Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  I can receive email but I cannot send. I get this message "The message could not be sent because one of the recipients was rejected by the server. Server Response: '553 sorry, that domain isn't in my list of allowed rcpthosts (#5.7.1)'"

A:  First check your SMTP settings. Some Internet Service Providers require you to use their settings. If that's not the issue, then it's probably because you need to turn on the authentication for outgoing messages? This message is typical for when people try to use the SMTP server without the authentication.For help in setting up your authentication go to GO TO SMTP AUTHENTICATION.

Setup Outlook on the same computer as your Outlook Express and run Outlook.

1. Import and Export.
2. Select "Import internet mail and addresses" on the popup dialog. Click Next.
3. Select "Outlook Express 4.x, 5.x, 6.x. Click Next.
4. Click Finish.

This will import the mail settings and contacts.

Q: How do I setup up or change my email account for SMTP Authentication?

A: This instruction pertains to those customers who are using their domain (mail.yourdomain.com) as their SMTP (Outgoing Server) Information in their email accounts. For instance, if you have a tqinet email account and within your email account settings for your SMTP you have listed “mail.tqinet.com”. If you are using road runner, fuse, earthlink, adelphia, or servers other than your domain as your SMTP (Outgoing Server) setting, then this message does not apply to you.

If you are using MS Outlook versions 2002 or 2003, the following instructions and screencaptures help illustrate how to make this critical change in your Outlook email settings.

If you are using an earlier version of MS Outlook, the following instructions and screencaptures will still be helpful because the process will be essentially the same, but you will need to locate your Authentication in a different location of Outlook.

Follow the same procedure for each email account you have in your Outlook.

This authentication is necessary as we stay SPAM compliant and to help fend off SPAM, SCAM, FISH, and VIRAL attacks.

INSTRUCTIONS 

Open Outlook
Go to
Tools -->
Email Accounts -->
Select View or Change an Existing Email Acct -> Next
Select the email account you wish to edit
Click "Change" -->
Click "More Settings" -->
Click the Outgoing Server tab at the top -->
Check mark the "My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication" -->
and then select "Use same settings as my incoming mail server". -->
Click OK.-->
Click Next -->
Click Finish.
Close Outlook and Re-Open to ensure changes have taken place.

What is the difference between “AutoPreview” and “Preview Pane”. These are settings in your Outlook under View. Does it matter which one I use?

“AutoPreview” shows the Subject and the first few lines of a message. Usually this is enough information to indicate if this is an email to keep or dispose of.

The “Preview Pane” however, is a separate window pane in which you are able to read your entire email without clicking open the email. This may seem convenient, and therefore, many people use this setting. HOWEVER, the danger is this: once an email shows up in the Preview Pane, it IS considered open and therefore, any virus, spam, phish, etc. that was attached TO that email has now been activated – just as if you double-clicked it open. Therefore, we always recommend “AutoPreview” instead.

This instruction pertains to those customers who are using their domain (mail.yourdomain.com) as their POP3 (Incoming Server) and SMTP (Outgoing Server) Information in their email accounts. If you are using road runner, fuse, earthlink, adelphia, or servers other than your domain as your SMTP (Outgoing Server) setting, follow the instructions except for the section on "Outgoing Mail Server". You will need to contact your ISP to receive SMTP setting instructions/information.

If you are using MS Outlook Express, the following instructions help explain how to make this critical change in your Outlook email settings.

Follow the same procedure for each email account you want to add into your Outlook.

Instructions

Open Outlook Express
Go to
Tools -->
Select Accounts
Select Add --> Mail…
Enter Your Name; this is the name you wish to be displayed to those who receive your emails.
Click Next -->
Enter Your Email Address
Click Next -->
Enter the “Incoming Mail” Server; this will be "mail.yourdomain.com" - something like "mail.mavb.org" or "mail.tqinet.com", etc.
Enter the “Outgoing Mail” Server; this could be the same as the Incoming Mail Server unless your ISP requires that you use their Outgoing Mail Server
Click Next -->
Enter Your Username and Password; this the user name and password you use to access your email. The user name is the part of your email address before the @ sign.
Click Next -->
Click Finish
Then you'll want to close Outlook Express and reopen it to check to see if it's working.

