Inbox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. "Someone has been sitting in my chair," says Fiona, who feels like one of the three bears when she returns to her workstation. Often active window locations have changed. Ctrl Alt Delete/Shutdown/Log Off, is a frustratingly slow process. She asks is there" a shortcut to log-off in a hurry?

A. There sure is Fiona. Most keyboards have a Windows key (beside each Alt key). Press it in combination with the "L" key and the computer will close down to the welcome screen. On your return, log back on and the screen will re-appear with all your active windows as they were when you logged off. If someone has the urge to use your workstation, they have to use their own login - unless they know your login password.

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Q. Michael's email is arriving in duplicate. "I use Outlook Express to check Hotmail. Can you suggest a remedy?"

A. Your Hotmail or "IMAP" account is the default mail account and Outlook Express is probably configured to both open directly to the Inbox (downloading headers automatically) and check new messages when starting (also downloading headers automatically). Choose one or the other, but not both. Go to Tools/Options and un-check "When starting, go directly to my 'Inbox' folder", or uncheck "Send and receive messages at startup". If you already have duplicates showing, click Tools/Synchronize Account or Synchronize All.

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Q. More on Jo's spyware-type problems from last week. Spybot and Adaware are effective at removing intruders, but don't stop them initially entering your machine.

A. Grant kindly suggests a solution. Called Spywareblaster, its downloadable for free and blocks unwanted guests before they alter settings or enter your machine.

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Q. "Windows XP freezes and refuses to start. I'm lost as to what to do," writes Daniel (from another computer).

A. Microsoft has a step-by-step guide that deals with all manner of start-up problems known to occur within XP. Follow the steps which depend on particular symptoms and eliminate each possible cause, one by one. Go to Microsoft Support and search for Q308041.


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