Saving pictures off the internet to my hard drive, the 'Save Picture Window' offers to save the image as a file with the four-letter suffix JPEG, yet the preview window does not recognize or display files with this suffix, although it does show files with the three-letter .jpg suffix. Is there a way to make files save automatically with the three-letter suffix, i.e. .jpg?

Answer from Hal Cardona:

I don't think you can change the file extension from .jpeg to .jpg automatically in the Files Save dialog box. You could do it manually, however.  Perhaps a better solution would be to make the .jpeg extension open by default with the Windows preview viewer.  To do that you need to open an Explorer window (My Computer will do).  Drop down Tools and select Folder Options, then the File Types tab. Now look for JPEG in the Extensions Column (if it doesn't exist we will create one in a minute), click on change and select Windows Picture and FAX Viewer. If the extension JPEG doesn't exist, click on New, Enter in JPEG in the File Extension Box, Click on Advanced and use the drop down to select JPEG Image, Click OK, then Apply and Close.  That should solve the issue.

Question submitted by Meredith from VA:

The button on my CD drive doesn't seem to be working.  When I push it, nothing happens.  I think the CD drive works, just not the button.  Is there any way I can open it without using the button?  I did get it open with a paper clip, but as soon as I closed it, it won't open again.  If it's just the button, I'd rather not have to buy a whole new CD drive.  I'm on a fixed income.  Thanks.

Answer from Linda Johnson:

To check if it's just the button that's bad, go into My Computer and just right click on your CD drive and choose "eject" (make sure there's a CD in there or it won't work)...if this works, then you know for sure that it's the button. 
There is a VB script you can write that will open your CD rom and you could make a shortcut to that on your desktop too so you wouldn't have to use the button (if in fact it IS the button that's bad).  To do this, copy the text below into Notepad, then go to File>Save As and make sure the files of type box at the bottom says "All Files" and NOT txt....then name it CD.vbs and save it on your desktop...double click it and it will open your CD rom :-)

Here's the script:
__________________

Set oWMP = CreateObject("WMPlayer.OCX.7" )
Set colCDROMs = oWMP.cdromCollection

if colCDROMs.Count >= 1 then
For i = 0 to colCDROMs.Count - 1
colCDROMs.Item(i).Eject
Next ' cdrom
End If
__________________

Reply from Meredith:

Wow, Linda!  That is so clever.  The shortcut on my desktop works beautifully and now I can open my CD drive without a paperclip.  Thanks so much!!  Norton did complain a bit when I double clicked it the first time, so I scanned it to be sure it was safe and Norton said it was clean.  I guess Norton just doesn't like scripts.

Answer from Linda Johnson:

You are right, Meredith.  Norton has a setting where you can adjust how it handles scripts...and it looks like you have it set up the right way.  Letting Norton warn you so you can scan the file, is the safest way.  Glad it worked for you.

Question submitted by louellen_c_2000:

I had to recover this computer (Compaq Presario, Windows 98) and have now lost track of desk top themes.  How do I recover Desk Top themes?

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Hi louellen_c.  In Windows 98, go to your Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel....double click on Add/Remove Programs...in there, click on the tab at the top that says Windows Setup...in that list you will see Desktop Themes, double click on that and put checks in the desktop themes you want to install and click on OK...depending on where Compaq put your Windows setup files (drive D perhaps?), it may prompt you to "browse" for them, but if not, it will just install them for you.  Normally, you would insert your Windows CD, but since you said you used a "recover" CD, I'm assuming you don't have a Windows CD, in which case, Compaq's setup put them somewhere on your hard drive (usually it makes you a drive D where it includes these files).  Good luck.

Question submitted by MichaelAtAol:

I download a true type font called unique1. I then install it in the fonts directory. I then write a letter to my cousin using Word XP in font unique1. My cousin also has Word but I'm not sure which version.  Will my cousin see the letter in font unique1 ???

