DLL files

A DLL (dynamic link library) is a small program that is used for a specific purpose by the main program that calls it. Windows programs like Word and Excel call and use many DLL files.

Unlike most programs, that link and compile all the program elements they need before they begin executing, DLLs are only loaded and used as they are needed. This feature saves RAM space, which is a valuable resource. A DLL file usually has a filetype of '.dll'.

For example, when Microsoft Word is editing a document, the printer DLL file is not loaded into RAM. If the user decides to print the document, only then does Word load the printer DLL file.

Don't ever erase a DLL file unless you are positive it isn't needed by your PC. Erasing an important DLL file can make your PC inoperative until the file is replaced!

If you don't have a DLL you need, your operating system should display which one(s) it can't find, In that case you may be able to find and download them File.

Using the Format Painter

Copy and apply text formatting using the Format Painter in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Located in the Standard toolbar, the Format Painter tool icon (looks like a paint brush) is used to copy the format of a selected object or text to other objects or text. 

In Word, for example, if you have text formatted in 10 pt, Arial, black, you can easily transfer this text formatting to any other text in the document with Format Painter. 

1) Select the text that has the formatting that you want to copy and transfer.

2) Click the Format Painter icon. It becomes indented which verifies you've selected it. 

3) With your cursor, which now has a paintbrush attached to it, select the target text you want to format. 

4) The target text immediately changes to match the format of the original text. As soon as you select the target text, the Format Painter icon becomes inactive.

Note: To make the Format Painter icon remain active so that you can continue formatting text, repeat steps 1 - 3, except this time in step 2, double-click the icon. When you are done formatting you must click the icon again to deactivate it; otherwise you will continue reformatting any text you select. 

Using Fill in Excel

The Fill command enables you to copy the same text or formula in as many cells as you want with just a few simple steps. 

For example, copy the number 10 in column A of the first 100 rows of a spreadsheet:

1) Begin by entering 10 in the cell at row 1, column A. 

2) Put your mouse pointer over the cell, hold down the left mouse button and drag it down the column to row 100. Release the button and all 100 cells in column A are selected. 

3) Click Edit on the menu bar and select Fill from the drop-down menu. 

4) Select Down from the list that appears and 10 is copied into each selected row of column A. 

Note: This works across columns too, except that you would select a row in step 2 and choose the Right instead of Down from the list in step four. 

Using Autofit in Excel

Sometimes the text you enter in a cell is wider than the column width setting and it spills over into the column(s) next to it. Autofit adjusts the column width to match the width of the cell with the longest text. 

1) Select the column you want to adjust by placing your cursor over the column heading and clicking your mouse. The entire column is selected. 

2) Select Format from the menu bar and a drop-down list appears. 

3) Select Column from this list and a menu opens. 

4) Select ‘Autofit Selection' and the column width changes to match the width of the cell with the longest string of text. 

Start your PC in Safe Mode

When there is problem starting your PC, sometimes Windows automatically enters ‘safe mode’. This causes Windows to use default settings: VGA monitor, no network, Microsoft mouse driver, and the minimum number device drivers required to start Windows. 

Why would you want to start your PC in safe mode? 

If you've ever tried to defragment your hard disk and it can’t complete, it is probably because another program keeps accessing the disk. When this happens, an error message is displayed that says 'Some other program has interrupted the defragment process and defragment is restarting'. This process continues in an endless loop and the defragment process never completes.

Using safe mode usually allows Defrag to complete. 

1) Shut down your PC 

2) Restart your PC and hold down the F5 key. Don’t release it until you get to the screen in step three. 

3) Your display will show a screen where you have a number of choices. Choose safe mode, which should be selection #3. 

4) Your PC will start and your desktop will appear very different. This is normal for safe mode. 

5) Run defragment as you normally would. If you need details on defragmentin.

6) When defragment has finished, restart your PC normally. 

Outlook Express in Sort your Inbox by date

Sort Inbox by date msg received 

With your Outlook Express inbox open: 

1) Look on the right side of the screen where all the messages are listed. 

2) There are heading names listed above the messages like: From, To, Subject etc. 

3) Locate the column heading called 'Received' and click it. 

4) This will sort your messages by date received. 

5) If the oldest message is listed first, click Received again and the newest will be listed first.