This instruction pertains to those customers who are using their domain (mail.yourdomain.com) as their POP3 (Incoming Server) and SMTP (Outgoing Server) Information in their email accounts. If you are using road runner, fuse, earthlink, adelphia, or servers other than your domain as your SMTP (Outgoing Server) setting, follow the instructions except for the section on "Outgoing Mail Server". You will need to contact your ISP to receive SMTP setting instructions/information.

If you are using MS Outlook versions 2002 or 2003, the following instructions help explain how to make this critical change in your Outlook email settings.

If you are using an earlier version of MS Outlook, the following instructions and screencaptures will still be helpful because the process will be essentially the same, but you will need to locate the area to enter a new email account.

Follow the same procedure for each email account you want to add into your Outlook.

INSTRUCTIONS

Open Outlook
Go to
Tools -->
Email Accounts -->
Select Add a new Email Acct -> Next
Select POP3 -> Next
Enter Your Name;
Enter the Email Address you want to connect to;
Enter Username which is the part before the @ symbol;
Enter Password;
Enter the Incoming mail server which will be "mail.yourdomain.com" - something like "mail.mavb.org" or "mail.tqinet.com", etc.
Enter the Outgoing mail server which could be the same as the Incoming Mail Server unless your ISP requires that you use their Outgoing Mail Server -->
Click on the "More Settings" button -->
Give your mail account a name you will recognize it by - ie, YourName Email -->
Enter your organization if you want to (not required) -->
Enter your email account again in the "Reply Email" section. -->
Click the Outgoing Server tab at the top -->
Check mark the "My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication" -->
and then select "Use same settings as my incoming mail server". -->
Click OK.-->
Click Next -->
Click Finish.
Then you'll want to close Outlook and reopen it to check to see if it's working.

Go to http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html

Go to http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_14157&sliceId=1

Try uninstalling Flash and then reinstalling it.

To Uninstall: http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_14157&sliceId=1

To Install Latest Version: http://www.adobe.com/support/flashplayer/downloads.html

Chances are you need to clear your cache.

Web browsers hold a "copy" of your flash in the system. So in order to see changes, you will need to clear your cache.

If this does not solve the problem - check to be sure that the flash SWF file was uploaded to the correct space on your website and that there are no extraneous spaces in the file name.

Here is another example of a spam or phish or even virus email. 

Please note that this seems legitimate because it LOOKS like it's coming from the IRS. They even use "irs.gov" in the email. Plus they aren't asking for "money", they are "offering money". The dollar amount is bold and looks like it was added with a database. This one is really tricky.

Here's how to determine it's a fake. #1 - The IRS is not going to do this. Sorry - but if you have a refund coming, it will not be as easy as clicking a link. So that's the first give-away.

Second - mouseover the link that is provided at the bottom. DO NOT CLICK IT .... JUST MOUSEOVER and wait for a few seconds.The actual URL should pop up and if you look at it, you can see that it has NOTHING to do with "irs.gov" (see the image below).

Note that their goal is to get you to click that link. It may take you to a page where they ask for more information, or it may be a "non-working" page, or a static page that appears to be nothing. But by actually clicking that link - you have opened the door to your system where who knows what has been implanted into your system. Please beware.

And do not fear. If the IRS truly has money for you - you will receive information through the mail - not email - at least not in this manner. 

This one is rather tricky because the words used are personal and yet general enough, that if I had known a "Tina", I might have thought it was an e-card, or a link to a website with an uplifting story, or ministry, etc.

Watch out for emails that are like this. Remember - if you have any question at all, do NOT click that link. If it really is a friend emailing you, they will understand your deleting it. Better safe than sorry.

