FAQ


This page is an attempt to offer some answers to frequently asked questions regarding computer operation and in some cases quick fixes to get you back up and running from minor problems.
	Q:	My DSL was working fine a little while ago but now I can't get on line.
	A:	Check the DSL modem and make sure the DSL light is lit. If not double check the phone line to make sure it has not been knocked out. If the Light is on, turn off the modem for at least 30 seconds. Turn the modem back on and then allow up to 3 minutes for the modem to reset and connect to your ISP. Try to connect again from your computer. If you still can't log on, reboot your computer.
	Q:	My Epson printer is not printing anything on the page, and I just replaced the ink cartridges.
	A:	Two options are available; Option A: In the program you are attempting to print from, click the "File" menu then the "Print" command. This will bring up the "Print" control window. Click on the "Properties" button and then on the "Utilities" tab. Under the "Utilities" window there will be a button which will activate a program that will "Clean Print Head". Click on this and let it perform the cleaning, this will also charge the new cartridge that was recently put in. You may have to perform the cleaning multiple times to get this to work, especially if you are using off brand or "Compatible" cartridges not made by Epson. Option B: You can also perform cleaning by pressing a button on the front of your Epson printer. Depending on the model and age of the printer, there are usually instructions for cleaning under the cover of the printer.
	Q:	My printer keeps pulling the paper in wrong, and the sheets come out all torn and mangled.
	A:	Check the paper path. In most cases the paper feeder has something in it. I have found some real obscure items in the paper path including the likes of nails, curtain hanging hooks, pen caps, crayons (for those who have children), staples and my personal favorite pieces of the wrapping from a ream of paper
	Q:	My Umax USB Scanner is not being recognized by the computer and it doesn't find it when I run the scanner test in the Umax software.
	A:	USB can sometimes be a little like Voodoo. First unplug the USB cable from the back of the computer, if you are using a USB Hub, unplug from the Hub. Plug the scanner back in and the USB should re-identify the scanner. This trick can apply for most USB devices.
	Q:	My mouse came unplugged and after I plugged it back in it doesn't work.
	A:	If this is a PS2 mouse (round plug with 6 pins) you must reboot before the mouse will be recognized after being unplugged. Check to make sure your connection is good and restart the computer. This also applies to keyboards.
	Q:	What is a power UPS and why do I need one?
	A:	A UPS is a battery powered back up power supply which can provide varying levels of protection based on the product you purchase. Voltage spikes can cause serious damage to a computer system and are able to get through power strips without surge protection. A UPS and power strips with rated capacity surge suppression will provide adequate surge suppression to prevent the surge from reaching the computer. Yet another problem that is commonplace during the summer months is voltage drops or "Brown Outs". These can cause very serious damage as they will cause excessive heat in the internal parts of the computer (i.e. processor, ram, hard drive etc). Some UPS equipment offers a protection for the computer from not only the spikes but also from brown outs. When the voltage spikes it suppresses the spike not allowing it to reach the computer. When the Voltage drops, the UPS will use the stored battery power to boost the voltage to normal operating levels thus protecting the computer system from possible damage. Lastly the UPS has the primary purpose of offering temporary power during complete power failures to allow the user to save work and shut down normally, preventing the loss of any work completed and possible damage to the Hard Drive.
	Q:	I have owned an UMAX 610P scanner for sometime. I have never had an occasion to use the fax capabilities until recently. I found when I drag the document to the fax icon the machine, instead of opening up the fax process, it sends it to my printer and prints a copy. It is a great little machine, especially for its price, and all other functions work normally. Any suggestions?
	A:	The process for faxing from the Umax 610P, normally to fax from a scanner program you have the option to fax when you select the print option and then choose the fax printer which would be part of your original modem software. What kind of system are you operating, 95, 98 ME XP 2000? Do you know what kind of modem you have? It would help me if you could let me know what is listed under the modems and printers. To find this, click start, then settings, then printers. A window will open which will show the printers installed as below: This window shows you the printers installed. Please note the one item titled FaxTalk 4.0. When I scan an item I select this as the printer and it creates a fax document from the scan, and launches my fax program asking for the number/contact that I want to send the fax to. That is a simple way for this to work. Optionally you may have to scan the document and save it, then open your fax software and go through the steps of setting the phone number to send to, then attaching additional pages which will be the scanned document. The fax program will convert the document to the fax format and then send the item.
	Q:	Not being completely computer literate, I'm not sure what your looking for regarding the modem. There is not a FAXTalk 4.0 listed but there is a FP-FAX which I believe is a 'Focal Point' program which was installed when I bought my Dell computer about 5 years ago. This program works well when the Focal Point program is open but does not give me the ability sign a fax and send it back as the scanner program would. I'm not sure I quite understand the process you provided for FAXTalk 4.0 but would it be similar for the Focal Point fax?
	A:	Ok, when you scan the item you want to fax, go to file and then print. When the print window opens, there should be a printer selection box as below. If you click the down arrow, you should be able to see the FP-Fax driver on your system, click on that and then click OK and your fax program should kick in.
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