FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
DISCLAIMER: We take no responsibility for system problems caused by altering any
files or settings as described in this guide. Backup your system and data files
before making any changes to your computer.
Q: What is a modem?
Q: What is v.90 ?
Q: How do I Verify that My Phone Line
Qualifies for V.90?
Q: Why Can't I Connect at 56K?
Q: Is my Modem Installed Properly?
Q: Is my modem dialing out properly?
Q: How come my computer is disconnected
after 20 minutes on the Internet?
Q: Why am I getting disconnected at random?
Q: Why does it take so many tries to connect?
Q: How come windows won't save my password?
Q: How can I prevent the Windows logon at
startup?
Q: How can I change or skip the Windows
XP logon at
startup?
Q: I'm getting a post terminal login window?
Q: What does 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 have to do with the Internet
pages?
Q: How do I re-boot my computer and modem?
Q: How do I configure network components for
Dial-Up Networking?
Q: How do I check network settings?
Q: How do I remove my windows password?
Q: How do I uninstall/reinstall Dial-Up Networking?
Q: I live far from town and get a poor connection. How
do I disable 56k Protocols?
Q: My computer stays connected after I close
all Internet mail/browser programs?
Q: My computer freezes after going into standby mode
Q: How do I
backup the Windows Registry?
Q: How do I
enable or disable the Windows Scripting Host?
Q: How do I edit or remove
history items or cookies?
Q: How do I Remove Content Advisor
Password in Internet Explorer?
Q: How do I Remove or Disable Windows
Messenger?
Q: Why can't I open attachments
in Outlook Express?
Q: How do I enable a firewall?
Q: How do I change the title bar in Internet
Explorer?
Q: How do I stop
modem from dialing automatically?
Common Windows Error Messages:
"The computer is not receiving a response from
the modem"
"Content Advisor Information is Missing or Has Been Tampered
With"
"Dial-Up Networking could not negotiate a compatible set of
network protocols" FIX#1
"Dial-Up Networking could not negotiate a compatible set of
network protocols" FIX#2
"Dial-Up Networking could not negotiate a compatible set of
network protocols" FIX#3
"Dial-Up Networking Password Option
Unavailable"
"Disable IPX Header Compression"
"Error 602: Port Already Open"
"Error 629: Port disconnected by the remote computer"
"Error 630" or "Port Is Invalid or Busy" When
Dialing Out with a Modem
"Error 645: Internal Authentication Error"
Common Outlook Express Error Messages:
"The POP3 server responded; Password supplied for user is incorrect. Please enter a new password."
Q: What is a modem?
A: Modem is an acronym for MOdulate-DEModulate. A modem
is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines.
Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone
lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. A modem converts data from analog to
digital and vice versa (modulating and demodulating), thus enabling two computers to
communicate with each other over a phone line.
Return to FAQS
Q: What is V.90?
A: V.90 is the official designator for the
International Telecommunications Union's (ITU) draft recommendation for 56K modems. Known
previously as V.pcm, the V.90 draft was approved in February 1998, clearing the way for
universal compatibility among various 56K modems.
V.90 Technical Info
V.90 is a new technology that utilizes the telephone system in a way that has never been
tried before. As a result, it has some requirements that were unnecessary in previous
speed technologies. There are three primary requirements for V.90 speeds to be achieved:
After determining that your line is capable of V.90 connections, there are other issues that can hamper V.90 connections, either by reducing the speed capable or reducing the number of times that you actually achieve a V.90 connection. Some of these issues are:
Q: How do I Verify that My Phone Line Qualifies for V.90?
A: LineTest is a utility that U.S. Robotics has developed to test your
line for 56K v90 compatibility. Visit http://modemupdate.usr.com/56k/need4_56k/linetest.htmll for instructions on how to
perform a LineTest. You may have an earlier version of LineTest on a Sportster 56K
Connections CD. It is important that you use the latest test, as it is more reliable.
Q: Why Can't I Connect at 56K?