Answer from Linda Johnson:

No...if he doesn't have the unique1 font installed, he will see it in his default font, or sometimes he will only see garbage (but *usually* it will switch to his default font). The only way he will see unique1 is if he has it installed on HIS computer, or if you embed the font (Tools>Options>Save tab. Put a check in "Embed True Type fonts"), but this would make the file HUGE.

Question submitted by YOUNGDOG01:

hello, i have a question for you the computer whiz.. i was on aol and someone instant messaged me with a hyperlink and when i clicked it i cant remember which one happened but my computer shut down or the aol just shut down. i remember a little of the prompt it something like C:\< -0 and i am baffled!!! can you help me...

Answer from Cap'n Patt, our GeekSpeak Translator:

Well now YOUNGDOGO1, If you have read any of my stuff by now you should have a pretty good idea about my opinion of AOL….. To quote a very good friend and technical guru named Hal, who shall remain anonymous, it should be classified as a “Legal Virus.”  Are you saying that the system crashed or just shut down?  My field of experience tends more toward semantics than the unraveling technical problems, however, the cryptic bit that you have included would indicate that you were operating in DOS mode or that something in the message you received switched you to a command prompt and then executed the indicated command which starts with a “C” prompt followed by a “Less than” < symbol, followed by a –0  Check the switch on the power supply of your computer or a printer or something similar  “0” means OFF, “l” means on.  In short, to my untutored eye someone who either wanted to be cute or hates your guts, managed to send you something which installed and then initiated a command to shut down your computer.  This is sheer speculation on my part, I’ve never heard of such an incident happening but hey, let’s face it this is a wacky old world and there are some first class nuts out there.  Lucky you, you found one. I probably haven’t helped much but perhaps all this blather will inspire some of others (Vic are you listenin’) to respond in a more learned manner. If you ever run across that weirdo command again, try substituting a +l for that –0.  Can’t say I didn’t try. All good things

Answer from Hal Cardona:

It is possible that rather than a hyperlink to the internet, the IM contained a link to file on your computer. It is possible to shutdown a windows based PC using a file, exactly how varies by the operating system in use. For example in windows XP, the command shutdown -s -t:00 will shutdown your PC immediately. If it is phrased as a hyperlink, it could shutdown your PC as soon as it is clicked.  If AOL keeps a log of your chat sessions you can look in the log to find the exact command used. Sorry I can't help much with AOL, I consider it to be a "Voluntary Virus".

Reply from YOUNGDOG01:

I BELIEVE YOUR RIGHT ON THE MONEY ABOUT THE HYPERLINK/IM HAD A LINK TO MY COMPUTER. HOW I CAN TELL IS THAT OF THE COMMAND, IT WAS SOMETHING LIKE C: \ -0 -1 I CANNOT REMEMBER. YOU GUYS GAVE ME SUGGESTIONS LIKE SHUTDOWN -s -t:00, BUT HOW DO YOU FRASE THE SHUTDOWN CODE WITHOUT TYPING SHUTDOWN -s -t:00, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP... I NEED TO FIND OUT THE C PROMPT SHUTDOWN CODE.. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Vic Ferri wrote an article on all the shutdown/restart shortcuts in all the versions of Windows...this should answer your question..and good luck:

http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc3/v24/vic24.htm

Reply from YOUNGDOG01:

HOW WOULD YOU PHRASE THIS COMMAND IN A HYPERLINK TO SHUTDOWN A COMPUTER.. GIVE ME SOME DIFFERENT COMMAND EXAMPLES OR MAYBE ONE THAT WILL WORK, MY LAST TRY GUYS..THANKS

Answer from Hal Cardona:

Read Vic's article here:
http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc3/v24/vic24.htm  for the commands, then format it like this file://path\command%20%-arguments (%20% is a space)  Figure it out for yourself from here, I'm not comfortable helping you antagonize someone.

Reply from YOUNGDOG01:

So you know, i can tell.. i am no computer whiz or even a novice, this command line i do not understand it, this is what i understand when making a command line ( file no idea, path means c: drive i think, command is the shutdown command like -u -t 0 i think, the rest i have no idea so please help me along a little more.. thanks i will not bother you anymore you have been the only 2 person i asked and i need help, i can search around more and do more askin..please help thanks Ryan

Answer from Hal Cardona:

Ryan,  I don't feel comfortable writing a command for you that you can send over an IM client to shutdown someone's computer. Perhaps if you explain why you want it, it may help. For all I know you are going to use it to antagonize someone.  The command "file://" is what tells IE to open a file on your computer.

Question submitted by Wayne Taylor from Monterey, California:

I have 2 problems that are related to each other. I would like to start with the overall problem first. I need to filter an exported (CSV file) list by ID (has a 5 digit number in it) but need to be able to enter at least up to 5 different numbers in the filter. The next issue is the time, some were exported on the right side of the column and the others were on the left side. Not sure why but the export made the single digit numbers text files (I think) I have an example below the 10:11 PM was on the right side and the 9:46 had a space (or something) in front that does not show up when viewing it. The CSV file has a min of 8500 records in it I need to be able to filter one column The ID (has a 5 digit number in it). Example I need to get 5 IDs out of the list (note that the date was filtered by the export. I would need to filter the following ids # 00305, 00831, 00850, 12345 orders is not the problem it's getting just the ids that I want filtered. I can filter one at a time and then export the list, but it would be nice to be able to filter one list with just the ids that I need. Need a way to change the 9:46 to 09:46 so it becomes a number and not text. And be able to filter at least 5 ids at one time? The list should end up like this example only with 5 id's listed:
Time               ID
9:46 pm       00850
10:00 pm     00850
10:32 pm     00850
9:52 pm       00831
12:00 pm    12345

Your help would be greatly appreciated as this is driving me nuts.  Thank you

Answer from Renée Atkinson:

Wayne, I run into stuff like this all time from my end users ;-)! But usually it's dates THEY'VE entered! Anyway, here are couple of things to try. First just try opening up a new Excel document, set up your cells the way you want the date to appear... E.g. select the column where time will go and choose Format/Cells and choose the time option. I've found that by copying and pasting in a new document this solves the problem 90% of the time. The other less desirable, I've actually had to retype the text that was left flush (and should have been a number). But with 8500 records... Well we probably don't want to go there. ;-)

Reply from Wayne:

Unable to use a Multiple Filter on One Column The spreadsheet has 8000 plus entries I will need to search the number Column for around 5 to 10 Carts (in the number field) then email the results to someone else for info on the time that the cart arrived. As you can see the Time Column has a problem (half text and half Time, but that issue is not the big problem. The real concern is the Number Column. Now I could use auto filter and then save the results but I would have to do that for up to ten requests. The problem would be copying each one and then pasting them into a master sheet.  In the example under "This is what I need it to do" would be the ideal results.  If you have any Idea on where I can find information on this or what I should do please don't hesitate in letting me know. I have searched the web and your site, but have not been very fortunate in my research. Note: if the Date's had worked I would have taken it into Access. It seems to have an invisible character in front of it and if you delete it changes to a time cell.  Thank you

Sample below

This is what the CSV Starts out like
DATE TIME EVENT TYPE NUMBER NAME ACCESS RELAY APB
DESCRIPTION TRACKER BOARD
9/16/2003 10:30 PM VID Tag 829 Admit Relay 1
9/16/2003 10:18 PM VID Tag 803 Admit Relay 4
9/16/2003 10:11 PM VID Tag 829 Admit Relay 4
9/16/2003 9:46 PM VID Tag 829 Admit Relay 4
9/16/2003 9:28 PM VID Tag 805 Admit Relay 4
9/16/2003 9:18 PM VID Tag 829 Admit Relay 1
9/11/2003 12:24 PM VID Tag 849 Admit Relay 1
9/11/2003 12:06 PM VID Tag 810 Admit Relay 4
9/11/2003 12:00 PM VID Tag 830 Admit Relay 4
9/11/2003 11:58 AM 877 Admit Relay 4
9/11/2003 11:57 AM 897 Admit Relay 4

This is what I need it to do
Date Time Event Number
9/16/2003 9:46 PM VID Tag 829
9/16/2003 9:18 PM VID Tag 829
9/16/2003 9:28 PM VID Tag 805
9/11/2003 12:06 PM VID Tag 810
9/11/2003 12:00 PM VID Tag 830
9/11/2003 11:58 AM 877

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Wayne... what you need is a pivot table, which will do exactly what you want.  If you don't understand pivot tables and how to use them, here's Microsoft's tutorial to get you started:  http://snurl.com/2g68   A Pivot Table will let you set your data up so you can quickly display just the rows for the Numbers you want. They are a little tricky to get the hang of, but once you do, you will see that this is what you need. Good luck. Follow the instructions in the link above and you should be fine.

Question submitted by Rick from Round O, SC:

When I bought my computer it came with windows xp home, I later upgraded to xp professional.   I started having problems with the fax portion of windows and then finally I could not access my modem. I tried to go to the setup and add my modem to the list and got an error message to reinstall the option. I then tried to reinstall the fax section of widows and my system would freeze up.  I reinstalled my XP Professional operating system and now everything works but now I can not access my original files, I get an error message saying "ACCESS DENIED". My question is "How do I correct this issue so I can access my files"?  Thank you for any help you can supply.

Answer from Hal Cardona:

You may need to take ownership of the folder if the local admin account does not have appropriate rights on those folders.

Right click the folder
Properties
Security
Advanced
Owner
Replace owner on sub containers and objects.

You may need to turn off "Use simple file sharing (Recommended)" first though, if the security tab isn't visible. You can do that by opening My Computer and dropping down Tools, selecting Folder Options and then the View tab, scroll to the bottom of the list and make sure "Use simple file sharing" is unchecked.

Question submitted by Walt:

Excel 97 on Windows 2000. When I open my work folder and open my spread sheet I get the following message: Microsoft Excel - A document with the name '---.xls' is already open. You cannot open two documents with the same name, even if the documents are in different folders. To open the second document, either close the document that's currently open, or rename one of the documents... I click OK and proceed to use the document. Why do I keep getting this message?

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Hi Walt...this is a known issue with Excel 97 on Windows 2000..it requires a registry edit to fix it, so you should back up your registry before you do this, just in case......but here's the fix:

Go to your Start button and click on Run. Type regedit and click OK.  Use the plus signs beside the folders to navigate to "My Computer\ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ Excel.Sheet.8\ shell\ Open\ command" key.  (In the HKEY_CLASSES-ROOT folder, you will have to scroll way down past all the extenstions until you start seeing names...Excel.Sheet.8 will be in there)  Double click on that command folder and in the right pane you will see "default" double click on that.The default entry should end with "excel.exe %1". Remove the %1 but leave everything else there (quotes, etc.)  With some installations there may be a similar problem with Word. If this is the case then do the same thing to the "My Computer\ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ Word.Document.8\ shell\ open\ command" key.  There are a lot of Office97/Win2K users with the same problem. And this is the only way to fix it. Good luck.

Question submitted by Brian:

I have a problem with greyed out MS Access Add-ins for Wizards. Can you help?

Answer from Linda Johnson:

I had that same problem once and I fixed it....in my case it was cuz of Microsoft's Small Business Tools and I just had to reinstall them...this is what I did:

1. Click Start on the taskbar, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs, click Microsoft Office 2000 Disk 2, and then click Add/Remove.
3. Click Add or Remove Features.
4. Click the icon next to Microsoft Small Business Tools, click Not Available, and then click Update Now.
5. Click Microsoft Office 2000 Disk 2, and then click Add/Remove.
6. Click Add or Remove Features.
7. Click the icon next to Microsoft Small Business Tools, click Run from My Computer, and then click Update Now.

In my case, that fixed it....and in most other cases this is what fixed it for others too....so this is what I would suggest you try first.  If that doesn't fix it, here's Microsoft's other suggestions:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303769  Good luck and hang in there.

Question submitted by Ruby:

Until recently I have been able to copy and paste from most anything to my word pad by just right clicking to copy and also to paste it to my word pad.  Now I have to go to WordPad, edit, paste special, unformatted text and OK to get it pasted to my word pad. How can I get it back to just copying and pasting without all the extra clicking?  Thanks in advance.

