Questions & Answers Had enough of recurrent warning messages and superfluous dialogs? David Moss shows you how to get rid of these irritations and more.
Enough already go Disk Cleanup lar fr ) In the Have Disk dialog you'll see that you Is it possible to get rid of the warning now have two entries in the Components Disk Cleanup I Mae 0 Set** message in Windows 98 that tells me window. Select the second item in the list, I'm running low on disk space? I know the System Policy Editor, and then click on O (C:1 I am, but I don't need constant reminders. the Install button. W Klee 17 lila-Five- iunt1074 t7irscrpianabdi47tri-titiq 0 When it's finished, click on the OK Doan* button to close the Add/Remove Programs Yes, this is quite simple to do, though dialog. you have to make sure you're paying You can load the System Policy Editor in 0 attention to the dialog boxes at the end two ways: either click the Start button and of the procedure. These are the steps to take navigate to Programs I Accessories I System on the route to clear your irritation: Tools then select System Policy Editor from 0 Head for the Start button, click on it, the list, or hit Start I Run, type poledit into select the Programs menu item, then the command line edit box and hit the Enter the Accessories menu item, then the key. Once it's running, follow these steps: System Tools menu item and finally •Go to the File menu, and select the Open select Disk Cleanup. Registry menu item. 0 Select the drive you want to disable the OK Carcel •Double-click on the Local Computer icon, warning on, click on OK and then go to its then on Windows 98 Network, and finally Settings tab: look for the 'If this drive runs You don't regularly want to be told on Update. low in disk space, automatically run Disk you're running low on hard disk space. •You'll see a checkbox labelled Remote Cleanup' checkbox and click in it to clear it. Update which you should clear by clicking 0 Click on the OK button and a dialog will the network for a policy file whenever it in it. appear asking you if you're sure you want to starts up. So why don't you get a dialog •Hit the OK button, select the Save menu delete files. Obviously, make sure you click saying 'Searching for System Policy' option from the File menu and close down No at this point. followed by one that says 'Loading System the System Policy Editor. This should ensure the warning dialog Policies if a policy is actually found'? I don't You should now find that the dialog no goes away. For those wondering why you'd have an explanation for that, I'm afraid. You longer appears when your Windows 9x ever want to do this, Mr Klee's example is can stop it happening if it really bothers you, systems start up, unless of course clear enough. He doesn't want to see the but to do so you'll need to install the System there really is a System Policy that needs dialog popping up all the time, but it's Policy Editor, potedit.exe. To do that, follow to be loaded. something you'll want to disable if you've these steps: compressed drives, because Windows 98 will Place your Windows 98 SE CD-ROM in Bothered by superfluous dialogs? keep on telling you that the host drive is tow your CD-ROM drive, because you'll need to Not for long. on space. access its contents. If it autoloads, just CI Loral Computer Properties 13 ignore it, close the dialog or hold down the Policies Shift key when you place it in the CD-ROM Odd policy drive to prevent it from autoloading in the kW Windows SU Network .t. t Access Control Could you please explain why people first place. ,:o Logon always see a 'Loading System 9 Go to the Start button, click on it, then 1. 1* Password . • Prosy Server Policies' message when they Log onto 0 select the Settings menu option and the .. • Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks their Windows 98 systems. I haven't set Control Panel menu option. t qk NetWare Directory Services t • Microsoft Client for Windows Networks system policies up as far as I know, and yet Double-click on the Add/Remove +. • File and printer sharing for NetWare Networks this message appears every time. Have I set programs icon, then click on the Windows • File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks t * DialUp Networking the network up wrongly, or is there some Setup tab. When it's loaded, click on the Have -, t Update other explanation for this? Disk button at the bottom of the tab page. I Remote Update R Taylor 0 Click on the Browse button when the Install From Disk dialog appears, and go to I wondered about that message dialog your CD-ROM drive and open the Tools folder. every time I saw it too. You'll be .0 Next, open the Reskit folder, then the 0 pleased to know that it's quite benign, Netadmin folder and finally the Poledit folder. and is in fact the default setting for Windows 0 Select the poledit.inf file, click OK, and OK Cancel 9x, which will automatically go and search then OK again.
