Monday, March 11, 2002		Dr Tribune

Q. Is there any software or setting in Windows '98 through which I can launch my MP3 player every time I boot my computer (that is the player starts on its own every time the computer boots)

— Abhjit Singh Pahwa, Ludhiana

A. The solution to your problem is easy as you can put your file in start up folder. On starting the Windows the file, which you have kept in the start up folder will start automatically. However, if this does not work, then you can add a command line in your Autoexec.bat command line.

Q. My PC configuration is Pentium III 850 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 20 GB HDD, Tomato 810e motherboard, Samsung 15" monitor, 52X Samsung CD-ROM Drive and Motorola internal modem. My problem is that while booting my system when it detects the drives in my computer then it gives the following error: "Primary IDE Channel no 80 conductor cable installed" and it stops there for around 5 seconds and then proceeds. How can I remove this error so my computer can boot more quickly. I have one data cable to which my CD ROM drive and HDD is connected. Please help me solve my problem. I shall be thankful to you.

Manoj Thakur, Shimla.

A. There are two solutions for your problem. First load the set up defaults in the BIOS Setup and your problem would be solved or use an 80-conductor cable connected in the Primary IDE socket on the motherboard with the other end connected to the hard disk. The problem is that you are probably using the old type of cable and that too in secondary IDE channel. Installing the right kind of cable in right socket will solve your problem permanently.

Q. I have Celeron 366 computer with 64 MB RAM and Motorola SM56 internal modem. My problem is that whenever I connect to the Internet, after two minutes of getting connected, it gets disconnected and I have observed that after that there is no dial tone for half a minute. I lodged complaint to the local telephone exchange many times and in response to that they have checked and declared that there is no fault in telephone exchange. Will you please help me?

Bhupinder Bhushan Dembla, Samana

A. This problem is due to problems at your end only and there could be many responsible factors for it. Primarily, this could be because of some conflict in your system. For resolving this problem, you should reinstall the modem and then load the latest and correct drivers. This will remove any conflict. Also, you must run scandisk in thorough mode followed by defrag as this will also help in sorting out any conflicts in your system causing this problem. I am sure these solutions will solve your problem.

Q. The configuration of my computer is as follows:

1. Pentium III 667 MHz

2. Processor 810 e

3. 20 GB HDD

4. 15" Monitor (Make Samsung)

5. Logitech Scroll Mouse

6. FDD

7. CD Rom (Make Samsung)

8. Keyboard (Make Samsung)

9. Internal Modem

10. AT cabinet

11. Samsung Speakers

I am facing the following problems:

1. An unexpected error is displaying on the desktop of the screen. As a result of this, my clock does not give correct time and date. Every time, I change my dates but it does not show the current date. When I use any package or log on to the Internet, it displays a message, "a fatal error has occurred. Press any key to continue." I keep on pressing space bar till it comes to the original position. Please suggest me what should I do?

2. When I start hard disk defragment, it takes long to complete and sometimes takes full day and still the performance of my computer is not giving good response. Due to this, I have not installed software, which I am in need of. Please tell me what is the procedure of defragmenting the hard disk drive?

3. When I download any wallpaper or screensaver from the Internet, it is not displayed. But it is displayed on the desktop as a shortcut. Please tell me how can I set my active desktop and screensaver and what is the procedure?

Vikas Verma, Panchkula

A. Regarding your first problem, restart your system and press Del at the startup. This will take you to the BOIS feature set up. Now, load set up default and then after saving the settings restart Windows again. On restarting your problem will disappear. Regarding your second problem, you must make sure before running scan disk and defrag that you have disabled any screensaver, video wallpaper, any other background application, which may cause hindrance in defrag. Also, close down all applications in system tray and then after running scan disk in thorough mode then run defrag. It is most ideal for running defrag that you must close down all open applications and programs and leave your computer untouched. I hope the above-mentioned observations will solve your problem. Regarding your third problem, you must specify and also remember the location where you are downloading and savings your downloaded programs. Then from the directory where these programs are saved, you should install it like any other program either by clicking at the .exe file or run setup/install file after unzipping the specified file. The problem mentioned by you could be occurring because you have selected desktop as the default destination for storing the downloaded files.

Q. I have Celeron 850 MHz, 128 MB RAM, Millennium 810e Intel chipset motherboard, ATX power supply and Windows XP Professional as OS. My first problem is that before installing XP, my computer was performing auto shutdown. But after installing XP, it not performing auto shutdown and "It is now safe to turn off your computer" message appear on the screen while shutdown. My second problem is that after installing XP many application and games have ceased to work. A message appears that says, "This is not a valid Win32 application." Even Scandisk is also not functional. What will be the solution to these problems? Please guide.

H.S. Kalyan, Balachaur

A. For the solution of your problem first of all you must load the setup defaults in your BOIS features setup. This will take care of your first problem related to Windows not shutting down as by the loading the default setup, default features related to the power settings will also be restored and this will thus solve your program. However, your second problem is more complicated and could primarily be due to the fact that you have upgraded your earlier Windows version to Windows XP. It is because of this act that some of your applications are not working properly. Though you may try installing them again by first uninstalling them. However, it is in your interest to clean install Windows XP. Or you can also install it a fresh on another partition of the hard disk.

Q. I have P III with processor 700 MHz and 64 MB RAM and Windows Me as operating system. I am not able to configure Outlook Express. Please tell me the procedure of configuring it.

Deepak Garg, Sangrur

A. The procedure for configuring Outlook Express is simple and does not require much effort, as it is self-explanatory. If you are configuring Outlook Express for the first time, then as you will open Outlook Express, the new account configuration window will open on your computer screen. First of all you will have to enter display name, as this would be the name by which your account would be recognized. Now click next, in the subsequent window you will get option to configure any of your POP3 e-mail account or your hotmail account. You can choose either of these and proceed to the next window by clicking next. If your chosen, the Hotmail account, then everything is self-explanatory in the subsequent Windows. However if your chosen the first option that is your POP3 e-mail account, then in the next window, you will need to enter the incoming and outgoing mail server addresses. In the next window you will have to mention your account name and the password. This will configure your e-mail account in Outlook Express.