A.
This is a known problem with an
automatic update from Microsoft.
Microsoft issued a fix for what is
called the .ani (Animated Cursor)
security problem. Click
HERE
for the Microsoft Security Advisory.
This
risk was severe and had started to be
used for unscrupulous purposes. This is
known as the KB925902 (MS07-017) update.
This
Microsoft update interferes with some
third party software, one being the
Realtek Audio controller which
apparently your computer is using. You
can go
HERE
to download a patch file from Microsoft
that will correct the problem.
However, since in reality, this is a
problem with the Realtek drivers, and
not with Microsoft, it is preferred that
you go to the Realtek web site and
download an update from them that
actually corrects the problem. The most
common updated drivers can be downloaded
HERE.
Q.
Ever since I installed Microsoft Office,
Outlook has taken over as my default
email handler. How do I set it back to
Outlook Express?
A.
With Windows XP it is fairly easy.
Click Start, Control Panel, Network and
Internet Connections, then Internet
Options. Click the Programs tab, then
the scroll down arrow at the right end
of the Email space, and choose Outlook
Express. OK out and the
preferences will be changed to Outlook
Express.
To
change the listing at the top of the
Start Menu, which Outlook also takes
over, Right click the taskbar. Choose
Properties, the Start Menu tab, then the
Custom button. Click the scroll down
arrow at the right of the Email space
and select Outlook Express.
With
Vista, it is a little more involved.
Note that Outlook Express in Vista has
been replaced with Windows Email, a
better email handler. However, Outlook
still tries to take over when MS Office
is installed. Open the Control
Panel and select Internet Options. Click
the Programs tab then the Set Programs
button. Now click on "Associate a file
type or protocol with a program".
When
the list appears, scroll down to "MailTo"
near the bottom of the list. Highlight
it, and click the Change Program button.
Choose Windows Mail and check the box in
front of "Always use the selected
program to handle this protocol". Click
OK, and the email preferences will be
changed.
To
change the Start Menu listing the
process is similar to how it is done in
XP described above.