A: FCC regulations prevent all devices attached to the telephone network from
exceeding a certain power output. As a result, phone companies have scaled back the
output, which has a direct effect on the speed at which we can transfer data. Currently,
we have the server modem limit set to 53333Kbps. This does not mean that people will be
unable to hit the higher speeds, it just decreases the likelihood of it.
In addition, there are other factors that can influence the connection rate and the speed
at which you transfer data. Even though one end of the connection is pure digital, there
are things that can hamper a V.90 connection without preventing it altogether.
Q: Is my Modem Installed Properly?
A: Check if Your Computer is Communicating with Your Modem
Q: Is my modem dialing out properly?
A: If you still cannot connect successfully, check to see
if you modem is dialing out properly by completing the following steps:
Q: How come my computer is disconnected after 20 minutes on the Internet?
A: There is a setting in the Windows 95 and 98 program to disconnect your
system after so many minutes of inactivity and the default time is normally 20 minutes.
Scrolling and reading a large page or reading your email is not considered Internet
activity. The timer is reset every time data is transferred to or from your system. In
most cases 20 minutes is adequate since we are always loading new pages or sending out
reply mail. Sometimes 20 minutes is too short a time. The purpose for the timer is to free
up the connection in the event you forget to disconnect.
Fix#1: Click on My Computer, Control Panel, Internet, Connection. At
'connect to the Internet using a modem' click on the settings button. Here you will see
'disconnect if idle for XX minutes.
We recommend this setting be set to 30 or 40 minutes.
Click OK
Fix #2: Click on My Computer, Dial-up Networking, Right-Click on your
Internet connection icon, choose properties. Click on Configure, Connection. Here you will
see 'disconnect if idle for XX minutes.
We recommend this setting be set to 30 or 40 minutes.
Click OK
Fix #3: (only some versions of Windows) Click on My Computer, Control
Panel, Internet Options, Connections, Highlight the connection and click on Settings,
Advanced. We recommend this setting be set to 30 or 40 minutes.
Return to FAQS
Q: Why am I getting disconnected
at random?
A: Symptoms range from being disconnected immediately after verifying
username and password to being disconnected while being active on the Internet.
Fix #1 Verify all Internet settings on your computer. Remove unneeded
protocols and adapters. A typical Windows computer will have only three network components
showing in the control panel.
Client for Microsoft Networks or Windows Family Login (both of these are optional)
Dial-up Adapter
TCP/IP
Fix #2 Check and replace phone wiring as needed. You should have a direct
line from your building phone terminal box to your computer jack. Any splices should be
soldered or very low resistance designed connectors. Plug-in connectors must be clean and
free of any tarnish on the contact surfaces. Eliminate splitters or couplers or replace
with low resistance units.
Fix #3 Check telephones on the line by unplugging from the wiring
circuit. A telephone can be a source of noise just by being connected to the same circuit.
Fix #4 Have the phone company check your line for excessive noise. This
procedure is normally done from their office at no charge.
Fix #5 Disable 'call waiting'. Many times the 'beep' signal that is sent
to notify you of an incoming call is enough to disconnect the line.
Fix #6 Try a different dial-in number. Digital signals lose their
strength about three miles from the switching office. Analog lines, although a little
slower, keep the signal strength much farther and make for a more reliable connection.
Return to FAQS
Q: My computer stays connected
after I close all Internet mail/browser programs?
A: Windows will normally prompt you to disconnect after you close your
programs. Check this setting if it doesn't.
Windows 98: to make disconnect prompt appear after closing programs,
start, settings, control panel, Internet options, connections, highlight dialup
connection, settings, advanced, put check mark in disconnect when connection may no longer
be needed. click ok, ok, ok. close control panel
Windows Me: to make disconnect prompt appear after closing programs,
start, settings, control panel, Internet options, connections, highlight dialup
connection, settings, properties, dialing, check disconnect when connection may not be
needed. ok, ok, ok, close control panel.
Return to FAQS
Q: Why does it take so many tries to connect?
A: Symptoms range from never making the connection to being disconnected
immediately after verifying username and password.
Fix #1 Verify all Internet settings on your computer. Remove unneeded
protocols and adapters. A typical Windows computer will have only three network components
showing in the control panel.