Periodically, we remind you to be aware of fake emails, which often carry viruses or spamming capabilities, all of which can be detrimental to your system. Today we received another such email and decided this would be a good time to show you yet another example of how tricky these emails can be.

Note that it appears to be legit because it is coming from “System Administrator”. And the Subject appears to be harmless enough stating that you had an Undeliverable Message.

Since our settings are set to “AutoPreview” (which is different than “Preview Pane”) – we can see that the message is To: harpula@homesite.com with a Subject: of Not Read: Amazing, Jonah.

This is our most readily available clue that this is a hoax since we do not know that email address nor would we have had that subject. 

However, having said that – there are times when the To: and the Subject: may be generic enough to fool you. That’s why it’s always better to error on the side of caution. If you’re just not sure – delete it anyway. It’s better to have the sender re-send their information if it was legit, than to take the risk of infecting your system, your network, all your network’s users, and potentially every single email address in your Outlook. 

The thing to take particular notice of in this email is the attachment – marked by the little paperclip. It is always best to simply delete these emails without even opening it. However, if you should mistakenly open one – and then notice that it doesn’t appear to be from anyone you know or has strange or excess letters located in the email – please ABOVE ALL ELSE – never, Never, NEVER open an attachment from anyone that you do not know, or has strange writing.

Q:  How do I backup my personal information on my computer or laptop?

A: Download instructions for how to backup your personal information here. (PDF)

Under proper supervision here are directions for laptop recovery when using a VPN.

1. Plug laptop into AC power.
2. Turn on laptop.
3. Insert recovery DVD into CD/DVD drive/
4. Press during initial boot process to invoke boot menu (if it starts booting into Windows, you missed it)
5. Select CD drive to boot from CD/DVD drive.
6. Laptop will automatically start the recovery process (Norton Ghost will launch). The recovery process will take up to an hour.
7. Once done, remove the recovery DVD and reboot. The laptop will boot. Connect to the VPN (BE SURE TO CONNECT TO THE VPN the first time following recovery)
8. Once connected to the VPN, Log onto laptop with Administrator and the local administrator password.
9. Once logon occurs, the laptop will then attempt to join the domain. This will take a while.
10. When done, reboot, log onto VPN, log onto domain as normal user.
11. After that, we’ll need to push the antivirus software to the laptop (we can do that from the server, just let us know when you’re at that point) and the laptop’s done.

It sounds like a lot of steps, but it’s pretty straightforward.

Q: I  have a new flat-panel monitor. The type on this monitor does not appear clear. However, the store insists that it is normal. Is this normally a problem with flat-panels?

A: Some people do have a problem when they view type on a flat-panel monitor. A process called anti-aliasing is used to smooth the edges of type. It doesn't work as well on flat-panels as on old-style CRT monitors.

Microsoft recognizes the problem, and includes in Windows XP a feature called ClearType. It can make the type on your flat-panel much more readable. The improvement may also be worthwhile on a CRT.

To access ClearType, press the Windows key and the letter "d" to go to the desktop. Right-click anywhere on an empty area of the desktop and click Properties. Select the Appearance tab and click Effects. Check the box marked "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts." In the dropdown box, choose ClearType.

Next, ClearType has to be fine-tuned. You can do that on Microsoft's Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/1.htm

The site gives examples of type from which you must choose. Displays vary slightly among monitors, and selecting the type that looks best is an easy way to match ClearType to your monitor. To select the type, click the one that looks best to you.

People using Windows 98 and ME should be sure they have enabled the font-smoothing feature. To use it, right-click on the desktop and from the pop-up menu, select Properties. Click the Effects tab. Check the box next to "Smooth edges of screen fonts."

Q: I just purchased a flat-panel monitor for my teen daughter. How can I be sure that it is set properly in terms of brightness and contrast ? She uses Windows XP.

A: Let’s start at the top. Flat-panel monitors look best at their native resolution. This should be in the monitor’s specifications. It will be a number like 1024 X 768. 

