Inbox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. Noel has bought a new computer for about $3000. But when he asked to see the machine running before it headed for his home, he got an indignant, "No, it will be packaged for transit at pickup".

"Is my request unjustified considering they assemble them on their premises?" he asks.


A. Your request is justified, Noel. If you're parting with that sort of money you would be crazy not to see all components running before you take possession.

If they want your custom, it's in their interest to confirm you're happy on delivery.

I know of a retailer that's become well known for quality errors such as missing mounting screws or, even worse, screws rumbling loose round the main box. Bad presales service means backup service will be worse. Stick to your guns and check everything before accepting delivery. If they refuse your request, vote with your feet.

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Q. Mike's HP Pavilion is receiving regular "Boot failure" errors, yet if its mood pleases, it starts as normal.

A. It sounds like hardware, Mike. HP/Compaq has made use of internet connectivity with an awesome online tool that runs checks. It's called "Self Help" diagnostic. Follow the steps to check components and take hardware problems from the equation.

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Q. "Returned mail user unknown" doesn't necessarily mean you sent it. Humphrey is receiving delivery failure messages that he hasn't sent - most of which have porn subjects. These raunchy headers are embarrassing.

A. Create a filter in Outlook Express/Tools/Message Rules/Mail. Use the following: 1)Where the subject contains, 2) Delete it, 3) Click on the underlined words and type in, "Returned mail user unknown". The only problem with this solution is that you won't know if any genuine messages bounce.


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