.

Question	Submitted by Tyler
i saw the bugs/fixes listed for serivce pack two for win2000 and was wondering if it was avalible yet or when it will be avalible.
Solution 1	Answered by Andrew Funderburk
It's available. Go by http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 to download it or order it on cd.

Question	Submitted by Stefan
All of a sudden, whenever I right-click on a link and choose "Open In New Window", the new window appear in a size similar to a stamp... :-) What can I do to change this behaviour? Thanks in advance
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
Windows saves the windows positions as the same size of the FIRST WINDOW you open, so to reset to a larger size, close all IE windows, then open up IE. Resize the windows to a suitable position, then try it again. It should work.

Question	Submitted by Georgia
Hi there, I'm running Win95 and have recently downloaded IE 5.5, however outlook express has started freezing on me as it's loading, i mean a total lock up. Keyboard, mouse, the works. I'm going insane and i can't track down a fix...any ideas?
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
If your computer is antiquated it may take longer to load, or it is just too much for you system. Disabling the splash may help. To do this, go to run, type regedit, then click OK. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{ID #}\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0. In the right windows pane, right click and choose New, DWORD value. Title is "NoSplash." Double click it and change the value to "1." This may help it start up.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Hello I am running 98 se for about a year without any real problems until now. while listing to a cd and doing nothing else got a blue screen and a restart. now my onboard sound card don't work. tried reinstalling driver and I get was unable to install device driver. then when I click finish I get an error code 69 in device manager. I tried to uninstall device driver and got a blue screen. I then turned off onboard sound thinking it was a hardware problem and brought a new sound card and got the same thing. Oh and why after waking computer up from screen saver I get box on the bottom that say screen saver and I disappears when I click out it thanks.
Solution 1	Answered by Mike Poole
Try deleting the reg key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum That should make it refind its resources. And in my experience, only certian video cards/drivers leave those empty SS cells on the taskbar.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
hi. i was using my computer fine yesterday, i ran windows clearner and turned my computer off...now this morning i goto to turn it back on and it will not load it says CANNOT FIND SYSTEM.INI run windows set up again a few seconds after that message it turns off. which i have never got before well i inserted my norton rescue disk which consist of a floopy and a zip disk it load up then i try to do a search for my system ini on my a <[floopy], b< [zip drive], c <[hard drive] but i still cant find it can you help.
Solution 1	Answered by Mike Poole
Try a re-install of the OS.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Hi, Somehow I'm not able to see HtmlHelp (*.chm) files anymore, even the Contents and Index from Help in my latest IE 5.5 doesnt work, I downloaded latest vers of HH.exe but it doesnt help, hh.exe just doesnt do anything given a .chm file. Please help me..
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try deleting the 'Hh.dat' file from your system then opening a .chm file.

Question	Submitted by John
Hello, I hope you can help, everyone thinks I am nuts, I am sure you will too. I built a WIN2K Advanced Server Machine and everything thing was fine until I applied SP1. The problem I am encountering is: the second physical disk WD ATA66 40gb)is now recognized as only 8gb in disk administrator and when I click on the drive in explorer I get a error message saying that the drive is not formatted would you like to format it? Even if I say yes it comes back and says drive can not be formatted!@. I uninstalled SP1 and like magic all was fine. I then re-applied SP1 and booted up using the WIN2K boot disk and using DOS all of the data is there!? Why can't Explorer see it anymore with SP1? It isn't a BIOS problem because NT had it configured properly. Can't find anything on MS site about it, nor on WD's. What am I to do??? SP1 fixes alot of issues that I need
Solution 1	Answered by Michael Kircus
Try downloading SP2, at http://www.microsoft.com//windows2000/server/evaluation/news/bulletins/sp2.asp.

Question	Submitted by Riccardo
Hello there.. I have a Compaq presario 1800t with Windows 98 Second Edition running and everytime i try to run any of windows accesories it hangs up. Programs such as Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter hangs up my laptop... Please help me... Its very URGENT!!!!! Thank you in advance
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try reading the following article from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q218/1/60.ASP

Question	Submitted by Jean
Hello everybody, First of all, sorry for my unperfect english and I hope you will understand my problem I work on a PC Pentium III 800 Mhz on Windows ME When I let my PC on without working on it, the Memory becomes so low that I can't work on it anymore When I looked at the opened tasks typing on the CTRL+ALT+DEL keys, I see the helpctr program listed up to 20 times So I always have to remove all these programs in order to retrieve sufficient memory resources. It would be very nice of you if you could tell me what's going on and how to solve this problem. Many thanks and best regards
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try installing the 'Windows ME Help & Support Update - Nov. 2000': http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q278/4/97.ASP

