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Compiled by PETER SINCLAIR

Welcome to InBox, where we attempt to answer your Internet questions…

"Have tried numerous times to download ICQ," [this is Bev, who wants to install the world's most popular instant messaging software] "even got a registration number, and under "find files" there it all is with all the different files on my 'c' drive, but I cannot get into it, what have I done wrong? I am ready to give up, have read the tutorials but still no success…so I guess I will have to start again from scratch… and delete about 140 files!!".

Don't do that, Bev! - do this instead: try reinstalling [find the installation-file, something like 'icq2000a.exe', click it and follow the instructions]. Then go to the ICQ directory, C:\Program Files\ICQ, right-click and drag Icq.exe to your desktop to create a shortcut [its icon is a little coloured flower], or drop it on 'Start' to create an entry on the Start Menu. Fire it up, and set your Preferences - you might want to check the box which makes it autoload every time you start your computer. Or easiest, just go to the ICQ entry in the Programme menu and click on that. Happy messaging!

"Please! I've tried every which way, barring smashing my machine, to get rid of RealPlayer, I just cannot delete this programme, even going into Regedit which I know nothing about and deleted it from there to no avail....HELP!!"

Desmond's in Real trouble, obviously – though I don't see why he can't just go into Add/Remove Programmes and uninstall everything starting with "Real", then manually remove any stray shortcut icons still lurking about in the Programme menu. Desmond, don't forget that when you're surfing the Web 80% of websites will be using RealPlayer, and some don't give you the option of using Microsoft's Media Player, so you're going to be endlessly pestered to download Real. If your problem is that RealPlayer has taken it upon itself to play any and every kind of sound-file when you don't necessarily want it to, you need to reset your default players for different types: click "My Computer", then View/Folder Options/File Types, and have a play around.

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