Q. I hope you can help me with this problem, Mr. Modem: I can't open attachments that I receive in Outlook Express. In fact, when I search for them on my computer, I can't even find them. Where are they going?

A. In Outlook Express, click Tools > Options > Security and uncheck the setting, "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus." Restart OE, and you should be all set. Of course, be sure you have good anti-virus protection installed at all times.

Q. When my Desktop is full of icons and I attempt to add another one, where does it go? I mean, is the Desktop actually several pages in length and additional icons go onto separate pages?

A. Excellent thought, but not quite. Your Windows Desktop isn't a document, it is a folder on your computer and as such, it can contain far more icons than are able to appear on your screen.

If you want to view a list of all the objects on your Desktop, you can view the content of your Desktop folder by clicking Start > Run and type "desktop"(without the quotes), followed by OK. If you’re using Vista and you don’t see the Run option, right-click the Vista Start button, then Properties > Customize. Scroll through the list of items and click to select Run Command > OK to add it to the Start menu.

You can also launch Windows Explorer and scroll to the top of the directory tree displayed in the left pane. Click the top item (Desktop) to display its contents in the right pane.

Another method of displaying all Desktop icons is to right-click the Desktop and select Arrange Icons By > Align to Grid (or AutoArrange). Vista users, right-click the Desktop and select View > Align to Grid (or AutoArrange).

Q. When I started my computer this morning, I know it sounds crazy but I smelled something burning. Now my computer won't turn on at all. Any thoughts before I install a smoke detector under my desk?

A. It sounds like your power supply blew a gasket -- which is technically called a capacitor. Replacing the power supply should get you back up and running for approximately $50, plus labor. Any reputable computer repair person or service will be able to replace it in minutes.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Art Loss Register
When two Van Gogh paintings were stolen from a Netherlands museum (Hey, don’t look at me!) they were immediately entered into the Art Loss Register (ALR). The Mission of the ALR is to recover stolen and missing art and antiques and to provide a central title clearinghouse for acquirers of art. Free site registration is required to search the database, register artwork, or subscribe to the ALR Alert service.
www.artloss.com

Drought Monitor
Rain has been in scarce supply in many parts of the country. You can see how severe the dry spell is anywhere in the U.S. using the Drought Monitor. Various colors ranging from pale yellow to deep red show dry conditions at a glance, with notes on how agriculture, water tables and potential wildfires are affected.
www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html

Needlepoint Museum
The concept that needlepoint is an astonishing activity is definitively proven here. For instance, did you know that a small needlepoint, the size of a business letter, has approximately 100,000 stitches and requires some 45 hours to stitch? If not, get thee to the Needlepoint Museum!
http://tinyurl.com/c5dhu4

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