Client for Microsoft Networks or Windows Family Login (both of these are optional)
Dial-up Adapter
TCP/IP
Fix #2 Check and replace phone wiring as needed. You should have a direct
line from your building phone terminal box to your computer jack. Any splices should be
soldered or very low resistance designed connectors. Plug-in connectors must be clean and
free of any tarnish on the contact surfaces. Eliminate splitters or couplers or replace
with low resistance units.
Fix #3 Check telephones on the line by unplugging from the wiring
circuit. A telephone can be a source of noise just by being connected to the same circuit.
Fix #4 Have the phone company check your line for excessive noise. This
procedure is normally done from their office at no charge.
Fix #5 Try a different dial-in number. Digital signals lose their
strength about three miles from the switching office. Analog lines, although a little
slower, keep the signal strength much farther and make for a more reliable connection.
Return to FAQS
Q: How can I prevent the
windows login at startup?
A:
Right-click Network Neighborhood > Properties.
Configuration tab > Windows Logon in the Primary Network Logon box > OK.
Do NOT restart the computer.
START > SETTINGS > Control Panel > Passwords
Change Passwords tab > Change Windows Password > OK
In the Change Windows Password dialog box, type your current Windows password in the Old
Password box. Leave the New Password and Confirm New Password boxes blank > OK > OK.
Click the User Profiles tab and verify that the "All users of this PC use the same preferences and desktop settings" option is selected > Close
Shut down and then restart the computer.
Return to FAQS
Q: How can I change or skip the Windows XP logon at
startup?
A: Start, Run, control userpasswords2, OK
Q: How come windows won't save my password?
A: Symptoms range from being able to select the box and it not working,
to the box being completely grayed out and inaccessible.
Fix#1: Option available but not working: The first thing to
note when trying to fix this problem is that for the Save Password option to work,
you must successfully connect to the remote system at least once with the option checked
before Windows 95 will save your password. This also means that if you have more than
one connection profile, you need to establish at least one successful connection with each
profile that you wish to save your password with, even if your password is the same
across all the profiles.
Fix#2: Option not available (grayed out): There are a
number of reasons why this may be occurring, and there are a number of ways you can try
and get around the problem. One method is to change your Computer Name to the login
ID you use for your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You can modify your computer name by
double-clicking the Network icon in the Control Panel, then selecting the Identification
tab (you'll have to reboot for the change to take affect).
Fix#3: Sometimes, uninstalling and re-installing Dial-up
Networking can solve this problem. In the Control Panel, choose the Add/Remove
Programs option. Then go to the Windows Setup tab, and uncheck the Dial-up
Networking option. Press OK until all the dialog boxes are closed, then reboot.
Follow these same instructions and re-check the Dial-up Networking option. Then try your
connection again.
Fix#4: Some users have had luck solving this
problem by installing the Client for Microsoft Networks. In the Control Panel,
open the Network option. If the Client for Microsoft Networks is not at or
near the top of the list, press the Add button, then choose Client, Microsoft,
and then Client for Microsoft Networks. Press OK until all the dialog boxes
are closed, then reboot.
Fix#5: The last thing to try is deleting your Windows
password file. Do a search on your system for *.PWL, then delete or rename
them. Reboot your system, and you'll notice that Windows will ask for a user name and
password to log in. You're now re-creating this password information in your
system. You don't have to enter a password here if you don't want to use one every time
you log in, but you do need to enter a user name. This will rebuild the password file, and
may allow your Dial-up Networking to save your dial-up password.
Return to FAQS
Q: What does 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 have
to do with the Internet pages?
A: See this site for
a good explanation of monitor resolutions.
Return to FAQS
Common Windows Error Messages:
"The computer is not receiving a response from the modem"
Note: If you are using an external modem, make sure that your
modem is turned on and that your computer is connected to the serial / com port of your
computer.
"Content Advisor
Information is Missing or Has Been Tampered With"
When you run Internet Explorer, you may receive the following error
message: "Content Advisor configuration information is missing. Someone may have
tried to tamper with it. You may want to check the Content Advisor settings." When
you click OK, Internet Explorer can no longer access the Internet.
