Dennis Faas

Infopackets Reader Justin S. writes: " Dear Dennis, Every time I open windows explorer, the folder window displays the same directory. I always end up having to click on 'My computer', then navigate to C drive, then to Program files, then to the ... folder I finally need to get to. Is there any way to make Windows remember the folder I was recently visiting so that I don't have to go through this torment? " My response: I know exactly what you mean. When I compile this newsletter, I typically bounce from one application to the next. By doing so, I save files in different directories -- ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Guillaume G. from Melbourne, Florida writes: " Dear Dennis, I recently stumbled upon an article that claims to cease the propagation of email viruses if a certain entry is added to your address book (contact list). The original ... article was written in French, and roughly translates to the following: ' In your address book, create a new contact with the name 0000 or 000*0 or 0_00 without letters, without an address and without any other details. This contact will be installed as the first on your list. If a virus should attempt to send a message to all addresses on your ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Brandon 'SpongeBoob' writes: " Dear Dennis, Much thanks for your article on changing paths to the My Documents / Pictures folder -- however, this time I have a new question! Do you have any idea on how to change a login user name ... for Windows XP? For example: I want to modify my user account name in the Documents and Settings folder, as well as the Start menu and logon / log off screen names. Any ideas? " My response: You can change your login screen name, as well as password, picture, account type, and .NET passport options though the Control Panel. To do this: ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Pat M. writes: " Dennis, how do I get rid of the 'iSearch toolbar' which has attached itself to my Internet Explorer web browser? I have attempted to use the automated uninstaller from the isearch web site, but my computer refuses ... to download the software. I have also tried the Add / Remove Programs in Control Panel, but have had no luck. Any ideas?" My response: Although many would disagree , the iSearch web site claims that their toolbar is not Spyware because it "in no way tracks you or the web sites that you visit." (Source: iSearch.com FAQ ). ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Brandon 'SpongeBoob' writes: " Dear Dennis, I have 2 hard drive partitions: the C drive, and the D drive. I always keep my data stuff like music, photos, and other downloaded files onto the D drive. I recently decided to format ... and reinstall Windows on my computer. When I click on start menu, is there a way to link the My Music and My Pictures folders to d:\my music and d:\my pictures (respectively)? I don't seem to be given the choice on whether I can change the targets. Any ideas? " My response: The folders you are referring to are called Shell Folders. ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Robert H. writes: " I am running Windows 98 Second Edition on a HP Omnibook XE2 laptop, which has 64.0 MB of RAM. I was wondering if I can add 256 of RAM in order to install Windows XP? PS: Thanks for a great newsletter and your ... eBooks, I have bought several and they have been a real help." My response: Memory configurations for laptops vary from machine to machine. Most laptops have 2 memory banks and have a limit as to how much memory they can recognize. In my experience, I've found Kingston's web site to be a great resource when researching memory ... (view more)

After announcing that our main server needs upgrading, quite a few Infopackets Readers emailed me over the weekend and asked if there were other ways they could help out financially. Infopackets Reader Anne C. writes: " Hi Dennis! I just wanted to ... let you know that I've replied to your request to donate infopackets.com in order to help keep your website maintained [and protected against hackers]. A suggestion: perhaps you should charge an annual fee like some websites do? I certainly wouldn't have a problem donating $10-15 dollars a year to keep you up and running. PS: Keep up the good ... (view more)

Infopackets Reader Russell F. writes: " Hi Dennis! I have two questions that I'm hoping you can help me with. First: I do not have Internet Explorer set as my default web browser, yet any link I click outside of Internet Explorer always launch in ... IE. How can I get the default changed to Mozilla Firefox? And, secondly: about two weeks ago all the links in Internet Explorer quit working. I looked everywhere, but could not find an answer. Can you help? " Side note: Mozilla Firefox is a new streamlined web browser which features tabbed browsing, a built in PopUp blocker, and a google ... (view more)

Recall -- After briefly reviewing Sound Pad by Menasoft in last weeks' newsletter, I asked Infopackets Readers to send me their own picks for a favorite freeware sound editor. Quite a number of of users recommended a program called Audacity. ... Infopackets Reader Peter G. writes: " I have used Audacity to record audio tapes onto CD. It's pretty straightforward to use -- anyone with a bit of experience will find it quite easy to work out without having to read the help files too much. What I like about it is the very clean interface without any bells and whistles to clutter it up. From the ... (view more)