Windows Tips

Infopackets Reader Simon W. writes: " Dear Dennis, I made the transition from Windows 95 to XP a few years ago, and since the upgrade, I've noticed a change in the way the 'Save As' dialogue box works with MS Word. For example: Under Windows 95, I ... would select a section of a document, copy it, and then paste it into the Save As dialogue box, and the document would save with that filename. However, now when I right-click over top of the Save As dialogue box under Windows XP, I don't have the option to 'Copy' or 'Paste' anymore (as I once did in Windows 95). Hence, I have to manually type in a ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Carol B. writes: " Hi Dennis, I read your article today about the user who is missing WordPad . I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but kellys-korner-xp.com has a downloadable executable for WordPad (see: #308 on the right hand ... side of the page). http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm One last thing: in your previous post, the user mentioned that his document files were no longer associated with WordPad. To reinstate this (using Windows XP): Right click on the file they want to open with WordPad. Select 'Open With' from the drop down menu. Select Choose Program, ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Kevin writes: " Dear Infopackets Team, The other day I clicked Start -> Programs -> Accessories in order to get to MS WordPad, but found that it was no longer there. I have spent an innumerable amount of time typing my DVD ... collection (titles) into WordPad; now when I click on my DVD document, I get a message stating that 'This file does not have a program associated with it.' I don't understand why all the sudden I can't open my document any longer and why WordPad isn't listed beside Notepad in my Start menu. Can you please tell me how I can get WordPad back so I can ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Frances' writes: " Dear Dennis, When I start my computer, the System32 folder opens. I don't know how it started, but how do I make the System 32 folder stop appearing? I went to Start -> Run, typed in 'MSCONFIG', then went ... and looked at my Startup, but I don't know what to uncheck. My Norton software is up to date and I am using Windows XP and Verizon DSL. Please help. Thank you. " My response: This is a frequently asked question. In fact, I managed to find a Microsoft Knowledge Base article ( KB#170086 ) which describes why the System32 folder may appear after you ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Carol D. writes: " Dear Dennis, Can you recommend a good wireless keyboard for my Dell Demension 8200? I've asked Dell what they suggest and (no surprise) they recommend that I use their brand of wireless keyboard. I was just ... curious as to what you might suggest before I take the 'wireless plunge'. " My response: I suggest you start your quest by researching "wireless keyboard" through google. This should at least let you see a wide variety of wireless keyboards that are available. But before you're off on the hunt, keep in mind a few things: 1. Some wireless keyboards will ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Pat J. writes: " Dear Dennis, Could you please tell me the difference between an application and a software program? Or are software programs also applications? If so, what do non-software program applications do, and where are ... they located? " My response: Interesting question. There isn't much difference between the definition of "software" versus "application", as the two terms are often used interchangeably in the world of computing. Depending on the wording, however, application can infer how something is used. Let me see if I can explain the ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'Robin' writes: " Dear Dennis, Regarding yesterday's Shell Extension City pick labeled ' SystemRescueCd ': According to the write-up, I understand that this particular rescue disc is (and I quote) 'a Linux system.' Question: does ... this mean that this is a rescue system for Windows XP that operates under Linux or is it a rescue system for people running Linux on their PC? I hope you understand what I mean. I'm confused! " My response: I was also very interested in this Shell Extension City pick, so I downloaded it and burned it onto a rewriteable disc. The answer to your ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Francoise D. writes: " Dear Infopackets Team, Many thanks for your great web site! I recently read an article that said that Outlook Express (OE) does not reclaim empty space after an email permanently removed from the Deleted ... Items folder. The article went on to say that only compresses its folders when it reaches a certain point (whenever that is). This bothers me because I get a lot of mail, and I hate to think that although the emails are deleted, the space is still being wasted. Do you know of other email programs that handle their folders in a more practical and ... (view more)