troubleshooting

Shortcut and fix for Outlook's autocomplete feature

A couple of weeks ago, I described how to disable the feature in Microsoft Outlook 2003 and 2007 that automatically completes addresses as you enter them in the To:, Cc:, or Bcc: fields.

As I stated then, I've come to depend on Outlook's address-autocomplete feature, though it's far from perfect. First, editing the list isn't easy. You can delete an entry you no longer need by pressing Delete after you scroll to the address in the drop-down list that appears as you type the name in one of the above fields. But there's no simple … Read more

"Repair Needed" Error on iPhones

Several iPhone users have experienced problems wherein their phones will display an error claiming repair is needed on the device, disallowing use.

Apple Discussions poster Xraycovert writes:

"Abruptly, my new iPhone began, and continues to flash, a REPAIR NEEDED message on the screen. I can only access an SOS."

While for the most part this error does indicate a problem with the phone will need to be fixed, in some instances this error message is being shown erroneously. There are several things users can do to try to fix the problem before contacting Apple support or taking the … Read more

Users Face Serious iPhone OS 2.2 Problems

Users who have updated to iPhone OS 2.2 are facing some significant issues, including problems with third-party apps, Internet connection issues, problems deleting email and more.

Third-party Applications broken Some third-party applications will no longer function properly under iPhone OS 2.2 due to API changes and other modifications. These include a number of applications that make use of CoreAudio. These applications will generally need to be updated by their developers. However, you can try uninstalling then reinstalling applications for problems that do not involve API or other strict compatibility problems.

"Could not Connect to Internet" Some … Read more

Avoid the tech-support time sink

Let me begin by stating that most tech-support staff know their stuff and exhibit the patience of Job when dealing with us dumb, short-tempered users. Let me add further that on some occasions in the past I have had a less-than-pleasant demeanor when seeking the assistance of help-desk helpers.

Even though support staffers have saved my bacon on several handfuls of occasions, I feel like I have lost untold hours of my life on tech-support lines in a futile effort to troubleshoot some PC problem or other.

My most recent exchange with tech support occurred after a mail-server upgrade went … Read more

Disable all add-ons in Firefox, Internet Explorer

I have banished the Yahoo Toolbar from my PCs. It's not that I have anything against Yahoo. I use many of the company's services.

It's just that for me, the shortcuts on the Yahoo Toolbar don't justify the lost screen space, especially on my 13.3-inch laptop display.

So imagine my surprise when I happened to find the Yahoo Toolbar listed among Firefox's add-ons. (It snuck in when another user of the machine downloaded the Yahoo IM client.)

You might be surprised by the add-ons and extensions that have wormed their way into your copy … Read more

iPhone 3G Troubleshooting: Sudden Black Screens

Several users have reported an issue in which the iPhone 3G's screen suddenly goes black, as if the sleep/wake button has been pressed. When this problem manifests, users generally need to press the sleep/wake button twice, effectively putting the device into a locked state then unlocking it.

In some cases, this issue is caused by obstruction of the proximity sensor, generally caused by a case or errant hand. Many users experiencing the issue, however, have neither of these interference factors.

Sample posts from this Apple Discussions thread include:

"Mine has exhibited the exact same behavior. I … Read more

iPhone 3G Cannot Find/Connect to WiFi Networks

Several users have reported an issue in which the iPhone 3G fails to find and or connect to otherwise valid WiFi networks. A sampling of reports from this Apple Discussions thread:

"My laptop can find my router network fine. I reset my router and iPhone but my iPhone still cant find any routers. I reset the network settings too. If I try to put in the name and password manually it just says 'Joining InsertNetworkNameHere' Over and over, with no results." "Suddenly my iPhone 3g can't find any wifi network. I have restored factory configuration but … Read more

Fix glitches by updating your software

A couple of weeks ago, my notebook lost its ability to connect to AT&T's 3G data network. Downloading and installing the latest version of the company's communications management application restored the network link. (I had to use the notebook's built-in Wi-Fi adapter to download the program, of course.)

Just yesterday, my iPhone started acting up: the screen would freeze, and phone calls wouldn't hang up, among other symptoms. Once I connected the device to a PC and downloaded the most recent release of the iPhone software, the glitches disappeared.

If only all PC problems … Read more

iPhone OS 2.1: Bugs and Fixes

A few lingering bugs are posing issues for users of iPhone OS 2.1. Fortunately, fixes are readily available.

iPhone Declares Voicemail Password Incorrect This is an annoying bug that pops up now and again for many iPhone users. The phone will suddenly prompt the user with the message "Password Incorrect - Enter Voicemail password" while a phone call is being made. The iPhone will continue to nag you until you correct the problem. The easiest solution to this problem is to Dial 611 on your phone. After verifying your number select the option for help with voicemail … Read more

Fix For iPhone 2.1 Not Checking Mail in the Background

Many users have reported an issue in which the iPhone's mail application fails to retrieve messags in the background, no matter what checking interval is set and regardless of whether or not push is enabled. An Apple Discussions thread harbors more than 275 posts on the issue.

iPhone Atlas reader Anil Panigrahi writes:

"After updating to the latest iPhone firmware (2.1), many users, including myself, are finding that there is no email fetching while the phone is in standby mode. This is a major concern to many users, business users in particular."

An Apple Discussions poster … Read more