When dragging files in Windows, you can control the operation to be completed with the dragged file. To move a file, while dragging the file, hold down the SHIFT key. To copy a file, while dragging the file, hold down the CTRL key (you will notice the dragged file icon now has a plus (+) sign, indicating the file will be copied). Finally, to create a shortcut to a file, while dragging the file, hold down the ALT key (you will notice the dragged file icon now has a shortcut arrow sign, indicating a shortcut to the file will be created). (more…)

Frequently I receive pop-up messages while using the internet advising of all kinds of system errors. The most recent message was titled ‘Messenger Service’ and contained the following text: ‘Message from FROM to TO on 8/2/2006 7:09:10PM STOP! WINDOWS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. Windows has found 55 Critical System Errors’¦To fix the errors please do the following: 1. Download Registry Update from’¦FAILURE TO ACT NOW MAY LEAD TO SYSTEM FAILURE’. Other similar messages have directed me to other sites, and claimed other errors. I have always assumed these are bogus but the only way to stop them appearing is to click OK. These messages are appearing more frequently, despite Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security running. How can I stop these messages from appearing? The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

When attempting to uninstall programs through the ‘Add/Remove Programs’ control panel, some messages will not uninstall. Instead, a message appears saying there is a problem with the ‘uninstall.log’ file or ‘the programs has already been uninstalled’. In either case, the uninstall program terminates and the programs remain in the list. Is there another way to clear these programs from the Add/Remove Programs list, or delete the programs from the computer? The computer is running Windows XP SP2. (more…)

When attempting to run a program called Spam Buster a message appears saying the file ‘RoboEx32.Dll’ cannot be found. I searched Google and found the file probably comes from the WindowsSystem directory, but wasn’t sure whether the file is legit. I have tried reinstalling Spam Buster several times but this has not resolved the issue. The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

Occasionally you may wish to delete files without going through the Windows Recycling Bin. This can be a lot quicker as you can immediately delete the files rather than sending them to the Recycling Bin and then having to empty the Recycling Bin to reclaim the disk space. To bypass the Recycling Bin and permanently delete a file or folder, select the file or folder you wish to remove and hold the SHIFT key and then press the DEL key. A warning will appear confirming you wish to delete the file or folder. Click Yes to proceed. However, be very careful when using this procedure! As this procedure immediately deletes the selection and bypasses the Recycling Bin, any files or folders you delete in this manner will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. So, use with caution! (more…)