-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Wobbly Fonts - Outlook Express Problem

David,
    I'm not sure how, but I missed these questions the first time through.

    To set the computer to boot from the CD/DVD, you'll need to delve into 
your BIOS (also called Setup by many).  The method for access to the BIOS 
varies depending on the mainboard manufacturer, but can be discovered on 
many systems by watching the screen during the first minute or so of the 
boot sequence.  If your own system only shows a giant icon of the PC 
manufacturer, that information won't help (the screen text to which I refer 
is being hidden by that big icon).

    Regardless, most systems provide BIOS access by pressing a single key at 
the right time during bootup.  The right time is almost immediately after 
you first see anything on the screen (press the proper key repeatedly to 
make sure you catch it in time) and the key to press is what varies between 
systems.  In many cases, the right key is Delete, but on some it's F1, F2 or 
Tab.  On rare occasions, it can even be something else such as F10 or even 
BACKSPACE.  If your screen refuses to tell you, try out that list in order 
(try DEL first).  If it doesn't work, let Windows load completely and then 
do a Start > Shut Down > Restart to test the next one.  Rinse & Repeat as 
necessary until you gain entry.  Most BIOS screens today are white text on a 
blue background.  Your mileage may, of course, vary.

    Once you get in, you'll need to be able to move around.  Use the up & 
down arrow keys to move through the items on a page.  Enter will usually 
allow you to change a setting by opening up a small menu containing all of 
the possible settings for an item.  Use the arrow keys to pick a setting you 
want and then press Enter to set it in stone.  Unless you're in a submenu, 
the left & right arrow keys will move you between different areas of the 
BIOS.  Each area deals with a specific subset of related or similar 
functions.  Finally, when you've finished making your changes, the very last 
submenu will include an option similar to "Save Changes and Reboot".  This 
will take you out of the BIOS and restart the computer.

    In your case, you're looking for a line or lines that show what device 
is set to boot first, second (and possibly 3rd & 4th).  This should be 
located somewhere inside the first or second submenu (starting at the far 
left and moving to the right)  Once found, you may have to experiment a bit 
to figure out how to put them in the right order.  In some cases, changing 
the first to what is already showing on another will automatically make them 
swap places.  In others, you'll have to change each one individually so that 
no device is showing in more than one ordered slot (you'll see what I mean 
if this is how your BIOS is set up).

    Remember to choose that "Save Changes and Reboot" option before you exit 
the BIOS os it will not have recorded any of your changes.  Good luck and 
happy hunting.


    Unfortunately, I seriously doubt that your Recovery CD/DVD is the same 
thing as a regular Windows install CD.  If I'm right, you will not be able 
to use your CD for this.  However, I sent in an entire tutorial on how to 
create your own Windows install CD not too long ago.  If you recall that 
thread, but are unable to locate it (or if you have no idea what I'm talking 
about), let me know and I'll see if I can find it.  It may even have been 
uploaded to our Files section at PCTT-YahooGroups, too.

    To be sure whether your CD can be used for this, put in your 
Reinstallation CD (hold down the left SHIFT key til the drive stops spinning 
to prevent it from auto-launching) and use Windows Explorer to look through 
the contents.  See if there is a folder or subfolder in there called i386. 
If there is, right click directly on that folder and select Properties and 
tell me the size of the contents and number of files contained in it.

Peace,
GMan

"The only dumb questions are the ones we fail to ask!"

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Morris" <dsmorris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 4:27 PM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: Wobbly Fonts - Outlook Express Problem


> Hello GMan
> My turn to apologise for the delay
>
> Your explanation about the Registry was as interesting as it was helpful -
> thanks
>
> The first thing to report is that I have just added another Identity (in
> XP2Pro) and experimented, using it to send emails in Outlook Express.
> Astonishingly (to me at least) I suffered none of the font problems,
> experienced when using OE with my usual identity. Does this throw any 
> light
> on the problems, please?
>
> Next, thanks for the link to the Article with instructions for "Repair".
> This (and others I have Googled) start "Configure your computer to start
> from the CD-ROM drive" but nowhere have I been able to find how to do 
> this.
> I know that I can interrupt booting up by clicking F12 and then selecting
> "CD-Rom Drive in the Boot Device Menu, but isn't this a "one off" and I
> guess that the Article by Doug Knox has in mind a permanent enablement?
>
> The Article talks about inserting a "Windows XP Setup CD. Is this the same
> thing, please, as my Dell "Reinstallation CD MS Windows XP Pro inc Service
> Pack 2"?
>
> Sorry for so many questions, but I am determined to get there, in the end!
>
> Regards
> David 


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