Question	Submitted by Unknown
OS: Win Me Browser: IE 5.5 As I use or leave my computer on and return to it hours later, by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del to look at the Task Manager, there will be dozens of instances of helpctr on my machine. This will eventually eat up all my memory and crash my computer. I can be working at the computer for hours but I will never see anything that indicates that helpctr was even launched. Note: The only instance of Helpctr I could find was in my PCHEALTH folder in the Windows Folder.
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try installing the 'Windows ME Help & Support Update - Nov. 2000': http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q278/4/97.ASP

Question	Submitted by Johan
I would like to quickly enquire re your listings of laptops compatible with Win 2000, why is it that the Gateway 9100 is not listed in your list. Was the 9100 series released before 2000 was bought out. I am definately sure that the Gateway 9100 is capable of running 98. Regards
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Please see this notice from Gateway: http://www.gateway.com/support/product/software/win2000/w2k9100.shtml

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Hi. I'm trying to find a program that will limit/prohibit access to my computer to roomates/family members. Is there a program out there than can do this? I thought of putting a pwd on BIOS, but I don't really want to do that. thxs
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
There are numerous shareware programs that are designed to do exactly that. Try the following link: http://hotfiles.zdnet.com/

Question	Submitted by Jason
Dear Sir, I have had Windows Me for quite a while now, and a problem has been persistently bugging me for as long as I can remember. Everytime I run scandisk or defrag, roughly every 7 minutes or so the program says 'Disc contents changing, restarting' or something to that effect. Let me assure you I am very jealous of my system resources. The only things I allow to start when I start my computer is 'Explorer' and 'Systray'. This problem only occurs when I defrag or scandisc my C drive. It even persists if I reformat my hard drive and reinstall Windows ME. I've even go so far as to try 'FDISK /mbr' but it still happens. What can I do? I look forward to your help.
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try reading the following article from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q186/9/78.ASP

Question	Submitted by Bryan
I have a windows NT 4 machine, When I try to view a web site I have designed and stored on my local hard drive it will not display any of the jpeg images but Netscape will. When upload the website to the web server and view the jpegs it will view them ok any ideas why I cannot view the jpegs when they are on the local pc.
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
I found this solution on a newsgroup site: "Select a jpg file in Windows Explorer. (or on desktop etc.) Right click while holding down the shift key. Select the "Open with" choice In the "Open With" dialog box, select the program (IE 5) that you want to be the default for that file type and check the "Always use..." box. Say OK This is an easy way to alter file associations"

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Cannot open OE5 anymore. Just freezes! ctrl alt del shows msimn.exe not responding. Have tried uninstalling & reinstalling. Any ideas?
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Read this article from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q245/4/19.ASP

Question	Submitted by Donald
I hope you can help me. I am not well versed in theoperation of my computer's systems. I have two problems with Windows 98 running on my computer. The first problem is when the computer boots up, I get the message that windows\system\crtdll.dll is missing. I have no idea what this file does, but I would like to get it re installed so that the error message goes away. Where can I find this file? The second problem is more perplexing, when I run Norton Virus Scan, the computer tells me that a fatal error has occurred at a aprticular address and the computer locks up. I have to reset to get the computer going again. Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Found the following solution on a newsgroup for your first problem: "Run sfc.exe and choose the option to extract one file. Enter crtdll.dll as the name of the file. On the next screen, enter the location of your 98 setup files. If you installed from CD, this would most likely be D:\Win98. Also enter the destination for the file, this file should be in \windows\system."

Question	Submitted by David
Please Help. I have an extremely old laptop (Toshiba 486) using the Windows 3.1 operating system. Although its bordering on antique its is still quite OK for what I need it for, however, I am finding more and more web sites are unavailable to me through using Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0. I have spent considerable time looking for a site to download IE4 but have so far been unsuccessful. Have you any idea where I might be able to access a copy as I dont have a CD ROM and I understand its too big for "floppies". Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try here: http://classic.tucows.com/preview/4840.html

Question	Submitted by C. Pettys
My son came home with a Sidewinder Game Pad Pro which says it requires windows 98. We are running windows 95. Do you make a compatible Game pad for the windows 95 system and what is it called. Thank you
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Here's a list of Win 95 compatible controllers: http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/force-feedback/default.htm http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/tilt/ http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/devices/FSpro/default.htm

