Leo’s Answers #78 – May 18, 2007

Leo's Answers
A Weekly Newsletter From
Ask Leo!
Leo Notenboom

Hello!

*** Contents

• This Week's New Articles on Ask Leo!
• A Word from our Sponsor
• Popular Articles from the Archives
• Thoughts and Comments
• Newsletter Administration

*** This Week's New Articles on Ask Leo!

Why do I get "No profiles have been created." when I try to use "Send Link..."?

I recently switched to a new computer running Windows XP and when I try to send a link by right clicking and selecting that option, I get a message saying "No profiles have been created. To create a new profile, use the Mail icon in the Control Panel". I've followed that step up to the point of creating a profile, but I don't want to mess up my email program. Can you please explain in common English what this means and how to rectify the problem?

It simply means that you didn't set up Microsoft Outlook when you got your new machine.

You don't use Microsoft Outlook? Yes, well. Windows thinks you do.

So we'll fix that too.

Continue reading: "Why do I get "No profiles have been created." when I try to use "Send Link..."?"
http://ask-leo.com/why_do_i_get_no_profiles_have_been_created_when_i_try_to_use_send_link.html

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How do I schedule Disk Defragmenter to run with the Windows Task Scheduler?

I'd like to automatically defragment my hard disk periodically so I just don't have to worry about it any more. I've heard of the Windows Task Scheduler, can I use that?

Yes you can. In fact, I do.

OK, I run a lot of things in the middle of the night, but periodic defragging is one of them.

Let's walk through the steps.

Continue reading: "How do I schedule Disk Defragmenter to run with the Windows Task Scheduler?"
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_schedule_disk_defragmenter_to_run_with_the_windows_task_scheduler.html

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How do I fix "The instruction at -- referenced memory at --. The memory could not be read."?

I keep getting an error which says: The instruction at 0x7c901010 referenced memory at 0x0000001c The memory could not be read. I was wondering if you could help me please.

Probably not.

That error message, by itself, is kind of like taking your car to your auto mechanic and saying "something's broken". It's nowhere near enough information to even begin to have a clue as to what's going on.

That mechanic is going to respond by asking you a bunch of questions.

So will I.

Continue reading: "How do I fix "The instruction at -- referenced memory at --. The memory could not be read."?"
http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_fix_the_instruction_at_referenced_memory_at_the_memory_could_not_be_read.html

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Is there a limit to what a single folder or directory can hold?

Could you tell me if there is a size limit on a single folder? For example a folder with movies or music in it could end up with quite a few gigabytes! Is there a limit?

There are limits, of course. The limit most people run into first is the size of their hard disk, but assuming that you have a big enough disk for everything, then other limits can come into play.

I will say this right away though: the size of the files in a single folder is not one of them.

Continue reading: "Is there a limit to what a single folder or directory can hold?"
http://ask-leo.com/is_there_a_limit_to_what_a_single_folder_or_directory_can_hold.html

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Can my employer track what I'm doing on the internet?

If you have to ask, you probably don't want to know.

Continue reading: "Can my employer track what I'm doing on the internet?"
http://ask-leo.com/can_my_employer_track_what_im_doing_on_the_internet.html

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Why are processes listening to closed ports on my firewall?

When I look at my firewall log I see a number of processes that are listening on the internet, including some on ports that the firewall has been programmed to keep closed. What are these processes (like svchost, lsass, windows explorer, etc.) listening for? And how are they listening on ports that are supposed to be closed?

Oh they may be listening, but that doesn't mean they're going to hear anything.

It really just the nature of how a firewall works, so I'll use this as an opportunity to try to clarify that just a little.

Continue reading: "Why are processes listening to closed ports on my firewall?"
http://ask-leo.com/why_are_processes_listening_to_closed_ports_on_my_firewall.html

*** A Word from our Sponsor

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*** Popular Articles from the Archives

One of the occasional frustrations people have is in describing what it is they're seeing on the screen as they tell someone about some situation, bug or problem they're having. Enter the "screen shot", the ability to quite literally take a picture of your screen. I happen to use a tool called SnagIt to really streamline the process, but for occasional use basic functionality is already built in to Windows.

What's a Screen Shot, and how do I make one?

A screen shot, or screen capture, is a way to "take a picture" of your computer screen.

Why?

Say you're trying to explain a computer problem to a technical friend of yours, and you're trying to describe what you see on the screen ... the dialogs, the buttons, the messages, whatever. You're not sure of the terms to use, and your friend is having a difficult time understanding your description of what you see.

You know what they say ... "A picture is worth a thousand words." And it can go a long way to eliminating miscommunication.

Let's take a picture of your screen, and email it to your friend.

Read more... What's a Screen Shot, and how do I make one?
http://ask-leo.com/whats_a_screen_shot_and_how_do_i_make_one.html

*** Thoughts and Comments

This week Microsoft apparently started shaking its patent arsenal at the world, claiming that much free software is in violation. If I get the chance this weekend I may make my podcast on the topic of software patents. You see, I was actually awarded three of Microsoft's earliest patents. If I understand the timing correctly, my first will expire later this year.

It definitely gave me an interesting insight on the process.

Oh, and don't confuse that patent with this one. That second one? That's another Leo Notenboom - my dad. ;-).

'till next time...

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The Latest:
Forwarded Funnies:	"Getting Older"
Taming Email:	"Email is never urgent. Really."
Leo's MovableType Tips:	"Leaving Breadcrumbs in Movable Type"

*** Newsletter Administration

Do you have a question? A comment, perhaps? Newsletter subscribers can visit http://ask-leo.com/askleosubscriber.html to submit your comments and questions. That page is only mentioned here, so I'll know it's from someone who's taken the time to read this far!

I'll be honest: I'll try to respond, but I get a lot of questions every day - I just can't answer everyone. Rest assured, though, that even if you don't hear from me directly, I read every email I get.

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