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Non-starter you found the file in a folder named aardvark,
S mire L My Down*Ms I can't start Windows then for step 2 you'd type:
AccessUpsizing LIIES 98 at all. An error Antigen 55 - October 1999 fes :JIM:a/net message says that ren aardvark system C Sharp PAQ My CA MuliSrnedie Kits Protect Ij155 Key 'vmm32.vxd is required to run Citrix 2-13avaScr Windows' and then I get That should now work, though I'd DarcyBack 2Jr MalSafe 1,DMemotsc dumped to a black screen like want to make double sure that
136 PC AUTHORITY APRIL 2001 www.pcauthority.cormau Readers' Tip Device conflicts
In Issue 39 (February 2001) I gave some my PC was running in MS-DOS solution was not to try to add them generic advice to Mr Hamam on the Compatibility Mode. This state is through Windows (it didn't work), but to subject of device conflicts within reported in Control Panel I System I go into the BIOS (Ft on bootup) and go to System Manager and problems with Performance Tab. If this is the problem, Advanced and select Load Default disconnect timings for his modem. Mr then the hard disk(s) are probably Settings. When I returned to Windows, Hamam was able to solve the problem reporting their size as 2GB maximum, magically the drives reappeared. afflicting his system by following my and there are other side effects. Interestingly, before I selected default advice, and some readers emailed me Quick and dirty fix No.1: install or settings, both drives were correctly with other solutions, which are worth enable DOS drivers for the CD-ROM. This listed in the BIOS.' displaying here. First up were Herbert will only cure the CD-ROM problem, and It just goes to show how many Smith and Paul King, who both had the I can't remember if it appears in the possible solutions there can be to a same advice on device conflicts. Here's Control Panel System screen. problem, and why technical support can what Herbert had to say: Quick and dirty fix No. 2: find out the be so complicated these days. Lastly, 'I got my answer from the Seagate location of the Initiation command that Herbert Smith also wrote in with regard FAQ page. My CD-ROM was a legacy tells Windows to check for 16-bit drivers to Mr Hamam's modem disconnect, with device from 1994, was connected to the and change it. Long-term and probably some advice about taking care on how amplifier board and therefore not fully correct solution: get latest drivers for long those disconnect times are set for: detected by plug and play. To get the all devices on the PC.' 'The maximum setting for this is 99 device to connect, go to Control Panel I That last piece of advice should be minutes. Unfortunately, during System 1 Device Manager and double- the starting point for everyone - always software downloads my System click the Hard Disk Controller icon; that try the latest drivers for any device. It's decides that this is "time which may no reveals the icon for the PCI Bus Master so often the simplest cure, and it was longer be needed", gives 3o seconds' Disk Controller; double-click that icon to one suggested in a further email on this notice, then disconnects. The give the Properties dialog, click the topic by Eric Bowden, who also pointed disconnection means that the Properties button; in the Properties out that a check for a virus would do no download must be restarted, so Telstra window, select the settings tab, go to harm in this instance either. loves it. It seems that 99 minutes is Dual IDE Settings which is normally set The solution can sometimes however insufficient for many software to 'default'; change the setting to 'Both lie within the Registry, and I'm indebted downloads. I'm not an intensive user, IDE Channels enabled'; then press OK to Alan Moores who wrote in pointing me consequently I try to run long all the way back, though it may be toward article Q151911 in the Microsoft downloads during my ISP's cheap time, necessary to reload the original CD-ROM Knowledge Base, on the subject of MS- so that I can leave the machine to look drivers through DOS.' DOS Compatibility Mode problems with after itself while I go to do something Martin Kendall wrote in with this PCI-IDE controllers. Lastly, the system more interesting. If Mr Hamam decides information on what to do if Mr Hamam's BIOS figured in the emails on this to set the "disconnect" option to any devices were running in MS-DOS subject. Steve Balaam kindly wrote in time, he should remember to Compatibility Mode: with this information: de-couple it before downloading a 'The symptoms Mr Hamam 'I also have an IBM K6-II 450 that software upgrade via Internet.' l‘..._reported are exactly those I had when forgot it had both CD-RW and DVD. The Many thanks to you all for writing in.
Indeed there is. To move the My actually get deleted from there). Therefore, Documents info is stored in the Registry, it Documents folder, right-click on the under Windows 2000, if you get it wrong you'll can be found at: 0 My Documents icon on your Active just have to bring up the Properties window Desktop and select its Properties menu item. for the folder again and select the Restore HKEY_CURRENT__USER \Software \Microsoft \ Fill in the details for the target folder or Default option to have My Documents move Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \Shell Folders browse to it, and then hit the OK button. back to where it was originally located, thus I'd recommend making a backup copy of restoring access to your files. If you move the My Documents folder the contents of the My Documents folder (and Windows 2000 Administrators might somewhere else on your system, the change subfolders) before you make any changes - be interested to know that you can use is recorded at that entry, but a new entry is it's always sensible to back up important data folder redirection in Group Policies to created at the following location: before you do anything that might endanger it change where My Documents appears on a in any way, and under Windows 2000 you'll network share, which is quite handy HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software \Microsoft \ actually be prompted to move the contents of because then when your users save their Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer \User the old folder to the new one. If you choose files to their My Documents folder, they'll Shell Folders not to do so, and that wasn't what you actually be saved at a location decided by intended, you'll find that they've all been you, ready for backup. That's important to know because if the hidden at the old location (though they don't If you're wondering where the My redirection and change to My Documents
