2006-02-20

Microsoft Outlook, E-mail Address Autocomplete Incorrect


PROBLEM SUMMARY
Microsoft Outlook has a feature that is on by default which recalls previously used e-mail addresses and automatically offers them when the user is addressing a new e-mail address. If a previously used address is now out of date or was entered incorrectly before, it is a nuisance to have such addresses showing up.

APPLE USERS
This help page refers to Windows only. If you know of an Apple solution, let us know.

PROBLEM SOLUTION
Follow these steps to remove addresses that are incorrect or no longer wanted:

1) Begin addressing an e-mail by typing the first letter of the address you wish to remove.

2) Outlook will provide a list of e-mail addresses and names beginning with the letter you have typed. Use the up and down arrow keys to navigate through the list.

3) Highlight the unwanted e-mail and then press the delete key to remove it.

2006-02-13

Software License and Activation


Microsoft and other companies like Macromedia have moved to a licensing system of enabling software with a unique license code which is maintained on a central database.

With new installations of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office you are asked to "Activate" the software. If activation is not completed within a specific period of time (typically 30 or 60 days) the software will completely or partially become temporarily locked or disabled until it is activated. If you are later reinstalling it on the same computer, or, installing the software on a replacement computer, the installation and activation by Internet will probably work okay. Eventually, if the software has been reinstalled too many times, and those installations were performed on different computers, it will be necessary to obtain an activation code by telephone through speaking with an operator. The operator will probably ask you why you have installed the software multiple times.

Macromedia allows the user to activate and deactivate their software as needed. So, a person could potentially have it installed on several computers, but only use it on one at a time. Actually, the Macromedia installation allows the software to be activated and used on up to two computers simultaneously (as long as they are of the same OS). This may be to accommodate people who have a desktop and a notebook. Another benefit to allowing two simultaneous installations is that if a hard drive crashes, a user can rebuild their computer and install the software again without needing to call the company. When necessary, a person can call Macromedia to have the activation/registration information reset. It will then need to be activated again. [This information is based on recent experience with Macromedia Dreamweaver as include with Studio].

The iTunes music licensing system uses a similar activation database. The user can have up to five computers that are licensed to play their purchased music. The central database keeps track of how many computers are currently licensed. You can deactivate one computer to gain back a license and then activate another computer. Just as in the case with Macromedia, if a computer crashes, is sold, or is erased, without you first deactivating it, you will forever have one of your licenses used up until you call the company to have them reset the database.

2006-02-10

Apple OS X 10.4 Tiger, external drive removal error


Q: I properly ejected my external hard drive and waited until the icon disappeared from the desktop before disconnecting and/or powering down the drive. However, I got an error saying that I'd not properly removed the drive.

A: Sometimes the drive is still writing and closing files even after the icon is no longer visible. Also, anti-Virus software may be scanning the drive on dismount.

Some drives will actually spin down (stop spinning) once they are finished all write activities. You may want to wait a few seconds after requesting the eject before disconnecting the drive. Try feeling the drive with your hand to sense when the drive spins down, or observe the indicator light to see when it is no longer blinking.

Apple OS X 10.4 Tiger, lost access to network server drive


Q: I recently upgraded to Apple OS X Tiger 10.4 and now I can't access some of my network server drives.

A: Your user security Keychain file may have become corrupted or become incompatible.

PROBLEM SOLUTION

1) From the Applications > Utilities folder, run the Keychain Access utility program.

2) You will see a list of programs, websites, and servers that may have asked you for a password. This procedure may result in these being deleted which will require that you enter your previously saved password again to access the service.

3) From the Keychain Access menu, select Keychain First Aid. Run the repair procedure to see if this fixes the problem.

4) If the problem isn't fixed with Keychain First Aid, then delete all keychain information. You will find a "Delete Keychain" option under the file menu.

Note: Perform all the above at your own risk.

2006-02-09

2006-02-07

Overhead Projector - Lamp/Light Bulb Failure


Note: The following refers to overhead projectors that use transparencies. It does not apply for digital computer/video image projectors.

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If you are in a meeting using an overhead projector and the light bulb goes out or doesn't work, the projector may have a backup light bulb inside the case. Look around the top edge or sides for a lever or button that will allow the top to easily be lifted up.

Once the projector is open, you should be able to see if it has a backup bulb inside.

Some projectors have a lever that switches between bulbs. Other projectors may have a knob that selects between bulb 1 and bulb 2.

Select the other bulb and the projector should now work.

Be sure to contact the person responsible for bulb replacement so that a working spare bulb can always be available in the future.