Note: Removing and reinstalling Internet Explorer does not resolve this issue.
To disable the Content Advisor:
"Dial-Up Networking could not negotiate a
compatible set of network protocols"
FIX #1
Note: One or more of the Network Components may have become
corrupt. Delete and reinstall the connection.
"Dial-Up Networking could not negotiate a
compatible set of network protocols"
FIX #2
"Dial-Up Networking could not negotiate a
compatible set of network protocols"
FIX #3
"Dial-Up Networking Password Option Unavailable"
4. Is your modem configured correctly?
If your modem is not configured correctly, Dial-Up Networking will not function. To verify that your modem configuration is correct, please complete the following steps:
"Error 630" or "Port Is
Invalid or Busy" When Dialing Out with a Modem
SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to dial out with a modem, you may receive any of
the following error messages:
Error 630: The computer is not receiving a response from the modem. Check that the modem
is plugged in, and if necessary, turn the modem off, and then turn it back on.
Commuication port is invalid or busy.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if you have the "Support SerialKey devices" Accessibility option configured to use the COM port to which your modem is connected.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue:
"Error 645: Internal
Authentication Error"
SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to establish a connection with Dial-Up Networking
(DUN), you may receive the following error message:
Dial-Up Networking could not complete the connection to the server. Check your
configuration and try the connection again.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the Require encrypted password option is enabled on the Server Types tab in the connection's properties, or an incorrect user name or password have been entered.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this behavior:
If you still get the same error message after checking the above
steps, continue below.
Runtime error 645 can be caused by a number of things. It can be a conflict with either a
generic Dial-Up Networking (DUN) error or a corrupted installation of DUN. This may leave
the computer or modem in an irresolvable state; therefore, future connection attempts are
not going to work as expected. To correct this error, you must first attempt to
How to Re-Boot Your Computer and Modem
Configuring the Windows Network Components for Dial-Up-Networking
The following instructions are for those systems that are not on a Local Area Network
(LAN). If you are on a LAN and follow these directions, you may create a conflict that
will disrupt your computer's connection to your LAN. Please contact your network
administrator for assistance before you continue making any changes to the system
configuration.
Note: You may see TCP/IP->Dial-up Adapter grouped together.
If Client for Microsoft Networks is not listed, you will need to add it:
If Dial-Up Adapter is not listed, you will need to add it:
If TCP/IP is not listed, you will need to add it:
Once you have confirmed that the three required Network components
are installed, ensure that TCP/IP is correctly configured.
Check Network Settings
Note: In the Primary Network Logon drop-down menu,
ensure that Client for Microsoft Networks is selected.
Next, you will need to set up this computer's identity.
You may now be prompted for the Windows CD-rom, or the file copy
may begin automatically. If prompted for the Windows CD, insert the CD and click OK.
If you are still prompted for it after clicking OK, verify that the drive letter
listed in Copy files from is your CD-rom drive.
Note: If, during this process, you see a warning about "Version Conflict"
or "A file being copied is older," click No. If you are prompted that the
"file is not found," you are not using the correct CD-rom that was used to
install Windows on your machine.
If you made any changes or added any components, you will be prompted to restart. Click Yes.
When Windows restarts, you may see a dialog box asking for a Username and Password
to log in. For Username, enter the same name that you entered for Computer Name
in the prior step in the same lower case format (ex. smith). Do not enter a Password.
Click OK. If asked to confirm, click OK.
Removing the Windows Password List
Windows 95/98 maintains a list of password files where any active passwords are stored,
including the password for networking. Sometimes they can be corrupted or become
non-functional. To resolve this problem, you will need to replace the password file.
To remove the Windows .pwl files
Uninstalling / Reinstalling Windows Dial-Up
Networking (DUN)
These directions are for those systems that are not on a Local Area Network (LAN). If you
are on a LAN and follow these directions, you will create a conflict that disrupts your
computer's connection to your LAN. Please ask your network administrator for assistance
before making any changes to your system.
