Missing Turbovbf.vxd

A caller reported a message about a missing file called Turbovbf.vxd. Guy Moore suggestst this resource.

Printing from DOS-based applications

A caller wanted to print from Harvard Graphics, a DOS-based program, on an HP printer running under Windows.

Reading the info about the 1010 on HP's website, under Spec's it says:

*Optional compatible operating systems:
Download available at http://www.hp.com. Printing from DOS-based applications is possible in compatibility mode. "

*Software included:
Drivers In-box: Microsoft® Windows® NT 4.0, 3.1x (PCL 5e only), 9x, 2000, Me, Macintosh™ System 7.5.5 and above. Drivers on the web: Windows 3.1x (PCL 6), IBM OS/2 and UNIX/LINUX. Download available at http://www.hp.com. Printing from DOS-based applications is possible in compatibility mode. Software disk replication utility for attended or unattended deployment of custom drivers. HP internet installer can automatically update printer drivers during installation. HP Web Jetadmin printer management software for network configuration and management from a common web browser. Download available at http://www.hp.com

That being said, it sounds like HP knows about these printers and printing in DOS mode, so they would easily be able to help you out! HP's phone number is: Hewlett Packard (800) 752-0900.

A caller suggested converting Harvard Graphics into PowerPoint. There is further help at this web site.

To release/renew IP address in Windows XP

From Bryan Powell: Click Start, and then run

Type cmd and a DOS window will open

Type ipconfig /release

Type ipconfig /renew

This should refresh your IP address.

Wireless video home monitoring

Listener Dave from Beavercreek writes: "...a fellow asked about installing a video camera so he could monitor his home on his PDA. This doesn't specifically address the PDA issue, but if he can already receive e-mail & browse the Internet on his PDA, he's half way there. This article describes the process of installing a wireless video camera with motion detection and e-mail alerting capability."

CrazyBrowser (alternative to Internet Explorer

Here ya go.

Which is better, DSL or cable?

Here's a review of Road Runner.

USB Device Stops Working or Won't Resume

WinXP by Default turns off USB Root Hubs to Conserve Power causing some devices not to resume correctly after Windows resumes from sleep, hibernation or computer inactivity
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In the Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus Controllers > USB Root Hub > Power Management, Uncheck the box per the illustration below. Uncheck all boxes on all root hubs.

What hardware is on your machine?

One solution for Windows XP, from Bryan Powell:

1. Right click on my computer and select "properties"
2. Click on the hardware tab
3. Click on the button that says device manager

A caller suggested the program Advisor, available from Belarc.com.

Disabling ports in Windows XP

A caller wanted to disable port 25, used for email purposes but subject to malicious attacks. Try working with the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) as described here.

Stinger virus protection

Stinger is an alternate virus scanner/checker. Find it here.

Swap files on an external drive

A caller asked about using an external hard drive to store swap files (temporary files used by browsers and others). This can in theory increase speed and efficiency by slowing fragmentation of the main hard drive. Here are Guy Moore's references for swap files for Windows Swap files and Mac OS X Swap files, version 1 and version 2.

Outlook Express problem

Two callers report problems with Outlook Express. The program halts and presents this message: "Outlook Express has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."

There is a discussion and possible fix available from Microsoft.

Problems with Internet Explorer.exe

Nancy reported a particularly nasty problem today when her Windows machine began telling her about problems with Internet Explorer. Here is one possible solution, and here is another.

If those don't work: listener John passed along this recommendation (we have not tried it, but here it is. Always exercise extreme caution when working with the registry):

system restore is found here :

start/programs/accessories/system tools

This should be done in safe mode!!!

also there is a dos option....

boot to DOS...

go to c:\system
type : scanreg /restore

The EXACT WORDING IS VERY VERY IMPORTANT...

if this fails, try : scanreg /fix

This is another option. If the scanreg/fix FAILS then there is a fatal registry error. Must run regedit to manually fix (probably will not work) or do a clean install of the O/s

Online definitions of computer terms

Try these sources for basic information: Webopedia, or HyperDictionary.com.

Windows update CD

For dial-up users, downloading an update to Windows may not work. Here is the source for a free Windows update CDs.

Running DOS games on a newer operating system

Zach from Richmond writes: "Saw a discussion about this recently - one suggestion was DOSBox."

Fat32 vs. NTFS file structure

Here's an article Bryan Powell found.

FAQ for Spybot automation issue

Josh of Oxford had a problem with ad blocking software not working properly. Try this FAQ.

How to edit, clean, and backup the registry

Information from the Microsoft support area. Be very careful when working with the Registry lest you delete a needed file.

Multiple sends in Outlook

Jim calling from I-70 had a problem with MS Outlook sending multiple copies of documents. Some settings of Outlook will send when you quit the program, and require the program to verify that the message has been delivered. If you send, then quit, then start up again it's possible the program does not recognize that it has been sent because it has not yet received a return receipt. Try adjusting the settings or preferences of Outlook, and wait a bit after you send before quitting.