Windows Watcher

W98SE appears to be an extensive bug fix ... by Tom S. Bair Jr.

A computer instructor at PCC Skill Center has asked for my opinion of Windows 98 Second Edition (W98SE). For the most part, W98SE appears to be an extensive bug fix to Window 98. One exception would be in the area of online networking. If you have two or more computers at home or in a small office, and you wish to link up to the Internet using just one phone line (known as Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS), that ability is imprinted in Win98 SE's coding. I've yet to evaluate that option, but I've heard that it does indeed work rather well. For further information of what is in Windows 98 Second Edition, refer to this Microsoft Document.

Network Neighborhood Icon

[W95][W98] Sy Schwartz e-mailed me the question "How can I get rid of the Network Neighborhood icon on the Desktop?"

The easiest method of removal is to use Tweak UI.

A word of warning before I explain the removal process. Shell support for the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) is performed by Network Neighborhood. Hiding the icon will prevent Explorer from accessing UNC resources. If you use Direct Cable Connection, or if you are linked to a network, you do not want to perform this tip.

1. Left-click the 'Start' button.
2. Highlight 'Settings'.
3. In the pop-up Selection menu, left-click on 'Control Panel'.
4. Left-click on the Tweak UI icon. (If no icon is present, you need to install Tweak UI. Refer to the June 1999 Windows Watcher column for instructions).
5. Left-click on the 'Desktop' tab.
6. Uncheck the box next to "Network Neighborhood".
7. Left-click on the 'OK' button.
8. Close Control Panel.

Backing Up Favorites Folder

[W95][W98] Making a backup of your Favorites is an easy process. You will need a blank formatted floppy disk.

1. Left-click the 'Start' button.
2. Highlight 'Programs'.
3. Highlight 'Accessories'.
4. Left-click on 'Windows Explorer'.
5. In the left pane of your Explorer window, left-click on the Windows folder. (Windows 98 may display a warning message. You will need to left-click on the blue words "Show Files" in the sentence "To view the contents of this folder, click Show Files" to gain access to the Windows folder).
6. Left-click on the Favorites folder.
7. Place a disk in Floppy drive A.
8. Hold down the CTRL key as you left-click each Favorite you want to back up.
9. While still holding down the CTRL key, right-click any of the icons you selected in step 8.
10. Highlight 'Send To'.
11. Left-click on '3 1/2 Floppy (A).

Your favorites will be copied to the floppy disk. When done, close all your open windows and remove the disk from your floppy drive. If your system ever crashes and you have to re-install Windows, just copy the disk to your Favorites folder. You will have your treasured links available once again.

Hotkey for System Properties

[W95][W98] Brian Gose e-mailed the following to me. "You may or may not know this useful hotkey for the System Properties Menu, Windows Key + Pause/Break is the fastest way to access the Device Manager."

I still think that the tip I gave in September's column (Device Manager Shortcut) is the fastest way to access the Device Manager. However, your advice is the fastest way to access Device Manager's parent menu, System Properties Menu.

In case my mother wishes to try this, I'll present it in my unique 'step' process.

1. Press and hold the Windows Key. It is the key with the Microsoft flag printed on it. Normally it sits between the Ctrl and Alt key. If you do not have this key, then you have an XT keyboard and need to upgrade to a new keyboard.
2. Now locate and press the 'Pause/Break' key. It is generally located at the top right of your keyboard, next to the Scroll Lock key. As soon as you press this key, let go of both keys. Up pops the System Properties Menu.

Change File Associations

[W95][W98]A number of readers have asked me how to change the file association so that their JPEG graphic or text file will be opened with their favorite program, instead of the current default. Conflicts occasionally crop up when readers install new software, resulting in altered associations. This is particularly the case when the previous association is preferred.

Here's what to do:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Highlight the file extension you desire to change associations for.
3. Hold down the Shift key and right-click the file.
4. In the pop-up options menu, left-click the option "Open With...".
5. You will see a list appear showing every program installed on your computer. Left-click on the program you wish to use to open the file.
6. Left-click on the box next to "Always use this program to open this type of file".
7. Left-click the 'OK' button.

Now your file association has been changed. Don't make the mistake I kept making and forget to hold down the shift key in Step 3. The process won't work, and you may end up swearing in frustration.

Two-Tone Title Bars

[W98] Remember the days when cars were painted two colors? You really admired the custom paint jobs where the two colors would blend smoothly into each other. You can do the same technique with Windows 98.

1. Right-click on a blank area of your desktop.
2. Left-click on 'Properties'.
3. Left-click on the 'Appearance' tab.
4. Select 'Active Title Bar' in the dropdown list under 'Item'.
5. You will see two boxes to the right of this option. One is titled 'Color', and the other 'Color 2'. Click on the box and a palette appears.
6. Click on the color you want.
7. Do the same for the 'Color 2' box. Select a different color.
8. Look at the Title Bar in the preview area. Notice how the two separate colors blend into one another. Adjust the two settings to your taste.
9. When done, click on the 'OK' button.

You can do the same for the Inactive Title Bar as well. Also try changing the color of your font in the bars for further customization.

File Checker Bug

[W98] Microsoft has discovered a bug in their System File Checker Tool (Sfc.exe). If you use the File Checker to replace a Windows 98 system file, there is a possibility that your computer will lock up on reboot. The problem has to do with the wrong version of the file being extracted from the Mini.cab cabinet file. For further information, refer to Microsoft Article ID Q192832. You can also navigate your browser to: http://support.microsof t.com/support/kb/articles/q192/8/32.asp.

Please note that this bug has been fixed in the Windows 98 Second Edition release. It is available on the Windows Update Web site.

'Scare-Scam' e-mail

I feel the need to warn people about what I call "Scare-Scam" e-mail. The latest one I've seen deals with a mixture of strychnine and LSD applied to the buttons of public pay telephones. The allegation is that once you touch this fatal mixture, it is quickly absorbed through your skin and kills you.

To give this e-mail a bit of authority, the author claims to be a 911 phone operator working at a police station. You are advised to wipe the push buttons before using the pay phone, or just not use it at all. You are also asked to forward this e-mail to all those you know.

There are two possible results of this e-mail. One is the sharp decline in pay phone use. This does not greatly disturb me since the cell phone is starting to cause the pay phone to fade from the American scene anyway.

The second result is that every ninny on the Web is forwarding this garbage on to those they "know and care about" without even thinking. This adds to the unnecessary slowdown of the Internet, and causes delays in the delivery of legitimate messages.

I hear a lot of grumbling from people concerning the slowdown of the Internet. Yet it is these same people who are forwarding Scare-Scams to me. In presenting this problem to you, the reader, I have hopes that you will "take it to the streets." Educate your friends and co-workers. Tell them to quit being a patsy for these pranksters.