InBox

By DON McALLISTER

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your internet questions.

Q. Danielle was infected by the Lovesan virus and, following Microsoft's instructions, removed it then applied its patch. Unfortunately the virus is still there within the restore files.

A. Windows ME/2000 and XP have a disaster recovery tool called System Restore. It logs all changes and no other program can alter its files - which is why your virus scanner cannot delete the offending file. Unfortunately your System Restore logged changes that included the virus. Disable System restore by going to Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore. Then reboot the machine and re-enable System Restore. Restoration points start again from there - virus free. Symantec explains how


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Q. Marni's friend fitted a 64MB chip to her 466 Celeron (increasing it to 96MB of memory) so her new digital camera (requiring 64MB free memory) could run. Now Windows 98 won't shut down and freezes all the time.

A. Your friend has fitted the wrong type of memory, Marni! Most motherboards of your PC's era use PC100MHz memory, not today's PC133MHz which is incompatible. Try Trademe auctions, for a used 128MB PC100 chip for about $60. This way you can dump the old 32MB chip (just in case it also conflicts with the new one) and still have the required memory available to run Windows, programs and the camera. But because Windows is damaged it will probably have to be fully re-installed.

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Q. "For years my mouse selected any window in which I left clicked. After installing some software recently my wheel mouse now selects any window it passes over. Where did I make this stupid selection?" asks Ian.

A. This feature can be quite frustrating. Reverse the setting within Control Panel/Folder Options/General. In the section entitled "Click items as follows" click on "Double click to open an item (Single click to select)". Exit via the "Apply" then "OK" button.


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