Lockup Help:

Sometimes Windows will get all fouled up and there is no choice but to cut the power to your computer and restart (you should wait at least 10 seconds to allow memory to clear, before re-booting).

But before you do that, try pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del buttons first (hold down Ctrl, then Alt, then Del).

If you use the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination, you'll find that a box will appear that allows you to choose the offending program from a list and force it to shut down. In fact, it may even have the words "not responding" next to it on this list. Just hit the "End Task" button to shut the individual program down. If you get another box a few seconds later asking you to wait or "End Task," choose to End task.

If the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination is unresponsive, you have no choice other than to power down.

Finally, if you notice that your computer just freezes after a while, especially if it takes about the same amount of time to freeze each time you use it, you may have a problem with overheating.

Make sure the computer has plenty of room to breathe-several inches all the way around is the minimum. If you're blocking vents, you're asking for trouble. Also, remember that some computers have vents on the bottom of the case, so if you stick it on a shag carpet, you may be blocking air flow.Oh, if you do suspect overheating is a problem (and the machine has plenty of ventilation room), checking the CPU fan may be a good idea too.

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"Did I Copy it or Move It?"

Here's a tip which solved a long term irritation forme until I learned about it. Like many things to do with computers, it's easy once you know how.

I move files and folders about by dragging them across in 'Explorer' (right cl*ck 'Start', cl*ck 'Explorer)

But Windows treats your dragged files differently if you're moving them around the same disk, or if you're moving them between disks.

Drag a file from one folder to another, and the file is moved. But drag the same file to another disk that's separate from your hard disk, like a floppy or a Zipdisk, and it's copied.

NOT moved.

Are you still awake?

If you want to get control of the situation, and always be presented with a verification of your intent, use the Right drag method. Really. Just right cl*ck instead of left clicking when you drag an icon. When you release the right button, you'll see a context menu appear with these options:

Move H*re, Copy H*re, Create Shortcut(s) H*re, and Cancel.

It sure beats not knowing what Windows will do next.

If you don't like pressing the right mouse button for some reason, hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys at the same time while dragging with the left mouse button. You can press them before or after you cl*ck the mouse--it doesn't care.The end result is the same. You be presented with a context menu seeking your intent.

Windows does try and aid you to some degree, changing the mouse cursor depending on the action taken. For example,a small plus sign (+) appears when you copy, and a small curved arrow appears when you're creating a shortcut.