To start, close any active connections, as well as any other programs that you may have
open on your system.
To uninstall the network components please complete the following instructions:
You may now be prompted for the Windows CD-Rom, or the file copy
may begin automatically. If prompted for the Windows CD, insert the CD and click OK.
If you are still prompted for it after clicking OK, verify that the drive letter
listed in Copy files from is your CD-rom drive.
Note: If, during this process, you see a warning about "Version Conflict"
or "A file being copied is older," click No. If you are prompted that the
"file is not found," you are not using the same CD-rom that was used to install
Windows on your machine.
During the File Copy, you may see a window asking you to enter a computer name and
workgroup name. Click OK. You will see the Network Identification window:
At this point you should be back at the Control Panel
again. Double-click the Network icon again. Some of the components that you
previously removed may now have returned.
Configure Dial up networking by clicking here.
Identifying and Disabling 56k Modems
This procedure will disable any 56k protocols that your modem supports. While this will
slow down the modem's initial connection rate, it will stabilize the connection.
Note: Sunrise does not support 56K X2.
From region to region, the quality of the phone lines will vary. In some areas, your phone
lines may not support high speed modem connections due to phone lines of marginal quality.
Please contact your local phone company for details in your area. In order to get a stable
connection, you will need to identify your modem and place an extra setting (or INIT
STRING) in Modem properties.
To identify your modem
You can find the name of the manufacturer listed under the Command
and Response table of the More Information screen. You may see US Robotics,
3Com or LT WinModem. If you own a Rockwell modem, the listing for ATI3 would be
either a number in the form 2.x.xxx.x or 2.xxx_k56flex. A 56k Cirrus Logic
modem would be indicated by CL-MD-56xx or something similar.
To add the Extra Setting:
For US Robotics modems you have three options, type:
1) For USRobotics, Sportster 28.8 V.34 modems use "AT&F1&D0S0=0"
2) For USRobotics, Sportster 28.8 & 33.6 modems use "AT&F1S15=12"
3) For USRobotics, Sportster 56K X2 (off) use "s32=32"
Note: Sunrise does not support X2 dial up connections, so by using the above INIT
string it will turn the X2 technology off, and allow you to connect.
For LT Winmodems you have three options, type:
1) For Lucent Technologies, LT WinModem use "AT&FX "
2) For Lucent Technologies, LT Winmodem 56Kflex (Disabled) use "S38=0"
3) For Lucent Technologies, LT Winmodem V.90 (Disabled) use "-V90=0"
For PCTel modems you have three options, type
1) PC-Tel, 28.8 & 33.6 modems use
"AT&D2&C1X4V1Q0S7=70W2\N3&K3"
2) PC-Tel, HSP Deluxe 33.6 modems use "AT&F&C1&D2&K3W1"
3) PC-Tel, 'MicroModem' modems use "AT&F&C1&D2&K3W1"
For Rockwell modems you have three options, type:
1) Rockwell Based 56k HCF V. 90 modems use "AT&FE0V1S0=0&C1&D2W0"
2) Rockwell Based 56k HCF 56kflex modems use "+MS=k56flex"
3) Rockwell Based 56k V.90 modems use "AT&F&W&W1E0X4W2"
For Cirrus Logic modems you have three options, type:
1) Cirrus Logic, 14.4 modems use "AT&F&C1&D2\Q3%C0"
2) Cirrus Logic, 33.6 modems use "AT&F\N0%C0"
3) Cirrus Logic, 56k X2 modems use "S32=32&N16&U10"
When your computer is back up, retry your connection.
Return to FAQS
To disable standby mode. Click on start, settings, then control panel. Click on power management.
"The POP3 server responded; Password supplied for user is incorrect. Please enter a new password."
This error is usually caused by an incorrect username or password in your mail program.
To change username and password in Outlook Express, click on Tools and
select Accounts from the menu. Click the Mail tab and
select the account you wish to check, click the Properties button. Click
the Servers tab. Highlight and retype the Account Name (username) and Password
in the appropriate fields. Be certain to type only lower case characters with no spaces or
extra characters. Click Apply, Ok and Close.
