InBox

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

Q: Sue has problems using Internet Explorer to collect Hotmail email.

A: Verify cookies are enabled: Tools/Internet Options/Privacy, click the "Advanced" button, mark the checkbox beside "Override Automatic Cookie Handling". Also clear the cache or Temporary Internet Files: IE/Tools/ Internet Options/General click Delete Cookies then click Ok. Click Delete Files. Select Delete all offline content and then click Ok.

You can also reset your "Security" settings: Tools/Internet Options/Security/Internet/Custom Level. Under "Reset Custom Settings", click "Reset". Or enable ActiveX controls: Tools/Internet Options/Security/Internet/Custom Level/Security Settings/ActiveX Controls and plug-ins, select "Enable" except for "Download unsigned ActiveX controls". Choose "Disable" or "Prompt".

Also, you can try to enable Java-script: Click "Tools/Internet Options/Security, Click "Custom Level", scroll to the "Scripting" section, under "Active scripting", "Allow paste operations via script", and "Scripting of Java applets", check "Enable", Click "OK". Close the current browser window and reload a new one. Get the latest Microsoft updates.

* * *

Q: Mike's computer auto-boots after a power outage and he'd like that to stop. "The power outages we had a week ago made me think about the surges. I do have a surge protector. When the power returns from an outage my computer starts up, so the computer was shutting down/starting too frequently.

I am using Windows 98 and wonder if there is any way of keeping the computer off when the power restarts after an outage till I am prepared to manually restart it with the power switch.

A: Auto re-start, is controlled by a setting in bios, Mike. When most computers initially boot, a message lists the key to enter setup (It could be DEL, F1, F2, F3, F8 or F10 depending on the brand). Once in, navigate to the power settings section. Better still, get a small UPS (Un-interruptible Power Supply) that automatically tells the computer to save data and shutdown during a power event, while providing power long enough to do so.


* Email us your question about computers