Due to third party software on some computers, conflicts caused the new version of Outlook to not detect some of the special mail boxes that clients have created. So, if you're the user who just has the inbox and the sent mail box you should be fine. But if you've created other folders such as 'Scott and Charlenes emails' or something completely different, there is a chance that the Outlook update will not read the mailbox.

The simple solution to this is to import the mail box again, once you've set it up. Firstly, search your computer for *.dbx. This will locate where on your system your mailboxes are stored. Next go to the File menu in Outlook Express, choose Import, then Messages. Depending on how old your emails are you will need to choose 'Microsoft Outlook Express 4' or 'Microsoft Outlook Express 6' (Sometimes it doesn't show the line for Express 5) It will then ask you where to look for the files. Browse for them then import them. We did have a customer where the older emails just weren't compatible with the newer version of Outlook and there was no possibility of installing them. That has only happened once.

Also, with the recent release of the service pack 1 for Outlook Express 6, this problem has not, as far as we know occurred again. (But installing service pack 1 does not bring the emails back) If all else fails there is a dbx mail reader here

Problem B:
If you're using Norton AntiVirus you may not be happy to find out that the new Outlook Express from Microsoft conflicts with Norton. With so many applications now designing themselves for Office XP, which relies on the new Outlook to run well, having to choose between an AntiVirus software to protect your system and an email program to make sure your system is updated, makes it a trying time for computer users.

If you do find you are having conflicts with a newly installed Outlook Express and your copy of Norton AntiVirus, the only way to deal with it is to disable Norton while downloading your mail, then scan the directory that your mail is kept in with Norton, before you open them. A bit of a hassle but we're hoping that Norton will develop a fix for it.

Our recommendation is to always run Windows Update at least every two months, and download all the critical updates your system needs. But do not download the latest version of Internet Explorer unless you are absolutely positive that you need it. (Don't forget to back up your emails before you do!)

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2. Maintaining your system
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Here are the directions for you to help you keep your computer in top condition. You may wish to print this and keep it next to your system.
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          ~ C o m p u t e r   M a i n t e n a n c e ~
If you have Norton or any other Virus scanner software, before doing any of the following, ‘right click’ on the antivirus icon at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. In the pop up menu choose ‘disable'. If you are running on a network, disconnect the computer from it before proceeding. Any kind of drive use may cause scandisk and disk defragmenter to keep restarting and never finish.

Monthly.
1. Go to Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmenter.
2. Run this program for Drive C. This may take about an hour.
Close it when done.
3. Go to Start - Programs – Accessories – System Tools – ScanDisk
4. Run this program for Drive C. This may take over an hour.
Close when done.
Repeat steps 1 to 4 if you have other drives that are not floppy or CD Rom. When these are done, reenable your antivirus software and restart anything else you may have running.

Every Two Months
1. Connect to the net.
2. Go to Start – Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Windows Update.* (Or you may have it at the top of the start menu)
3. Microsoft will scan your drive looking for any need for updates then give you recommendations. Follow the prompts on the screen.
4. Install the ones you want. If you aren’t sure, install any that say security or critical update and leave the rest.
(There are three sections. Critical updates, Windows updates and Drivers. If any of these sections have suggested programs to install, have a look at them and click add or remove, depending on what you need.)
5. The system will ask you to confirm then start the download.
When the download is done it should go directly to install. If you're on a dial up then, thanks to the Australian telephone lines rarely making it past 50kbps, allow at least an hour if you're going to download over 10MB. If you are disconnected half way, just start again.
*Regarding Windows Update. Please note that this is a recommendation by Microsoft only and Electronic Desktop
Solutions cannot be held responsible if an update by Microsoft is installed that radically alters your system.

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3. Looking for software? Get it through us, it's cheaper!
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We now have suppliers of a variety of software at competitive prices. Contact us now with your needs and we'll see if we can help. This includes Microsoft Software. Please note that if you would also like us to install the software, we can do so at our usual hourly rate.

That's all for this late February issue. Thanks for subscribing. The March issue is due out very soon. Until next time, don't forget to defrag weekly and scandisk monthly.

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Copyright 2002 Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd

ABN 54 065 417 665

Mention of products, services, ideas, articles, news etc is for informational
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Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd assumes no responsibility with regard
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Unless otherwise indicated all pricing is RRP in Australian dollars correct at
time of publication. All URL's are correct at time of emailing. Product
specifications are subject to change. No responsibility is taken for
information read from the off site links.
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           Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd
           http://www.computerwebhelp.com
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