"I'm getting a post terminal login window"
Symptoms are having a terminal window appear during the login process. It may or may not
request a username and password.
For Win98: (May be the same with other Windows versions)
Open my computer.
Open dial-up networking.
Right-click my connection (or whatever your normal connection icon is called).
Select properties.
Click the configure button.
Select the options tab.
If present remove checks from bring up terminal window before or after dialing.
How do I
enable or disable the Windows Scripting Host?
http://www.microtech.doe.gov/assist/info/vbsoff.html
Remove from the Control Panel--Windows 98 users only
If you are running Windows 98, you can either use this method, or the method
described in the second section. Please follow these steps:
NOTE: This does not apply to Windows 98 Second Edition. If you are a
Second Edition user, you must use the method described in the second section.
1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
3. Click the Windows Setup tab.
4. Double-click Accessories.
5. Scroll down, if necessary, and locate the Windows Scripting Host entry.
Remove the file from the system--any version of Windows
With the exception of some versions of Windows 98, the Windows Scripting Host
can be installed on the computer, but not be displayed in the Add/Remove
Programs dialog box. For these, and all versions of Windows, you can disable WSH
by removing its executable file. Please follow these steps to do this:
1. Click Start, point to Find, and click Files or Folders.
2. Make sure that Look in is point to either drive C or All Drives if you have
more than one.
3. In the Named box, type wscript.exe and then click Find Now.
4. Right-click the resultant file, and then do one of the following:
1. Click Cut. (Do not click Copy.)
2. Close the Find Files window.
3. Double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop.
4. Insert a blank, formatted floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.
5. Double-click the floppy disk drive icon--usually drive A.
6. Click the File menu, and click Paste.
5. (Optional). Because you have deleted or moved the Wscript.exe file, if you ever do try to run a .vbs file, you will see a Program Not Found message. This is, of course, expected, and you can just click Cancel. If you want to prevent this, however, you will have to remove the file association, as follows:
a. Start Windows Explorer.
b. Click View, and click Options or Folder Options.
c. Click the File Types tab.
d. In the Registered file types list box, scroll down to select VBScript
Script File.
e. Click Remove, and then click Yes to confirm.
f. Click OK, and then close all dialog boxes.
Q: How do I edit or remove
history items or cookies?
With new web browser versions coming out constantly, information on how to
prevent people at work or home from snooping around in your page history have
gone out of date fairly rapidly. The following applies to 4.x versions of
Navigator and Explorer.
Browser History
Both Netscape's Navigator and Microsoft's Internet Explorer store the URLs of
the web pages you have recently visited for future reference.
Navigator's page history can be removed by:
1. In a Navigator window, open the Communicator menu.
2. Open the Tools menu.
3. Click History
4. a) To delete all entries press CTRL and A on your keyboard and hit the Delete
key.
b) To delete a specific entry click on it and press Delete on your keyboard
To completely clear out Internet Explorer's history:
1. In an Internet Explorer window, slide down the View menu
2. Choose Internet Options
3. Click the Clear History button, in the History frame
To delete specific entries in Internet Explorer's history:
1. In an Internet Explorer window, click the History button
2. Right-click on an entry
3. Choose Delete from the context menu
Disk Cache
Your web browser stores web site components such as images, java applets, sounds
etc. in a cache folder. Cache is used in cases where the web site you are
visiting hasn't been modified since the last time you've visited it; instead of
downloaded it again; your browser loads it from your hard disk.
To clear Internet Explorer’s disk cache:
1. In an IE window open the View menu
2. Click Internet Options
3. Click the Delete Files button in the Temporary Internet Files frame
To clear Navigator’s disk cache:
1. In a Navigator window, slide down the Edit menu
2. Choose Preferences
3. Click on the Advanced tree
4. Click Clear Disk Cache
You can prevent your browser from storing disk cache, however, you'll find
browsing the Internet much slower if you're using a low-bandwidth connection.
