Resetting browsers
- Published: 17/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Database
I have some documents with underlined links to websites. When I move the mouse to the link, it says Ctrl + Click to follow link. When I do this a message pops up, saying: "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please, contact your system administrator."
I am the system administrator and I don't know what to change in order to get a direct connection to my browser. Can you, please, help me?
My OS is Windows XP, SP2
PETER ZIMMERMANN
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: This is a great example of the sort of niggling problem that PCs present to their users, and prove that these blasted machines really are out to control us.
Here is the bad news. There is no single reason for this problem, and there is definitely no single fix for it. The good news is that there is a strong certainty that your problem involves your Internet browsers (plural) and that the most common fix may work.
In short, the likely reason is that at some point, you have made one or more of the browsers you have installed into your default browser. In doing that, Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or even an upgrade of Internet Explorer has grabbed and farkled the setting used for the Ctrl-Click command for a Microsoft Office program to open a link.
If this is the reason, the only solution is to reset Internet Explorer as your default browser. In this specific case, that means completely wiping out - in effect, deleting - all other browsers and all current settings you have on your Microsoft Internet Explorer. That means, in turn, making the decision between being able to Ctrl-Click a link in Word and starting all over with browsers. As is so often the case, you can't go forward without going two steps backward.
I can't improve on the Microsoft explanation of how to reset your browser, which is at www.support.microsoft.com/kb/923737.
Free file converter
I have a question about Database's 03/03/2010 edition and the Help Desk response to reader Marsha Waren, of Chon Buri.
MP3WmaConverter downloads a Dealio Toolbar and changes Homepage setting.
Am I downloading the wrong converter?
Is there another recommended free file converter?
DENNIS
Khon Kaen
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: No you have downloaded the correct software. But you have run afoul of a marketing trick that is not really admirable, either.
Unfortunately, many programs even from the super companies (Google and Yahoo included) provide a "choice" to the user to install extra software, most of which is incredibly annoying or worse. The people who run Koyote Soft from Bordeaux in France are included.
I do think there is some balance needed, however. The more reputable companies do not truly sneak the extra software by you. Koyote Soft and others provide an entire screen of the installation program to the add-ons. Yes, you can simply click Next, and the instinct is to do exactly that.
But there is a warning screen, as the screen shot of the program setup routine shows. If you simply go ahead, the result is you have Dealio on your computer, and your default browser's home page is set to Yahoo.com.
I'm not defending this distribution method. Far too many people just click on through, and end up with unwanted toolbars and add-ons. But there is an option to drop out, and for that reason I can't completely fault the distributor of this fine freeware.
Windows 7 starter
If I were to buy Windows 7, would the starter be good enough?
I'm not into advanced stuff like networking etc.
Just a normal SOHO ++ user.
Kindly enlighten.
SUKAN
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: Well, I would not recommend the Windows 7 starter to any Database reader. It is extremely limited. You can only run a certain number of programs at once. You don't get the nice-looking Aero Glass look. It does not allow DVD playbacks, and you can't even change the windows desktop picture.
The Home editions of Windows 7 are solid, basic operating systems.
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