InBox

Q. Mollie finds she is unable to open WMV attachments on her Windows 98 PC with Windows Media Player 7.1.

A. Firstly establish that your current Windows Media Player will play WMV files, Mollie. For samples, go to www.superbike.co.uk/content/videos.htm. Though Media player Version 7.1 lists WMV as supported, I've seen many instances where it fails. Media Player 9 is available for Win98SE or WinME; WinXP users can get Version 10 from the same location: www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/default.asp. If you still can't play WMV files, you are probably running the first version of Win98. Several free after-market movie viewers are available. Do a Google search for wmv viewer. To find your Windows version, right click My Computer, select Properties/General.

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Q. Since Craig reinstalled Windows XP, it begins downloading updates whenever he connects to the internet, slowing down other internet-related activities.

A. You can turn off auto updates, Craig, by going to: Control Panel/Automatic Updates. An alternative way to get critical updates like SP1 and SP2 is to ask for them on CD from Microsoft.

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Q. Mark has been using Microsoft Word 2002 for a few years and has come to rely on it automatically capitalising the first word of each new sentence. But somehow that feature has turned itself off.

A. This setting hides in Tools/Auto Correct Options, Mark. Place a tick beside: Capitalise first letter of sentences.

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Q. Helen's PC has suddenly lost its voice though when she looks in Control Panel/Sounds and Multimedia, all appears to be well.

A. This may sound silly, Helen, but is your speaker power switched on?

(Helen has since confirmed that the power to the speakers was off.)

Email your questions to Don McAllister at inbox@nzherald.co.nz, detailing the software you're using and any error messages it is sending.