Frequently I am asked about an easy way to print a list of files contained within a directory or folder. Unfortunately this relatively simple task is not easy to achieve, but there is a very nifty utility which was recently recommended by a fellow reader that accomplishes this task efficiently and easily. Karen’s Directory Printer (www.karenware.com/powertools/ptdirprn.asp) is a handy free utility that will output a listing of all files contained within a directory, along with various other useful pieces of metadata.

When attempting to attach compressed photos to a new email in Hotmail the following message appears: “Internet Explorer has blocked this site from using an ActiveX control in an unsafe manner. As a result, this page might not display correctly”. Therefore I cannot attach photos unless they are standard (non-compressed) files which are significantly larger than the compressed files. How can I get around this problem? (more…)

Recently you advised a reader who lost all his data to back up regularly and mentioned that you automatically back up your files every hour. You say that it’s better to do this automatically than manually. Obviously in order to back up automatically it is necessary to have the backup media connected all the time, otherwise you have to connect it each time it’s going to back up, which could cause difficulties. But if it’s always connected, isn’t the backup media also vulnerable to a virus that gets into the computer? (more…)

Mac users may be interested in a very handy utility called ScreenFloat (www.eternalstorms.at/ScreenFloat). This utility allows you to easily create and organise screen shots, allowing them to float above other windows so you can snap and keep useful information visible at all times. People who need to refer to particular reference material frequently could find this very useful. A 15 day trial is available from the website, and ScreenFloat can be purchased in the Mac App Store.

In a previous column you provided excellent instructions on how to do a complete reinstallation of Windows XP. I have two follow-up questions on the topic. First, you mention that before reinstalling Windows you should take a backup of all your current drivers. Are these located in one specific area or do you need to find them individually? Second, Windows XP has a number of Service Packs and updates. Are all of the Service Packs cumulative (e.g. SP3 includes SP1 and SP2) or do you need to install each Service Pack in turn? (more…)