Q&A
Find programs easily by organizing menu

By Kim Komando
Gannett News Service

Q. I have programs that I use occasionally. I would like to list them in the left column of the Start menu (I use Windows XP) instead of the most-used programs. How can I do that?

A. Right-click the taskbar, which usually runs across the bottom of the desktop. Click Properties and select the Start Menu tab. Next to the Start Menu section, click Customize. On the General tab, set "Number of programs on Start menu" to zero. Under "Show on Start menu," clear the boxes next to Internet and E-mail. You can now add your own programs in the left column. The easiest way to do that is to click on All Programs. All the applications you need should be there. You can right-click on any program and select "Pin to Start menu."

Q. When I'm surfing the Net, is there a way to be notified with a sound that I have new e-mail in Outlook?

A. Yes. In Microsoft Outlook, click Tools and Options. Select the Preferences tab. Click E-Mail Options. Click Advanced E-Mail Options. Check the box next to "Play a sound." In Outlook Express, click Tools and Options. On the General tab, check the box next to "Play sound when new messages arrive."

Q. I copied a slew of files to a CD. When I try to use the file on my hard disk, I receive an error message: "filename cannot be accessed. The file may be read-only." What's up?

A. When files are copied from a CD, they typically are read-only. That means you can use the file but you cannot save any changes. There are utilities that will change the file's attributes. In fact, you can change batches of files at once. ArcSet (www.birdcagesoft.com) is free. Other programs include AttributeMagic Pro (www.attributemagic.com, $25) and fileTweak (www.febooti.com/products/ filetweak, $15).