Most monitors have buttons that let you set brightness, contrast, focus, readability, convergence and more. In there, you may find a button that will bring the monitor back to its default settings. Those are the factory settings. Or better yet, your monitor may have come with software that helps set it up properly. 

If your monitor did not come with software and you can't deal with the monitor's buttons, there is hope. Just download and use the Nokia Test. This free utility helps set any monitor for optimum display. You'll find it here. 

Don’t forget about your environment. To prevent eye strain, your monitor should be at least 25 inches from your eyes, preferably more. Plus, you want the viewing area of the monitor to be between 15-degrees and 50-degrees below horizontal eye level. 

Lighting is important, too. You want to use indirect lighting in your office or work area and avoid overhead fluorescent lights. If necessary, install blinds or shades to control outside light. I have halogen spotlights in my office. They can get a little bright. To fix that, I put a dimmer switch in my office. I find it works best when the lights are adjusted to about 75 percent.

Q: When I download things from the Internet, what is the difference between Run and Save? Which one should I use when, and why?

A: An Internet download usually comes with a prompt from your browser. You're asked whether to run (sometimes open) or save the file. What should you do? Is there even a difference?

If you select Run, the file will go to your Temporary Internet Files folder. Then it will run or open automatically. If you select Save, you choose where the file is stored on your hard drive. There the file sits until you open it yourself. So Run is convenient, but Save gives you more control.

It's generally safer to choose Save. Once the file is saved, you can run a virus scan and examine the file. On the other hand, you shouldn't be downloading something of which you are unsure. Downloads from companies you know—for instance, Microsoft, Adobe or Apple—are always OK.

Even if you do choose Run, you may still have the option to do some checking. Internet Explorer often lets you view digital signatures from the download prompt. After you click Run, it will pop up a digital certificate message. You can click on the name listed under Publisher for more information.

Under Digital Signature Information, it should read, "This digital signature is OK." Otherwise, the file is a higher risk.

Another option you might see is a checkbox labeled something like "Always ask before opening this type of file." Other browsers might use different phrasing, like "Always perform this action with this type of file." The phrasing can be tricky; the two examples here have opposite effects. So be careful with options that include always, never or automatically. Select the setting that will alert you with every download.

Q: I downloaded a beautiful screen saver with a waterfall and flowers around a lake. My friend told me that the screen saver contains spyware. Is this possible? And if it contains spyware, what are the risks of using it ?

A: Yes, the screen saver you downloaded could contain spyware or even viruses. In fact, any executable file you download can contain malware.

The makers of free or inexpensive software need to make a living, too. So they often accept money from advertisers to include spyware with their programs. If the screen saver is legitimate, the spyware should be disclosed in the user terms. So read them before installing the screen saver.

If the product is not legitimate, the screen saver may simply be a Trojan horse. Many Trojans and viruses are distributed via spam as screen savers. Never open a spam attachment that includes a screen saver. It almost certainly includes a malicious program.

Spyware can collect a lot of information about you. Most spyware records your Internet surfing habits. This information is used to serve you targeted advertising.

Other types of malware are more pernicious. I call it snoopware, but some people group it with spyware. Snoopware can steal passwords, credit card numbers and other sensitive information. No reputable company will distribute programs that contain snoopware.

Regardless of what else it does, spyware can slow your computer to a crawl. So it is frustrating at best.

You should always read the user agreement before installing anything, but especially free programs. Frequently, the user agreement alerts you to the presence of spyware. By accepting the agreement, you are accepting whatever accompanies the screen saver.

Screen savers are plentiful on the Internet. A Google search for "free screen saver" returned more than two million links. I'm sure many of these screen savers are identical.

Why is this important ? Some sites have been known to take others' screen savers. Often they will repackage them with spyware. So two screen savers that look identical could be very different, indeed.

If you have your heart set on a particular screen saver, you might find a similar one without spyware. However, you could compromise your security trying to find it. I don't recommend downloading free screen savers except from trusted sources.