Disabling disk caching for Internet Explorer:
1. In an IE window, roll down the View menu
2. Click Internet Options
3. Click the Settings button in the Temporary Internet File frame
4. Set the Amount of Disk Space to Use roller to 0MB
Disabling disk caching for Netscape Navigator:
1. In a Netscape window, roll down the Edit menu
2. Click Preferences and expand the Advanced tree
3. Click the Cache sub-entry
4. Set the Disk Cache value 0MB and click Clear Disk Cache
Cookies
Cookies are small text files that web sites can place on your hard disk.
Essentially, they act as your smart card to the web site. Cookies enable the
server to recognize you each time you access it. They can also serve as a
storage area for custom information that the server can place and edit in your
computer's memory. Not all web sites create cookies on your hard disk. I do not
recommend deleting them all because some are important, for example, that for
the Microsoft Network portal store customizations you have made to your web
site. Several Microsoft services, such as MSDN use these in order to
authenticate members.
Removing cookies in Navigator:
Netscape Navigator’s cookies are all stored in one file called cookies.txt,
stored in the /users/<username>/ directory. Despite what the comments in the
file say as long as you only remove complete parts (starting with an URL and
ending with some numbers, followed by the next URL).
For future protection from snooping, turn off cookies in Netscape:
1. Roll down the Edit menu
2. Click Preferences
3. Choose Advanced
4. Click Disable Cookies
As mentioned above, some cookies are important. You may want to have Navigator
ask you whether you wish to accept them or not. This can be done by following
the instructions for disabling cookie use, except selecting the Ask Me Before
Accepting Cookies radio instead of Disable Cookies.
Removing Internet Explorer’s Cookies:
Unlike Navigator, Internet Explorer stores cookies in individual files found in
the /windows/cookies/ directory, by default.
Cookie Accept/Prompt/Disable options can be accessed by:
1. In an IE window, opening the View menu
2. Choosing Internet Options
3. Loading the Advanced tab
4. Scrolling to the end of the Security section
Address Bar Pull-Down Menu
Each time you type a URL into the address bar it's stored in its pull-down menu.
Clearing typed-URL history for Internet Explorer:
I know of only one way to clear this menu: if you have Windows' TweakUI
installed in the Control Panel, click the IE4 tab and check the box entitled
Clear Document, Run, Typed-URL History on Exit.
Jonathan Fauth has submitted a description of another way of clearing the
typed-URL history. It involves the Windows Registry and should probably only be
attempted by those familiar with it. We have tried the method and it works, but
you modify the Registry at your own risk. Under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\
Microsoft\ Internet Explorer there is a folder called TypedURLs. You can delete
specific keys (URL's) in this folder to remove them from the typed-URL history.
Clearing typed-URL history for Navigator:
You can remove entries from this "mini-history" by opening the file
/users/<username>/prefs.js (right click it and choose edit) and removing lines
that look like this:
user_pref("browser.url_history.URL_5", "www.rivazone.com/");
If you are not familiar with JavaScript please note that you have to remove the
semi-colon at the end (I'm not sure what happens otherwise, but it probably
won't work).
Q: How to Remove
Content Advisor Password in Internet Explorer
The following steps will remove any password set in the Internet Explorer
Content Advisor and allow you to reset the program to its original state.
1) Click on Start and choose Run.
2) Type in RegEdit and select OK.
3) Now click on the little plus sign to the left of H_KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4) Continue to drill down, always clicking on the plus sign at the left of the
named key, through Software, Microsoft, Windows, Current Version and Policies.
5) Now click on the Ratings folder.
6) In the right pane of the RegEdit window, you'll see an icon called Key. Click
on it and press Delete.
7) Next, choose Registry and then Exit to exit RegEdit. You've just deleted your
original Content Advisor password.
8) Restart the computer and run Internet Explorer again.
9) Choose View and then Internet Options (or Options for version 3.x). For IE 5
or greater, Click on Tools, Internet Options.
10) Click on the Content tab and click on Disable. When asked for a password,
don't enter anything; just click on OK. This will disable Content Advisor
because there's no longer a password.
Return to FAQS
Q: How do I Remove
Windows Messenger?