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Hi Ruby...I need some more information.  When you say you "can't" right click and copy and paste to WordPad anymore, what exactly do you mean? You can't right click? Or, when you right click, "Paste" is not an option? Are you getting an error message? And, why do you have to use Paste Special when you paste? Is "Paste" not available in your Edit menu in Word Pad? Is it there at all or is it grayed out? What happens if you use ctrl+V .. does it paste when you do that?  The more details you can give us, the better chance we can help you, so tell me EXACTLY what you are doing and EXACTLY what happens.

Reply from Ruby:

When I right click after I have copied, paste is an option but it won't paste. I have to go to Edit, Paste Special and select unformatted text and OK for it to paste. Paste is available in the Edit menu too but it still won't paste.  No I don't get an error message. The only way I can get it to paste to my Word Pad is after I copy and go to WordPad is to go to Edit and Paste Special. Select unformatted text. When I click OK it pastes.  This just started this recently. I can copy and paste as usual on Microsoft Word.  I hope this helps. It is hard to explain.

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Well, if unformatted text comes thru, then I suspect what is happening is your font is set to white in WordPad or the font you are using is corrupt, so you just aren't seeing what's being pasted. Try pasting something else into WordPad, the normal way ... then hold down your left mouse button and run it across where the text should be .... do you see a block that looks highlighted? If so, then there is text there ... leave it highlighted and go to the Format menu and choose Font. See what color is selected.  If it's white, change it to something else...if that's not the problem, change the font to a different font and see if that fixes it. If changing the font to a different one works, then you will need to reinstall the original font becuz it is corrupt.  If none of that fixes it, then you may have to load your Windows 98 CD and install Windows 98 over top of itself so it repairs Word Pad. Let me know how you do. Good luck!

Question submitted by sibi:

i have win me as o/s in my computer. I installed quick heal and zone alarm .But recently system hanged frequently when i run scandisk/disk defragmenter. But in safe mode no problem. Otherwise i should restart the system. why it is so. the other problem is in task bar icons. If i run any other programs the icons (volume/quick heal/zone alarm) will disappear from the task bar. it is also behave abnormally Plz help me

Answer from Linda Johnson:

Zone Alarm, and probably "quick heal" too, are running in the background whenever your computer is turned on. I'm not familiar with "quick heal", but if it is running in the background all the time, it will definitely stop defrag from working...Windows ME's defragmenter will NOT work while anything is running in the background. That's why the defrag works for you in Safe mode...in Safe mode, nothing is running in the background.  Make sure you turn EVERYTHING off before running defrag, including both "quick heal" and Zone Alarm, though running it in Safe mode is probably easier than manually making sure everything is turned off. Be careful how many things you have running in the background because that can greatly decrease your system performance, which is probably why your taskbar icons are disappearing. Read this article about System Resources, written by Hal Cardona, to understand how to check all that is running in the background and make adjustments:
http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc1/v3/hal3.htm

Question submitted by Jim:

I wish to know if it is possible to eliminate the header & footer on pages I print out, & if possible, how to go about doing that. I currently use a Canon i850, if that matters. Thanx

Answer from Linda Johnson:

You didn't supply the software name ... what program are you printing from where you want to remove the header and footer? .... it's handled differently in every program and has nothing to do with your printer .... it's handled  from within that program.   Unfortunately, if you are looking for some way to suppress all headers and footers in all your files when you print them, this is not possible. It has to be done within the program where you created the file and it has to be done on each and every file. Let me know which program you are printing from and I will see if I can help you.

Reply from Jim:

Linda.....I'm talking about printing from a site I may be visiting, but don't have the time to read currently. I print these out a lot, and do not use a specific printing program. I just click on File, then Print. I don't like the headers & footers printing out....that's all. I know it's possible, as I've done it before, but I can't remember how I did it....I'm having a 'Senior Moment', I guess.

Answer from Linda Johnson: