During the BIOS check the computer beeps twice and displays the following message: ‘Sec master Drive ATAPI incompatible’. The computer continues to load normally, but the DVD drive is no longer recognised in Windows and does not display with the other drives in My Computer. In the Device Manager, the Maxtor 4D040H2 DVD drive is displayed under ‘Disk drives’ with the status claiming the device is functioning properly. Attempts to update the drivers for the device did not succeed. The drive itself appears to be working correctly, as the light blinks and after inserting a CD or DVD the drive spins-up. It seems that Windows simply does not recognize the drives existence. The problem only occurred recently. (more…)

When attempting to open a folder in Windows XP, the Search window appears instead of opening the folder. Right-clicking on the folder shows the options as: SEARCH (default), Open, Explore. How can I reset these back to the original options: OPEN (default), Explore, Search? (more…)

A recent Tip of the Week mentioned the Google Earth program. I investigated the program, and it appears my setup does not meet the minimum specifications for running Google Earth. I do not have a broadband internet connection (I still only have dial-up), or the required 3D graphics card. Is it possible to install Google Earth on my computer? The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

In the column on 19th December 2005 a question was published (http://www.siliconkid.com.au/index.php/skarchive/
viewquestion/1524) asking how to change the behaviour of the dollar ($) key to print the UK pound (£) symbol. In answering this question, I did not have a definite solution. Since that question was published, I have discovered a free utility called Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator: www.microsoft.com/globaldev/tools/msklc.mspx. This utility allows the user to create a custom keyboard layout. In other words, you can control what characters are printed in response to keystrokes. So, you could configure Windows to print a pound (£) sign when the dollar ($) key is pressed. Be aware, this utility is not easy to use and there is quite a steep learning curve. Should you incorrectly change the keyboard layout, some (or none) of the keys may work correctly, so be careful! Fortunately, there is a comprehensive Help file which comes with the utility which I strongly encourage you to read. That said, you should still only proceed if you are confident with the procedures and possible side-effects. (more…)

People who regularly use the Skype Instant Messaging (IM) function may be interested in this tip. The default behaviour of double-clicking a Skype contact is to call (dial) that contact for a voice call. If you are not used to this behaviour, you may find yourself double-clicking the contact to send an IM, but instead Skype calls the contact (and gives them a start when the phone-ringing sound plays from their computer’¦loudly). All is not lost though, as the default behaviour of the double-click can be changed. Open Skype, then go to the ‘Tools’ menu > ‘Options’. In the window that appears, click the ‘General’ page and for the setting ‘When I double-click on Contact or use the address field’ enable the option ‘Start a chat’. Click OK. Now whenever you double-click a contact, the IM/chat window will appear rather than calling the contact. (more…)