Around the time I first connected my Canon SP2100SP printer to the USB port, the Device Manager shows a device called ‘Unknown Device’ under the device type ‘Other devices’. If I try to remove this device, it is redetected next time Windows loads. ‘Properties’ for the ‘Unknown Device’ show that no drivers have been loaded or are required. I have disabled the device in the user profile without any apparent adverse effect. My printer and other USB devices function properly. Should I be concerned about this and how do I get rid of it? The computer is running Windows 98 SE. (more…)

Sometimes when clicking a commonly used link in Internet Explorer nothing happens. At such times my firewall (Kerio) tells me there is no traffic. The problem persists even if I turn the firewall off. The connection icon in the system tray also shows no activity. Multiple clicks on the link produce no result. This condition can persist until timeout, though more usually after a minute or two of no action things will finally happen. The problem is not confined to the internet browser but also affects email. The computer is running Windows 98 SE with Internet Explorer 5. Can you help? (more…)

Recently, I have been unable to open some links within certain internet sites. When I clicking on the link I get a blank page with Internet Explorer in the title bar (i.e., no title). Until recently I had no problems with any site. The computer is running Windows XP Home Edition. (more…)

When using Word 2000 the title bar starts blinking and Word no longer responds to any menu options. I must use CTRL-ALT-DEL to shutdown the program. Sometimes this does not work so I have to turn off the power. The problem commenced when working on a 20 page document that included 2 tables and 2 large photos. I deleted the photos and tables but the problem persisted, so I started retyping the document in a new file reaching page 4 of text when the problem began again. No other documents (or programs I use) were open. I have had documents of 250 pages open in the past with no problems, but when I open them now the same problem occurs. It does not seem to make any difference if I go straight into Word after starting the computer or use other programs first. I have Norton Antivirus 2003 installed, did a complete scan, and there were no problems reported. My computer is a Packard Bell with 128 MB of SDRAM running Windows 98. (more…)

Some of the e-mails that are sent to me have attachments which my system blocks out. How can I read these attachments? I also have a problem when trying to use spell check before sending e-mails. The computer is running Windows XP Home Edition. Can you help? (more…)