Q: In Add/Remove Programs, there is a list of programs that Windows can automatically remove. In my system, some of these programs are already removed but still show up on the list of programs capable of being removed. How can I manually delete these programs from the list? I don't have the original disks anymore, so I can't install them and try to uninstall them.
A: This is a common problem in Windows. Occasionally the uninstall log gets damaged or was never created. When this happens, you can't use the Add/Remove feature. Once you have deleted the files and folders associated with the program, you need to enter the registry to remove it from the Add/Remove Programs list. Go to Start; Run; type: regedit and hit OK. Once the registry editor window opens, expand the folders as follows: HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Window\CurrentVersion\Uninstall. Highlight the key of the program you want removed from the list; hit delete.
Q: Can an index.dat file be deleted? What is this file exactly?
A: It is a data file for Windows that helps it maintain a log (or table of contents) for a long list of files. For example, there is one in your Temp Internet folder; this is where all the small pictures and other HTML gibberish get stored for faster retrieval when you reload an already visited Web site. It is really just an index, and is recreated if you delete it. It will cause no harm to your computer or Web surfing. I would just leave it be, for we all know the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule.
Q: I just reinstalled my Windows 95 operating system. After doing this, I now have two devices in my device manager that have exclamation points. One is a USB root hub, and the other says something about a PCI bridge. What are these and how do I install them correctly?
A: You are running Windows 95 OSR2, for this is the only release of Windows 95 to support USB. The PCI bridge device that is not installed correctly is the Intel 82371 PCI Bridge. This is a device on your motherboard that needs special drivers, which are not provided during the installation of Windows. The USB Root Hub is also a device on your motherboard. This hub controls the USB devices and allows the Windows operating system to access them. To get these working, go to the Windows Drivers Web site http://www.windrivers.com. Once there, search for Intel 82371. Download and install USB and Intel PCI Bridge Fix.
Q. When I'm using newsgroups and someone chooses to reply to me directly, the reply goes to my dreaded Hotmail account, which I have banished to Siberia. My Hotmail address even shows up in my post headers. How can I get it to reply to my working e-mail address?
A. There is a different procedure for each e-mail client. I'm going to assume you use Outlook Express (OE). OE has your reply address set to the Hotmail account. To change this, open OE; click Tools; scroll to Accounts; then click on the tab that says "news." Then double-click on the one listed; a new box will open. Look to see what the reply address is. If it is Hotmail-something-or-other, then change it to your new one. If you are not using Outlook Express, disregard this; it will self-destruct in 10 seconds.
Tyler Shaw is Special Agent 50 for the Geek Squad. Send your questions to tech@geeksquad.com.
