HELPS 3

ERROR MESSAGE: "Out of Memory"

SOLUTION: When you exit a program but don't restart your computer, sometimes the program doesn't return its memory resources to the system. One way to use your memory as efficiently as possible is to reboot occasionally after closing down programs. Or, if you have multiple programs and/or multiple windows open within those programs, the programs may take up so much memory that there is nothing left over to open another program. Close open files, quit programs you aren't using, and reboot. Memory errors seem to be more of an issue for WinMe users.

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MEMORY ERROR SCENARIO 2

ERROR MESSAGE: You receive an "Out of Memory" error.

REASON: You have too many programs open and not enough memory to handle it.

SOLUTION: You need to shut down some programs. Note that this often doesn't give your system all of the memory back, but it may give you enough to shut down the computer and start again. After you restart your computer, you may want to check on the status of your resources before you begin opening programs. You can review the Performance status of you computer in a number of ways.

The easiest way is to right-click the My Computer icon on your Desktop and select properties. Click the Performance tab and view how many system resources you have available. This needs to be greater than 20% or you are at risk of an imminent system crash. At startup, it should be more likely in the 70% or 80% range.

If you find that you have a lower than expected resource level at startup, and you haven't opened any programs, you may have a large number of programs in your STARTUP folder. These programs start automatically whenever you start Win95 and may be using up your resources without your knowledge.

To remove items from your STARTUP folder, right-click an open area in your Win95 Task bar and select Properties. The Task bar Properties dialog box opens. Click the Start Menu Programs tab and then click the Remove button. Scroll through the list of programs until you locate the STARTUP folder. Click the plus sign (+) next to it to reveal all the programs that open automatically at startup. You may be surprised by how many programs actually open. Review this list. If you wish to remove any programs, click the desired program, then click the Remove button. When you are finished, click Close to exit, and then click OK to exit the Task bar Properties dialog box.

Another option is to install the Windows Resource Meter from your Win95 CD-ROM. This application, when running, also uses some resources, but by monitoring your system as you open applications, you can identify which application is draining your resources. This utility does not install automatically with Win95, so if you want to install it, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double-click ADD/Remove programs. Then, click the Windows Setup tab, the Accessories line, the Details button, scroll to the bottom of the list, and select System Resource Meter.

Click OK twice, and Win95 prompts you to insert the Win95 CD-ROM. Insert the disc, then follow the on-screen prompts to install the utility. Once it is installed, click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Resource Meter. Windows displays a dialog box indicating that this utility itself uses resources. Click OK to continue and Resource Meter opens and appears as an icon in your System Tray. You can run your mouse pointer over it to see how many resources are available, and then continue to check it as you open programs to monitor which ones seem to be hogging resources.

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MONITOR PROBLEMS

TECHNICAL HELP: If you need help troubleshooting a problem with your monitor, many manufacturers have FAQs and other support information on their Web sites. Of course, if you can't see anything on your monitor, a Web site is useless. In that case, maybe you can call a friend who will look up the Web site for you, or you can call the manufacturer for phone support. Make sure you have the model and serial number of your monitor handy.

Acer:

(800) 452-2237

(408) 432-6200

http://www.acer.com

NEC:

(800) 632-4662

(630) 467-4363

http://nectech.com

Sony:

(888) 476-6972

(408) 922-0699

http://www.sony.com

KDS USA:

(800) 283-1311

(714) 379-5599

http://kdsusa.com

Panasonic:

(800) 726-2797

http://www.panasonic.com

ViewSonic:

(800) 888-8583

(909) 869-7976

http://www.viewsonic.com

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PRINTER PROBLEMS

TECHNICAL HELP: Have your printer's name and model number handy before seeking help. First, go to your printer's manufacturer's Web site where you can get free technical support, download updated printer drivers, and obtain service center locations. You can also get help by phone, although there may be a fee. Here is contact information for popular brands of printers: