FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

My computer is frozen.

I can't save to a floppy disk.

The computer keeps saying that "A:/ drive is not ready."

I get the message "No dial tone detected" when I try to connect to the Internet.

I get the message "Invalid username or password" when I log on to the Internet.

I can't hear any sound when I play an audio cd.

My mouse is doing funny things and locking up.

Why are my system resources so low?

I keep getting the error message "This program has performed an illegal operation".

My printer is not printing correctly.

"My computer is frozen."

• Unfortunately, the only thing that you can do at this point is reboot your computer. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL at the same time twice. If this does not work, then press the power button. You may need to hold it for 5 to 10 seconds for the power to turn off.

"I can't save to a floppy disk."

• Check to make sure that the write protection tab is not engaged on the floppy. Also you may need to format the floppy disk.

"The computer keeps saying that 'A:/ drive is not ready.'"

• You may need to format the floppy disk. It could also mean that the drive itself has a problem or is defective.

"I get the message "No dial tone detected" when I try to connect to the Internet."

• Check to see if the phone line is connected to the computer. Make sure it is connected to the line-in jack on the modem. Also try rebooting your computer. If there is still a problem, then the modem may have been damaged.

"I get the message "Invalid username or password" when I log on to the Internet."

• Check with your Internet Service Provider on the correct display of the username. Most ISP's are using the full email address (e.g. yourname@isp.com) as the username. Also the names are case sensitive.

"I can't hear any sound when I play an audio cd."

• Test the cd-rom by plugging headphones or speakers into the headphone jack in the front of the drive. If this works, double click the speaker icon in the tray at the bottom of the screen and make sure that it is not muted or turned down. Also check the connection on the back of the computer and make sure that it is plugged into the correct spot.

"My mouse is doing funny things and locking up."

• Turn off the computer and check the connection of the mouse. Normally restarting the computer solves most problems. If it is behaving erratically and jumping across the screen, it may need cleaned. With the computer turned off, unplug the mouse and remove the bottom cover. Blow compressed air into the inside to remove dust. Use a Q-tip and alcohol to remove the debris from the rollers.

"Why are my system resources so low?"

• Every time that a new program is installed, it adds a small file in the startup menu so that when you access the program it will load faster. The problem is that it takes up some of your memory resources. If your resources fall below 70% you might experience some periodic problems with your computer. In Windows 98 you can click on START then RUN and type MSCONFIG. Then click on the STARTUP tab. This shows all of the items that are running in the background. You can disable the items you don't need. You can always turn them back on if you find that you do need them.

"I keep getting the error message 'This program has performed an illegal operation'."

• This can be a tough one to diagnose. It is usually a memory related issue due to low system resources or the physical memory being bad. Another cause can also be a virus.

"My printer is not printing correctly."

• Restart the computer to see if this corrects the problem. Check the cable to see if it is the correct cable and is connected properly. If you are getting poor print quality, try doing multiple (10-20) cleaning cycles to clean the print heads. This can be done from the print utility that was installed with your printer. Last, change the ink cartridges.