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Call me a CAB I recall being able to view the contents Readers' Tip 2 of cab files just by double-clicking on ci them. Now, when I try to do that, Unresponsive MSGSRV32 nothing at all happens. How can I restore my system so that I can view the files again? In Issue 38 (January 2001) the follow- information - I kicked myself because N Reliant ing question was asked by M Dingle: I'd forgotten that this had actually 'I run Windows 98 SE, and every happened to me on a couple of You're correct in your recollections, time I restart my machine it stops occasions. Here's what he had to say: Mr Reliant - you should be able to view responding after a variable amount of 'The problem usually occurs when 0 the contents of Cabinet (Cab) files just time. When I press
You don't want to just delete it from the My last Office question of the month, Start menu, as quite apart from Off the menu and a good one it is too, Mr Grendel. I ® anything else it will leave you with a I've just installed Office 2000 and 0 found its habit of popping up and load of index files lying around on your hard wish to be able to display all my down disconcerting too, and determined to disks that you won't be able to get space back menus again. gain control over this unruly beast (and to from. I actually think you're wrong about the B tans find out why it was doing what it did). I Find Fast indexer, and that once you've got rid should point out first of alt that the Office of it you'llwant to have it back. But if you're I must admit I found it quite disconcer- Clipboard is actually rather useful, as unlike determined to remove it, do it in this order. ting not to be able to see all the menu the Windows Clipboard it can hold up to 12 Start off by deleting all the Find Fast 0 commands, and irritating when I items so long as they don't exceed 4Mb in index files, thus: found I was using the little scroll- down arrows total. In order for it to be able to store those Click the Start and select Settings I all the time anyway, so I turned the feature 12 items, the Office Clipboard has to be open Control Panel. When Control Panel opens, off some time ago. To make your menus on your Desktop and you can turn it on by look for the Find Fast icon and double-click display their full set of options again, go to the selecting the Toolbars I Clipboard from the on it to open it up. Look in the 'Index for Tools menu, click on it and select the View menu. documents in and below' list and delete each Customize menu item. Click on the Options tab As you've noticed, when you copy, the entry using 'Delete menu item' on the Index when the dialog opens, and took for a checkbox Office Clipboard will suddenly pop up on the menu. When you've done that, go back to the labelled 'Menus show recently used commands Desktop, but in fact its appearance isn't quite Index menu and make sure that the 'Run first'. Click in it to clear it and then close the as random as it might appear: when I log on' checkbox is cleared, and then dialog. You should now have all your menu • If you copy the same item twice in a row, click 'Close and Stop' on the Index menu. items back. Clipboard will appear.
138 PC AUTHORITY APRIL 2001 I www.pcauthority.com.au change it so that it reads AcbControl and hit the Enter key. Dave's Tip Go back to the Edit menu, select the Modify menu item and in the Edit DWORD Restoring Windows 9x system files Value dialog, click Decimal to select it, type 1 in the Value Data edit box and then hit the There are occasions when you just doing this may stop a program from OK button. have to say to yourself, 'Damn, I need working, maybe it isn't a program you Close the Registry Editor when you've to re-install Windows'. How long it want to have on your system. finished. If you ever want to turn it back on takes you to get to that point usually To use the System File Checker tool, again, just change the Value Data from 1 to 0. depends on how patient you are and simply follow these steps: the nature of the problem you're Head for the Start button, click on it, dealing with. But if you don't fancy select the Programs menu item, then Reliving old sites sitting through the whole install the Accessories menu item and then I greatly enjoy reading your columns process, you might want to have a go the System Tools menu item. in PC Authority magazine. In the Feb-
at just re-installing the system files Next click on System Information ruary 2001 edition (issue 39), where it to see if that helps your case. and then select the System File talks about finding a list of all the pages Obviously, that happens anyway dur- Checker menu item on the Tools menu. you've ever visited on the net. How do I do ing a full re-install, but you can use ()Select 'Scan For Altered Files', let it this in Windows 98? There were some pages the System File Checker tool (sfc.exe) do the scan and then have it replace any I found ages ago in my initial 'Gosh, wow' to just replace any altered system with which it isn't happy. frenzy on the net and I'd love to go back. files if you like. Bear in mind that I usually find that if neither of those H Davies your problems may have come from a options (SFC or a full re-install) works, bad program overwriting system files a fresh install to a new Windows folder I'd be quite surprised if there were, that it shouldn't have done, so while is going to be needed. although it's always worth a look in ® your History folder, which you can access via the History button on the toolbar, • If you cut or copy two items consecutively in Clipboard again. However, I've found that by pressing the
Foldet Options there you'll find hundreds, indeed
Germal I View Fie Type: I The Office Clipboard loaded up and thousands, of entries for all the items ready to rock 'n' roll. you've seen on Web pages as you've SAiidoed Nom, Hew Type.. I browsed them. You might find a search Adobe Acrobat Document Clipboard (12 of 12) through there to be fruitful, albeit lAdobe Acrobat Forms Document aemove %Advanced Streaming Format File somewhat long-winded, even given the %Advanced Streaming Redirect°, Fie s&. I VAIFF Format Sound sorting capabilities available. Animated Cursor MAppication e ART Image File type details David Moss Extension; WAS
Content Type (MIMEt. Software developer, consultant,
Opens with: WAS Web designer and journalist specialising in Visual Basic and Windows. He can be reached at dmossfapcauthority.com.au I OK Cancel
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