Computer Cave - Tips and Tutorials

Tips and Tutorials

Some of this may be very obvious to some users but these are all common problems that we have come across with clients or things we have been asked repeatedly. It will be added to as we remember things or as questions are asked.

Closing Programmes

When closing programmes if at all possible please go to the file menu and choose exit, or close the programme using the "X" in the right hand corner of the screen. DO NOT use Alt-F4 unless there is absolutely no other way to get out of the programme as this means the settings that you (or someone else) has set up in the programme will most likely not be saved.

Emails Printing in very Large Print?

This problem may be associated with the text size selected in your email programme (e.g. Outlook Express and/or your internet browser (e.g. Internet Explorer). To fix this in Outlook Express or Internet Explorer choose View - Text Size - and check the appropriate size, usually Medium. I found when reproducing this problem that it still occurred with only Internet Explorer's text selected as Large, so do try changing both.

"Hang up after sending and receiving" option on Outlook Express

There are two ways of changing this option:

Choose Tools - Options - Connection tab - and check/uncheck the "Hang up after sending and receiving" option. Click Apply and then OK
If you choose "Send/Receive" on Outlook Express a box will appear with a "Hang up when finished" option (once the computer is connected) that can be checked/unchecked if you are quick.

Outlook Express removing "unsafe attachments"?

This is a common problem when we forget to go in and alter the settings in outlook express, although sometimes it doesn't need to be done??. To solve this follow these directions: Tools - Options - Security tab - un-check the box that says "Do not allow attachments to be opened or saved that could potentially be a virus" - click Apply and then OK.

Password protect your Outlook Express email

This can be useful if you don't want children or guests accessing your emails. To password Outlook Express, launch the program. Choose "File", "Identities", "Manage Identities", "Properties", check the box "Require a Password", add your chosen password into the fields provided. "OK" and "OK" again. "Close" the Manage Identities box. When leaving Outlook Express and wanting to secure it, choose "File", "Switch Identities", "Log Off Identity" and finally "Yes". When you next launch Outlook Express it will ask you for your password.

Page last updated 12 February, 2008