Question	Submitted by John
I recently partitioned my hard disk and reinstalled windows98. Now when I connect to the Net via dialup modem it's very slow, precisely, it says "checking password" twice (this is it repeats the same line twice) in the dialup window. Thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Something probably as simple as adjusting your modem's init string may be all that is needed. The following site is full of tips on how to increase modem speeds: http://members.aol.com/axcel216/

Question	Submitted by Jakk
Hi, I’m using Windows 2000 and MSPaint has recently lost the ability so save pictures in JPG format. It can open them, but it won’t save them. It only gives me the options for saving them in BMP or GIF formats. Is there a way of fixing this?
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try these articles from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q193/3/54.ASP http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q230/9/02.ASP http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q251/3/51.ASP

Question	Submitted by Unknown
I recently had a CD burner installed replacing the CD ROM. The burner works fine, but now I notice that I have NO sound. I get a message that windows cannot find "&Play.exe" I tried using my Restore CD that came with the computer but I couldn't find that file. Please help
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Sounds like that whoever installed your burner did not plug in the cable that goes from the sound card to the burner.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Hi, I am using windows 98 and internet explorer version 5.50. Not sure when this started but the mail tab send a link, send page, new message doesn't work. But the read mail will. Got any ideas on how to fix this. I have already tried re-installing ie. Thanks
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
First make sure the OE (I assume you're using OE) is listed as your email program in IE under the Tools \| Internet Options \| Programs tab. Next, close OE & IE then... Start Menu \| Run \| on command line type (or paste) ... "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\MSIMN.exe" /reg (be sure to include the quotes) then press <Enter>. Change your path name to the Msimn file as appropriate. Then restart your computer.

Question	Submitted by Andrew
i have tryed to use the internet conncetion sharing between two computers i have ( 1x is a 166 non mmx win98se 1 x p2 333 win 98se ) i use the p2 as the sever as it has the modem and connection to the inter net use the wizard but i did not get anywhere with it have you any tips for this or a link to a step by step guide Thanx
Solution 1	Answered by Bronson Elliott
Try here: http://www.infinisource.com/techfiles/ics.html

Question	Submitted by Unknown
How do I program Windows 2000 Server to Shutdown automatically at a given time, daily/weekly/monthly ?
Solution 1	Answered by Paul Hill
There's something in the resource kit tools called SHUTDOWN.EXE that does this. You could use Task Scheduler to run "SHUTDOWN -r" at a specific time.

Question	Submitted by Jim
I just purchased a Dell Optiplex with Win 2000 Pro installed. I also purchased another copy of Win 2000 Pro to install on my laptop (Dell Insprion 7000). On both machines, the underlined letters in the menus of certain programs (QuickBooks for one) do NOT show UNTIL the Alt key is pressed. In Win 98 and prior, the underlines always show. What's up with that? I note however that in Win 2000 Pro the underlines DO show in the menus of the Office 2000 programs (Excel, Word, Access). Does Microsoft know something the other software vendors do not? Thanks for your help. I'm new to your site, but what I've seen looks great! Is there any search mechanism for AskAW archives?
Solution 1	Answered by Paul Hill
First make sure the OE (I assume you're using OE) is listed as your email program in IE under the Tools \| Internet Options \| Programs tab. Next, close OE & IE then... Start Menu \| Run \| on command line type (or paste) ... "C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\MSIMN.exe" /reg (be sure to include the quotes) then press <Enter>. Change your path name to the Msimn file as appropriate. Then restart your computer.

Question	Submitted by Unknown
Hi AW, Recently, I repaired a Windows 2000 installation, by selecting the option in setup. Apparently, it changed my network settings, and required my computer to log in using the domain 'EVAN'. However, I do not have a server at home, but I'm in a workgroup '@HOME'. Now, I cannot login on that computer, because it says, that the domain 'EVAN' cannot be reached and therefore cannot 'verify' my password. How can I fix this? Thanks!!
Solution 1	Answered by Paul Hill
Um. No guarantees on this one - Windows 200 is pretty secure. However, changing the domain "EVAN" to "HOME (This Computer)" and logging in as administrator should help. Once you're in, right-click on "My Computer", go to "Network Identification" and select "Change", then change to your workgroup. Hopefully this should get you back on your feet again.

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