by Laura Katz
Bugs, yeech! Who likes them besides etomologists? If you read the Houston Chronicle business section on Sundays you will see bug reports on Windows 95.
If you attend the Windows 95 meetings, both the beginner and the regular meeting, you will learn about the problems people are having with certain programs. It makes you afraid to turn on your computer - have no fear, help is at hand. (No, not from me. I am the original “run f-disk and reformat the computer” as I have corrupted the Registry again, maven!)
Well, then, what are some bug problems and how can I fix them? Here are just a few that are around with their solutions. Number one problem is Internet Explorer. If you buy Quickbooks Pro, Quicken 98, or install American Online or Compuserve, beware. The y are bundled with Internet Explorer 3. If you have a new computer, chances are it came with Internet Explorer 4.0. You MUST NOT INSTALL IE3 over IE4. You will not be able to run Internet Explorer at all.
Netscape 4.03 needs to be installed on your C drive if you want to use the SMART UPDATE feature. In fact, if you don’t put it on C the entire program may not work. Netscape 4.04 has the problem fixed.
Microsoft Excel (both 95 and 97) has a problem with entering time with more than sixty minutes in a cell. The solution is to highlight the cell, go to format, cells, number and click time in the category list. Hit the time you want in the type list and c hoose ok.
Intuit has a few problems with Quicken 98. One problem is the program doesn’t work with Netscape, you have to use IE3. You may also have a problem with your social security number. To fix this check the account setup. Find Account in the Lists menu, clic k Edit, next, then check the social security field. Verify the correct Pin number if your SS number is correct. If everything checks out you may need to call the Travelers Bank Customer Service at 1-800-772-7889.
If you know what program is causing you a headache you might also go to that company’s web site and ask for help. I have done that a few times and have always gotten quick responses.
If you need more help with bugs there are bulletin boards that specialize in solutions. One commercial source is http://www.bugnet.com. Other sources are listed at the beginning windows meeting page of HAL-PC.
Sometimes it isn’t the programs that are buggy. It may be the computer that has the bug. One problem that I personally have encountered is a loss of sound. The solution that worked for me was to go to Control Panel, Systems, Device Manager, highlight the sound and delete it. Then I shut down the computer. When I restarted the computer it said “I found a new device and installed the proper drivers for the sound”. TA-DA!!
You can also bring your buggy computer to HAL-PC on Saturdays. We have great group of volunteers who are armed with bug-spray and fly swatters! No problem is too big or too small for the volunteer staff. I can attest to that personally. My computer would not get me on the Internet. It took three weeks but now I can get on the Internet anytime I choose.
Before you come to get help do one thing. Run Scan disk and then defrag. Go to Accessories, System Tools and then Scan Disk. Do this on a weekly basis. After Scan Disk, run Defrag - even if the computer says you only have 1% to defrag - do it anyway. Thi s will keep your files neat and clean and save your hard drive from crashing occasionally.
I hope these tips will come in handy. By the time you read this article many more bugs will be discovered. Just get the swatter and swat away.
Laura Katz, a HAL-PC member, is a third grade teacher at Milne Elementary School and a HAL-PC Help volunteer who can be contacted at laurak@hal-pc.org.
E-mail me at webmaster@hal-pc.org with any comments you have and tell me what you want to see here.