January 29 2007
Q: I learned that Outlook stores all my Email, Calendar Events, Tasks, basically everything in a single file called a .PST file. Is there a software that I can buy to back it up in case something happens to my computer?

 

A: Many people do not realize this fact about Outlook until it is too like and the .PST file becomes corrupted, is overlooked when backing up, or both. I think you'll agree that things usually come to a stop when you can't get into your Outlook. Having a backup of your PST will help prevent this.

 

Microsoft offers a free backup software for Outlook 2002 and Newer. It is available at:

Follow the instructions to download and install

Once installed, Open Outlook

The Backup Tool will prompt you to backup as soon as you close Outlook

You will have the option to:

-Set the reminder schedule

-Change the location of the backup file (Probably some place in your My Documents folder is best)

 

If you are using a version of Outlook older than 2002, here's what you do:

In Outlook

1. File > Import and Export...

-The Import and Export window appears

2. Select 'Export to a file'

3. Click 'Next'

-The Export to a File window appears

4. Select 'Personal Folder File' (.pst)

5. Click 'Next'

-The Export Personal Folders window appears

6. Select 'Personal Folders' at the top of the tree

7. Select 'Include subfolders'

8. Click 'Next'

9. Click the 'Browse...' button

-The Open Personal Folders window appears

10. Click the 'My Documents', or 'Desktop' button on the left hand side to save it where you can easily find it

11. Give the backup file a name. Ex. Backup 12-17-06

12. Click 'Finish'

13. Click 'OK'

You can then copy this file to CD. If it is too big for a CD (700MB max), you may want to save it to a flash/thumb drive.

 

That's it!

Q: I just downloaded Internet Explorer 7.0 and I just noticed there is no Menu bar. How can I get it to appear?

 

A: If you have discovered that you are working with Internet Explorer 7.0 after a recent Windows update, you may be asking yourself where the Menu bar went (Remember? File, Edit, View, Favorites Tools, Help). Well its still there. It’s just hiding.

 

Here’s how to find it:

In Internet Explorer 7

1. Click on the Tools button at the upper right hand side of the window (You’ll notice a Cog/Wheel to the left of it)

2. Click Menu Bar

-The Menu now appears

 

That’s it!

PS You can also just press the ALT key when in Internet Explorer too!

January 8 2007
Q: I spend most of my day outside the office visiting clients. I usually print-out on-line maps to find my appointments for the following day. Is there anything available for my mobile phone where I don’t have to do this without investing in a GPS system?

 

A: Yes – You can acquire a free download from Google - Google Map. It is a combination of Google Earth and Google Mobile into a single handy program for your smart phone.

 

It can help you:

-Find an address

-Get directions

-See Real-time traffic updates (although in Austin it is a little sketchy)

-Toggle between a Satellite and Map views (I can see my house from here!)

-Find the closes UPS store or closest Vietnameese restaurant using the Business Finder

 

Supported Devices (Includes BlackBerry and Treos) http://google.com/gmm/devices.html

 

You can download directly to your phone/smart phone or to your computer and install it by executing a sync.

 

Download at: http://google.com/gmm

(Copy and paste these addresses into your browser, if they aren't live).