Fortunately, you do have other options. First, you can create your own screen saver. Windows XP and ME allow you to use your own photos as a screen saver.

Right-click on the desktop and select Properties. On the Screen Saver tab, select My Pictures Slideshow. It will display the photos in My Pictures in succession. Click Settings to specify a different folder or to select other options. Click Apply and then OK. These instructions are for XP, but ME is similar.

IrfanView, a free photo-editing program, also creates screen savers. I like IrfanView because it allows you to save the screen saver. You then can share it with others. This is a great way to share your precious digital memories. In IrfanView, click File>>Slideshow. Use the navigation tools to find the photos you want to use. Then click Add. Click "Save as EXE/SCR file." Select "Create SCR file" and specify any options you want to apply. Then click Create. Your screen saver is ready to go!

Also, you'll find cool screen savers on fan sites. So check the sites for your favorite movies, television shows and music artists. And if you're a car buff, don't forget automobile manufacturers' sites. You'll be amazed at what you'll find.

How do I clear my cache in my browser?

In Internet Explorer 6, go to "Tools -> Internet Options". On the "Internet Options" tab, under "Temporary Internet File" you'll see an option "Delete Files". You will see a popup box with an option to "check" if you want to "Delete all offline content". Check that box. And click OK. Then close your browser.

If that doesn't work, try the above again, close your browser, and then reboot your computer.

If that still doesn't work - go to the same area but click "Delete Cookie" and "Clear History". Close your browser and reboot your computer.

If you're still unable to see changes that you are sure have been made, you may need to run a System Cleaner on your system. You can do this in Windows by going to "Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup". and also "Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defrag". You may also have other programs on your system such as "CCleaner".

If you have tried all of the above options and you're still unable to see changes, it is possible that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) keeps a level of cache on their servers which you will not be able to do anything about. You can check with them, or wait for a few days and see if you see the changes then. 

In Internet Explorer 7, Open Internet Explorer. Do NOT go to a page with Flash on it.

Then click on Tools.

Click Internet Options.

On the General Tab, Under Browsing History, click Delete.

At the top where it says Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files.

When it says "Are you sure" click Yes.

It may take a few moments for the system to clear, so allow it to continue.

When it's finished, click Close and Ok.

Close your browser (IE7)

Then reopen and go to the page in question. You should see all flash changes.

IF that doesn't work, you may need to go through that process again and reboot your computer. But don't do that unless this doesn't work.

In Firefox, Open Firefox. Do NOT go to a page with Flash on it.

Then click on Tools.

Click on Clear Private Data.

Click OFF of everything except "Cache"

Click "Clear Private Data Now"

Then Reload your page. Maybe even reload twice.

You should see the changes.

Listed below are some tips that may assist you in troubleshooting when using this site.

This site works best for users utilizing Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape web browsers versions 4.7 or higher.

Cookies
This site makes use of cookies. Please make sure you have enabled cookies on your web browser. To enable cookies:

•  Internet Explorer 6.0  
  1. from the Tools menu, choose Internet Options
  2. click on the Privacy category
  3. use the slider to adjust your cookie settings to "Accept All Cookies"
  4. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Privacy Options window
  5. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Internet Options window  
• Internet Explorer 5.0  
  1. from the Tools menu, choose Internet Options
  2. click on the Security category
  3. click on the Internet icon, and then click on Custom Level
  4. another window will appear entitled Security Settings
  5. scroll down and locate the subsection entitled Cookies
  6. click on the circle to the left of the word "Enable" under Cookies
  7. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Security Options window
  8. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Internet Options window  
• Netscape 6.0  
  1. from the Edit menu, choose Preferences
  2. click the Privacy & Security category, choose Cookies (If no subcategories are visible, double-click the category to expand the list.)
  3. click on the circle to the left of the words "Accept all cookies"
  4. click the OK button at the bottom of the window  
• Netscape 4.7  
  1. from the Edit menu, choose Preferences
  2. click the Advanced category
  3. click on the circle to the left of the words "Accept all cookies"
  4. click the OK button at the bottom of the window  

