Byteback -DAWN Science; March 8, 2003

March 8, 2003

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Byteback

Licensed software

1. WHENEVER I want to insert an object into a Word document, I get an error message, “Failed to create the object. Make sure the application is entered in the system registry”. How do I get rid of this?

2. I am using a live updated OEM version of Norton Antivirus 95 on Windows 98. It seems to work properly, yet I want to ask:

— Can I upgrade the anitvirus software from its latest versions such as Norton Antivirus 2003?

— Whenever I turn off the PC, it displays an error message, “Scaning the boot record of drive A: for viruses”. For this reason I have formatted and reinstalled my operating system several times but the problem still persists?

— Whenever I view the software’s General Information, it shows that its virus definitions date 1/5/98 although I update it weekly. Why?

The software I use is an unregistered version. Is there any charges for registration?

Where can I find the original and registered version of Windows OS and other software such as Norton Antivirus in Karachi?

JUNAID IQBAL
Karachi

Editor replies: Your queries are answered in the order they are asked:

1. It seems your system’s object linking files are corrupted. We would suggest you to upgrade your Microsoft Office package to the newer version MS Office 2000 (just in case you’re using version 97 and that does not support the object you are creating). It is also possible that you have a Macro virus on your computer.

2. Norton Antivirus 95 is an old antivirus system. Many serious viruses have evolved lately. The antivirus software that you have will not have the right tools to scan for worms, trojans, etc. You are definitely suggested to upgrade to Norton Antivirus 2003. But make sure to have “clean” installation.

Floppy Disk scanning can be disabled from the option menu of the application.

Since you are using a very old version of Norton, it can’t update itself through Live Update option. To use this service you need a new version.

You can contact Ocean Office Automation, Softworld International, MIT, IOP or any other authorized re-seller for the licensed version of the required software. As far as their prices are concerned, a licensed version of Windows XP Professional edition will cost you Rs8900, Windows XP Home edition for Rs4800, and Windows 98 for Rs6000. A registered version of Norton Antivirus is available for Rs4000.

Email reloads

For the last five years I have been using Outlook Express to access my mail. Recently the program has developed a problem: I disconnect after downloading my emails, but when I resconnect it start downloading from the very first one on reconnection.

MIKE ALI
mikeali@gem.net

Editor replies: Usually Outlook Express, as a mail client program, deletes the messages directly from the server after retrieving them. However, there are a few things you can check for:

Make sure that the “Leave Messages On Server” is not checked. Go into Accounts; select your ISP; go into advanced and then check.

Secondly, while accessing your email, make sure that the spool is set to its default position. It should look like a reel and not like a thumbpin. If the problem persists, then upgrade or re-install Outlook.

Shutdown problem

Sometimes I am unable to close the Windows; all my downloaded executables appear on my desktop, why?

MAHEEN

Editor replies: This can result from application running in the background, or by viruses. Go into Start> Program> Accessories> System Tools> System Information> Configuration and click Startup Tab. Close programs which you don’t recognize by unclicking the boxes next to the names of these programs. Press Okay.

This should stop viruses in their tracks if any. Scan your system with updated antivirus program.

To organize your downloads create a folder with a name let’s say “My Downloads”. When your downloaded programs reach completion just save them to your newly created folder by providing the path to it.

Home network

I want to set up a small network of six PCs at home. I also want to make one pc an ICS (internet sharing). I will have Windows XP in all machines. Could you tell me what system configuration is required on software (client and host ends) as well as at hardware level.

AHMOOD AHMAD KHAN
mehmood_5@hotmail.com

Editor replies: If you want to use WinXP, then we’d suggest to have at least PIII 1GHz systems and the GLLY 850 Series of Intel motherboards. You will need minimum 128MB RAM on each, suggested is 256MB though and make sure that you have a 32MB VGA card for optimal display performance.

For the network, just download the proxy client called Analogx and install it only on your main computer (host) that will be connected to the internet. In your lan settings of remaining machines, set the IP address of your host computer. That’s about it. Be sure to go through the “Readme” file that comes with it. It will have you up and running in no time.

MSN reboots computer

I have WinXP OS. During voice chatting on MSN, my computer reboots several times. Please advise?

AFTAB ZUBERI
aftabzuberi@hotmail.com

Editor replies: This problem can occur because of several reasons such as system’s power management, background application, or drivers problems. However, it is also possible that your system has BO2K virus. Without a hands-on diagnosis it is not possible to exactly trace the problem. But before you consult a hardware specialist try to reinstall OS with the latest drivers and the latest MSN version and see if it gets fixed up. If not, you might have a problem with your hardware.

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