Occasionally when connected to the internet, the computer freezes. CTRL-ALT-DEL does not work and the only remedy is switching the computer off from the power point. This usually happens when there are a lot of Windows open on the desktop, but still happens when there isn’t. The computer is running Windows Me. (more…)

Currently I am updating a manual I wrote 12 years ago. Many of the illustrations were composed in the then-current version of Paint. For the past 4 years I have used Windows 98 and its MS Paint accessory without problems. However recently, every time I start MS Paint the screen blacks out from the top
down, followed by an message and I have to reboot the computer. All other programs appear to work normally and Norton Antivirus 2004 does not detect any problems. (more…)

On starting Windows the blue screen of death appears with the message ‘Initialisation of engine failed with error ffffff01. Background scanning is disabled’. What does this mean and how do I fix it? (more…)

When running Disk Defragmenter a message appears telling me the task cannot be completed because the disk needs to be repaired and I should run ScanDisk. However, ScanDisk seizes up after a few minutes of operating. I have followed your previous advice about closing all non-essential applications while running the ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter but this does not help. The machine is about 4 years old and seems to be running more slowly than previously - do I need to replace the hard disk? The computer is a Pentium II 233 MHz laptop running Windows 98. (more…)

The computer was working fine until I installed a new Lexmark print/scanner/copier machine. Now, the Logitech Web Cam connected to the computer will not work. Each time I try to use the camera, a message appears informing me that the camera is either unplugged or in use by another program. Upgrading and reinstalling the software does not fix the problem, nor does unplugging the Lexmark. Both devices run through a USB connection. (more…)