InBox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. Tony wrote one of the several weekly e-mails we receive asking why his Outlook Express email attachments suddenly become inexplicably blocked.

A. We've covered this a few times recently, Tony. Windows updates have been designed by Microsoft to do this - to stop the flow of viruses using these attachment types. Go to Microsoft support which will tell you about the present risks and lists several solutions.

Q. Dave is frustrated that his Incredimail seems to hate talking to MSN mail servers.

A. Your Incredimail version is out of date, Dave. Under Help/About, check the "Build ID" for the last three numbers. If they are lower than 710, download the latest version ( build ****838) from Incredimail.com.

Q. Phil managed to acquire his dream machine with all the bells and whistles. But his "Addonics DVC-V6 "USB web camera refuses to work in Windows XP.

A. Unfortunately Phil, that camera only came with Windows 98 drivers and even the Windows 2000 drivers are known to be dodgy. Sell it to a Win98 user on Trademe Online Auctions and update to a Windows XP capable camera. Dick Smiths has several or QMB Computers has the "spunky" little (XP capable) USB "Chicony TwinkleCam" for only $49.00 plus GST.

Q. Adam wants to sell his machine, but he's concerned passwords, personal files and internet history could prove embarrassing in the wrong hands.

A. You can manually delete all the files then use a "Wipe" program to eliminate possible recovery of deleted files. These wipe programs write zeros and ones across all the unused drive space, rendering all old data relatively un-recoverable. (Law enforcement agencies may have the ability to get to it, though). Search for "wipe" at Tucows.



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