InBox

By DON McALLISTER

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

Q. Liz has been receiving three DUN (dialup networking Errors) errors while trying to connect to both her internet providers: error 629, error 678 and error 650.

A. These errors suggest three separate problems, Liz, which can all show up because of phone line quality or modem defects. This Errors page explains most DUN Errors. I suggest you pick up a corded phone (not cordless) and dial your internet provider with a pause between each number. Listen for clicks and crackles which damage data as it travels. If noise exists, call Telecom Faults (120) who can immediately analyze the line. If on the other hand the line is clean, your modem has probably developed a fault that may be covered by gurartee - if it hasn't suffered a spike or lightning strike.

Q. Howard recently upgraded Windows to XP but Outlook Express 6 hates his Office 97 spellchecker.

A. It's a known fault, Howard. In many cases it has been tracked down to a file called "csapi3t1.dll". You can replace it from: Tech Pro and it resides in: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof.

Q. Jill seems to have lost the "Arial Narrow" font. "Is there anywhere I can download it?" she asks.

A.Yes there is, Jill. Most fonts are available from Font Search Engine where you can search through an extensive list, then click on the font name to download it.

Q. "CM" was shocked to learn how easy it was to check or verify the dubious Norton offer last week. Someone recently had actually linked her website with other personal info that wasn't (she thought) linked in any way on the internet to her site.

A. It takes a bit of internet nous, but if you're persistent enough and know right tools, you can find almost anything - as long as you have a reasonable starting point. Using Network Solutions, The New Zealand Companies Register and lastly Whitepages I was able to to duplicate the personal information that was sniffed out by a stranger from the other side of the world. It's all out there, CM, you just have to kow where to look.


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