Some incoming emails and photos do not respond to the actions which I request. While some do work correctly others show the message “This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action” and “Create an association in the Folders option Control Panel”. I am having problems following this procedure so I would appreciate some assistance. The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

Even though my Dell laptop says “Shutting Down” it doesn’t actually finish this process and turn off, but instead I need to press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to completely turn off the machine. The advice that I was given is the laptop was downloading some program and I need to reinstall Windows. However, this doesn’t seem to have fixed the problem. Not even the antivirus vendor has been able to work out this problem! Can you help? (more…)

The My Pictures folder contains many sub-folders. Some of these sub-folders have four pictures shown on the yellow folder icon, whereas other folders do not have any photos on the yellow folder icon (i.e. just a blank yellow folder icon). When I open this folder with four pictures all the files appear. Why does this happen rather than just showing the four pictures? Also, how do I eliminate the folder without any pictures but without losing the whole folder? The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

Whenever I download a video file from my digital camera or email the video is almost completely black. However, I am able to open the video in IrfanView but it only shows in a 75 x 75mm box – if I try to bring the video to full screen it goes black again. Do I need to re-download the videos? The computer is running Windows XP. (more…)

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…)