JavaScript
Enabling Java Script will further enhance your experience on the site. To enable JavaScript:

•  Internet Explorer 6.0  
  1. from the Tools menu, choose Internet Options
  2. click on the Security category
  3. locate the Custom area of the Security category
  4. click the Custom Level button
  5. another window will appear, entitled Security Settings
  6. scroll down to the Scripting section of the Settings window
  7. select the Enable radio button under Active Scripting
  8. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Security Options window
  9. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Internet Options window  
• Internet Explorer 5.0  
  1. from the Tools menu, choose Internet Options
  2. click on the Security category
  3. click on the Internet icon, and then click on Custom Level
  4. another window will appear, entitled Security Settings
  5. scroll down and locate the subsection entitled Scripting
  6. click the circle to the left of the word "Enable"
  7. click the "Yes" button to the question "Are you sure you want to change the security settings for this zone?"
  8. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Security Options window
  9. click on the OK button at the bottom of the Internet Options window 
• Netscape 6.0 & 4.7  
  1. from the Edit menu, choose Preferences
  2. click the Advanced category
  3. check enable Java and check enable JavaScript  

AOL Users
For AOL 4.0 users, if you have already enabled cookies and JavaScripts, you may need to upgrade to AOL 5.0 or higher.

Mac Users
For Mac users utilizing Internet Explorer 4.5, you may need to switch your web browser to Netscape or try Internet Explorer 4.7 or higher.

Formatting is a funny thing. When things are copied from Word, it’s kind of like “Forrest Gump” and his box of chocolate . . . you never know what you’re gonna get. It can be done – but often it’s best to just type in the items yourself.

One thing I noticed when copying over tables is that sometimes it will require a particular height such as 278 pixels (or other number). So no matter how many times you eliminate extra space – the height requirement stays the same.

As to “spaces” coming and going. Some of the paragraphs add extra space at the end of the paragraph. This often happens after changing things such as copying new text, or adding and removing line, etc. When it’s saved, the system will sometimes add in extra space for each “paragraph” (carriage return). But then when you hit edit again, it will move that extra space out and it ends up at the bottom of that section. The best thing to do in that scenario is find the absolute end (preferably outside of a table), and then hit “delete” as many times as needed to remove excess spaces. Another more accurate way is in the html itself. But if you’re not sure about html code – I would not suggest that. If you have tried to delete the extra space – and still are unable to get it removed – just let us know exactly where the problem is and we can go into the code and remove the excess paragraph spaces. They typically look something like this: After the end table tag - you’ll see several p align=left . But like I said – if you’re not comfortable with html – we can help with that.

Another "trick" when dealing with spaces is this. Let's say you enter a "carriage return" and it goes down "2 spaces". That is normal. It's a paragraph space. But in this case, you'd like there to be only "1 space" so that your next line is directly under your first line. To make that happen, just hold down your Control Key while pressing your Enter key. This should create only one space.

Sometimes you will try to add space and it won’t take. This again, is usually because of Word backend formatting issues. Often when copied, Word will give a paragraph (or sentence) a margin of “0” – so no matter how many times you hit your carriage return – the margin is still “0”. So one solution is to simply delete the entire offending section and begin typing it within the system. Another is to use an “invisible graphic” to add space where you want it. If you go into your Image Manager – under “common” – you will see a box that is the same color and the background of your webpages. Insert that box wherever you want space and change its size (using the height and width) to control just how much space you want it to become.

If you're a person who like to work quickly off the keyboard rather than jump to your mouse all the time, below are some tips and shortcuts for using your keyboard. For use in Microsoft.

Let's start with the WinKey. This is the key with the backwards Windows flag or logo on it, which you may not have, depending on your keyboard.

Using the keyboard, you might find these useful.

Here are some shortcuts for Microsoft Word.

And when you do need to use the mouse, here are some shortcuts for it.