What is Windows Messenger?
First there was Spam (junk emails), then popup ads to annoy surfers. Now the
latest trick is called IP Messaging. With software programs such as IP Messenger
or Xazoo advertisers are now able to send advertisements straight to your
computer via your IP address using software automatically installed in Windows
XP and Windows 2000.
Windows XP and Windows 2000 both have a software program called Windows
Messenger installed and loaded by default. This software allows you to send and
receive messages directly from one computer to another. Advertisers have now
discovered how to abuse this option to send advertisements direct to a users
screen.
How do I disable Windows Messenger?
In Windows XP:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Control Panel"
(3) Choose "Administrative Tools"
** note in Windows XP Home edition, Administrative Tools is in Performance and
Maintenance
(4) Choose "Services"
(5) Right-click on "Messenger"
(6) Select "Stop"
To permanently disable Messenger:
(7) Right click "Messenger"
(8) Select "Properties"
(9) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"
In Windows 2000:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Settings"
(3) Choose "Control Panel"
(4) Choose "Administrative Tools"
(5) Choose "Services"
(6) Right-click "Messenger"
(7) Select "Properties"
(8) Click "Stop" To permanently disable Messenger:
(9) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"
In Windows NT:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Control Panel"
(3) Choose "Services"
(4) Right-click "Messenger"
(5) Select "Properties"
(6) Click "Stop" To permanently disable Messenger:
(7) Click "Startup"
(8) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"
What about Windows 95 or Windows 98 IP Messaging?
Although the technology for this type of IP Messaging is available in Win95/98,
it was in the form of a program called WinPopUp. It can be installed or
uninstalled from Add/Remove Programs. In Windows 95, it is found in the
Accessories section, while in Windows 98 it is installed through System Tools.
Although the version in Win95/98 and the version in Win2K/XP are not compatible
with each other, they do offer an interesting way to communicate between
computers (as long as its not abused). For more information on how to use
WinPopUp or Windows Messenger to send and receive emails, you may want to visit
the
World of Windows Networking
article on PopUp Messages.
Return to FAQS
Q: Why can't I open
attachments in Outlook Express?
OE removed access to the following unsafe attachments in your mail
If you are receiving this error message or can't open attachments when viewing
an email in Outlook Express, here is how to fix it.
With the introduction of Outlook Express 6, Microsoft has added an additional
feature to prevent customers from infecting their machines with viruses. Outlook
Express uses the Internet Explorer unsafe file list and the Confirm open after
download setting in Folder Options to determine if a file is safe. Any e-mail
attachment with a file type that is reported as "unsafe" is not downloaded, and
access to the attachment is removed.
However there are times, you may want to view an attachment that Outlook Express
has deemed as unsafe. In these cases, follow these instructions to allow Outlook
Express to show the attachment.
Start Outlook Express.
On the Tools menu, click Options.
Click the Security tab, click to clear the Do not allow attachments to be saved
or opened that could potentially be a virus check box under Virus Protection,
and then click OK.
To better protect yourself from viruses, its a good idea to leave this option
checked unless you definitely want to open the attachment.
Another way to help protect yourself from email viruses infecting your computer
if you use Outlook Express is to disable the Preview Pane. There are certain
viruses that will infect a computer even if you just preview the message. To
disable the preview pane:
Start Outlook Express
Click on View, Layout
Uncheck the Show Preview Pane, and then click OK.
Return to FAQS
Q: How do I enable a firewall?
A: An Internet
firewall can help prevent outsiders from getting to your computer through the
Internet. If you use Microsoft Windows® XP, enable the built-in firewall. If you
have an older version of Windows, you will need to obtain a separate firewall
program such as those marketed by Zone Alarm
or Norton.
Q: How do I change the title
bar in Internet Explorer?
A: Sometimes an Internet setup utility will change the
title bar to read something like America Online or Earthlink or even Sunrise
Internet. With this tweak you can customize the message to read "Bill's Browser"
or anything you like.
Q: How do I stop modem from
dialing automatically?
A: Disable
Autodial
To disable autodial, follow these steps: