Dennis Faas

Have you ever been in a jam -- and to top it all off, your computer won't boot? Infopackets Reader Donald C. writes: " Dennis, I just read your May 19th article on ' Access old user account files under WinXP? ' where a Reader was unable to access ... his files stored via a hidden system folder. I just wanted to comment by saying that I've come across a great program -- actually, it's a bootable CD ROM image -- that can be used to access files on your hard drive: all within a Windows environment. If you can't find a better way to access files inside of XP, try doing it OUTSIDE of XP! Bart ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Brenda M. writes: " Dear Dennis, I emailed you this morning about a PC crash and a list of errors I get when trying to boot the computer. Eventually, the PC does start, but now it that some of my device drivers are missing. I can ... not connect to my ISP and I can not sign on to the internet. My OS is Windows 98SE. I am using another persons PC that I have access to on a daily basis. Is there a way that I can get the drivers to work again? " My response: You didn't mention how your computer connects to the Internet. At any rate, you will need to: Identify the device ... (view more)

With respect to yesterday's feature article regarding new changes affecting our web site, Infopackets Reader Paul B. sent me the following Visitor Feedback: " Dear Dennis, Just a quick comment: Keep up the good work! I have never been disappointed ... with infopackets or any of the products I have purchased thru the site. Thanks for that. I do have one question, however. I just read the 06/01/2004 issue of the Gazette, where you reported that you are writing web scripts [I.E.: special web server programs] in order to transform the layout of the infopackets web site. In writing this email to ... (view more)

Recall -- Last week, Infopackets Reader Jenny C. asked if I knew of a freeware greeting card program. She wrote: " I am wondering if you could help me: I have been trying to find a small (and hopefully free) software program to create ordinary ... greeting cards -- one that I can put my own pictures or clipart on, write my own verse, and mail it (via snail mail) to friends. I used to use a greeting card program that came pre-packaged with my computer, but the program has expired and I can no longer use it. I would love to make my own greeting cards and I am sure other subscribers would too. ... (view more)

With the main web server upgrade finally complete, I have decided to up the ante by implementing a new 'control panel' which revolutionizes the way that users interact with our newsletter and web site content. In a nutshell, the new layout will ... allow Readers to post comments after each newsletter article, jump to relevant topics, download complete issues via email, search past issues, and much more. This change comes after announcing last week that our newsletter will soon be available via RSS news feeds . Other changes I also plan to re-write the newsletter delivery program so that email ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Chris W. writes: " Dear Dennis, I'm having a little problem running my wireless laptop PC. It seems every time someone in my home picks up one of the cordless phone, the Internet service from the Linksys is interrupted. The ... Linksys router is attached to my sons desktop computer. Do you any solution to this problem? " My response: Unfortunately, I'm still using old technology which requires me to use wires to connect more than one computer to my router. I did, however, forward this question to Jake Ludington and he was able to shed some insight. Jake comments: ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader 'SweetImage' writes: " Dennis is there any way to get rid of the Mirar toolbar once and for all? I have searched sites where I have found loads of people having the same problem. I have used at least 8 different Adware-blocking ... programs to remove the toolbar from my system, but none of them can get rid of this rotten thing! Mirar support has not answered my emails and I am going absolutely crazy trying to remove it from my system. I cannot use the Windows System Restore because it won't allow me to roll back (except for today's date) -- and furthermore, Dell can't help ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Jenny C. writes: " Hi! I just read my first newsletter -- it was great and I am looking forward to more issues! I am wondering if you could help me: I have been trying to find a small (and hopefully free) software program to ... create ordinary greeting cards -- one that I can put my own pictures or clipart on, write my own verse, and mail it (via snail mail) to friends. I used to use a greeting card program that came pre-packaged with my computer, but the program has expired and I can no longer use it. I would love to make my own greeting cards and I am sure other ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Ruth S. writes: " Dear Dennis, I use Outlook Express. Every time I receive an email, the sender's address ends up in my Blocked Senders List. The next time the person emails me again, it goes directly into my Deleted Items folder. ... I don't know why this keeps happening. Any ideas?" My response: I can honestly say that I have never encountered this problem before. At any rate, I have a few suggestions: 1. Clear your Blocked Senders List and Mail Rules. Open Outlook Express Click Tools -> Message Rules -> Blocked Senders List Delete all blocked senders entries ... (view more)

Recall -- Earlier this month Infopackets Reader Joan L. asked if I knew of a freeware envelope printing program. She wrote: " Hi Dennis! I really do enjoy reading all of your letters and find your newsletter very informative -- I have learnt a great ... deal. I usually type out the address in MS Word and then print out the envelope, but this is done using trial an error and I often waste a few envelopes along the way. I know you have many questions to answer, but I am sure other Readers are in the same boat as I am. Many thanks if you could point me in the right direction! " In my ... (view more)