|
Microlab Frequently Asked Questions
 |
The
Top Microlab Questions |
 |
Disk
Problems |
 |
WebCT
Problems |
 |
PeopleSoft
Problems |
 |
Software
Problems |
Help
for using a particular program can be found at the program's support
website...
 |
Hardware
Problems |
|
|
Why
does the computer say "The parameter is incorrect"
when I try to open a file on my disk/save a file to my disk?
|
|
|
If you have never used the disk before, it may not be formatted.
On the desktop open the "Tools" folder and run the
Format High Density program. Follow the directions that appear.
Once this program is done you will be able to use your new
disk.
If
there is information on the disc the disk may be damaged.
To check and attempt to repair the disc you can use Norton
Disk Doctor on the Disk Utility Workstation. If you still
need help, please ask for assistance at the Computer &
Copy Services Desk.
|
|
|
How
do I format my disk? |
|
|
If you purchased the disk at the Computer & Copy Services
Desk you do not need to format it. It has already been done
for you. Otherwise you may use the Format High Density program
which is located in the "Tools" folder on the desktop.
|
|
|
Do
I need to check my disk for viruses before using it in a computer? |
|
|
No, as Windows opens your disk and the files on it Norton
Antivirus checks for viruses. If you would like to do a complete
scan of your disk , you can use Norton Antivirus located on
the Disk Utility Workstation.
|
|
|
How
do I delete a file from my disk? Windows won't let me right
click! |
|
|
Click on the file so that it is highlighted, then press the
Delete button on your keyboard.
|
|
|
Where
can I purchase a floppy disk? |
|
|
You can buy a preformatted disk at the Computer & Copy
Services Desk for $2.00.
|
|
|
Can
I use my Macintosh disk in your Windows machines? |
|
|
Maybe. Macintosh computer's have their own way of organizing
information on disks. Most Macs after System 7 (Mac OS 7)
come with an extension called PC Exchange. This allows them
to format and use Windows disks. Mac users should format a
floppy disk as Windows disks if they wish to use them in the
labs. Our computers cannot read the disk otherwise. You should
also try to save the file as a type our computers' software
will understand. For papers, saving it as a Rich Text File
(*.rtf) should do the trick. To get around floppy disks all
together, read the next question.
|
|
|
Are
floppy disks a reliable way to save information? What is a better
way of saving my work? |
|
|
No. Microlab Technicians spend a great deal of their time
trying to repair disks which have lost information, usually
in vein. Floppies can't take a lot of abuse, and bookbags,
where disks usually end up, tend to be tossed about. They
can also be easily lost. The best solution is to simply e-mail
yourself the file as an attachment. Even better if you have
a Yahoo! account use Yahoo! Briefcase like a disk you can
access anywhere that you can get on the Internet. We've included
links to some of the websites that offer free "Internet
hard drives" you can use to store your papers. Instructions
are available on their website.
|
|
|
What
is my user-ID and password? |
|
|
You can look up your Used ID in the UCONN
Directory by searching for your name. You will see a result
like this:
John
Smith
jjs99002
Undergraduate
Student
john.smith@uconn.edu
Your
User ID is under your name just as jjs99002 is in the example.
Your password is your social security number.
|
|
|
The
computer has saved my user-ID and password. Help! |
|
|
When the computer asks you to use AutoComplete always say
no to prevent this from happening. Please ask someone at the
Computer & Copy Services Desk to remove your information
from the computer for you.
|
|
|
How
do I print off of WebCT? Why is it printing blank pages? |
|
|
To print off of WebCT right click on what you want to print
and select print from the menu that appears. You can also
find help on printing more than one slide per page in PowerPoint
here.
|
|
|
What
is my user-ID and password? |
|
|
You'll need to call the Registrar at 486-3331. They're open
Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM.
|
|
|
Why
is the system not responding? |
|
|
During certain times of the year, such as Add/Drop, PeopleSoft
may become overloaded with users and limit the number of people
who can use the system at once. Try again later or go to the
Registrars Office in Wilbur Cross for assistance.
|
|
|
How
can I view my grades/unofficial transcript? |
|
|
Login to PeopleSoft and go toStudent Menu -> Academic
Summary Menu -> Unofficial Transcript then click on
Submit Request, then View Transcript Result.
|
|
|
How
do I print off of PeopleSoft? Why is it printing blank pages? |
|
|
Try right clicking on what you would like to print and selecting
print from the menu that appears. Also, you should try using
Netscape for printing instead of Internet Explorer.
|
|
|
How
do I print more than one slide per page in PowerPoint? |
|
|
You must be using a Microlab machine to do this. You cannot
print handouts from the InfoCafes. Select Print from
the File menu. Next, in the bottom-left of the window that
appears pull the menu down to Handouts. The bottom
right of the window can now be used to set how many slides
you wish to print per page. Click Print.
|
|
|
How
do I insert text without the cursor replacing my original text? |
|
|
On the bottom of the Microsoft Word window (where it says
which page you're on, etc.) you should see a box that says
OVR. This stands for overwrite and should be dark if
you're having this problem. Press the Insert key on
the keyboard (above Delete). OVR should now be ghosted,
and you should be able to insert text in front of your original
text without replacing it.
|
|
|
When
attempting to access a library database the website tells me
I need special software. Where is it? |
|
|
You can use the InfoCafe 2 SuperHomer machines
to access these databases by opening the Other Databases
folder located on the desktop and opening the program
associated with your database.
|
|
|
Why
can't I install programs on the computer? |
|
|
The library computers have been specially configured to perform
certain tasks such as searching databases, browsing the web,
word processing, etc. By installing new software we run the
risk of having the computers crash frequently and being unable
to print. To make sure that no one might loose their work
or be hassled by these problems, patrons are not allowed to
install any software on library machines.
|
|
|
My
textbook came with a CD-ROM. Can I use it in the microlabs? |
|
|
Unless the disc only has data to be used by a program already
on the computers, no. If the disc says anything about
system requirements it is probably a program and cannot be
used.
|
|
|
How
do I adjust the margins in Microsoft Word? |
|
|
Click Page Setup on the File menu, and then
click the Margins tab. Type in your preferred margins.
|
|
|
Which
computers have a Zip Drive? |
|
|
Microlab computers 1-10 have 250 MB Zip Drives (which
can also read 100 MB disks) and all machines in Microlab
Lite have 100 MB Zip Drives.
|
|
|
Where
can I buy a Zip Disk? |
|
|
Disks can be purchased at the Co-Op Bookstore and at
the Co-Op News Stand located at the entrance of the
library.
|
|
|
How
do I adjust the volume/mute the sound? |
|
|
If you are using Media Player click on the speaker icon. A
volume slider will pop-up allowing you to lower the volume.
Otherwise check for an icon next to the clock  ,
double click on it to access the volume controls.
|
|
|
Why
aren't the buttons on the number pad working? |
|
|
Make sure the Num Lock light on your keyboard is lit.
If it is not, press the Num Lock button right below
the light to turn it on.
|
|
|
Can
I open Microsoft Works or Word Perfect files in the lab? |
|
|
Generally no, you should try to save your file as Microsoft
Word format. Save As... Microsoft Word (*.doc)
|
|
|
I'm
trying to save a file to the floppy drive but I can't seem to
find it in the "Save As..." dialog. Where is it? |
|
|
Click on Desktop in the left menu. You should now see
3 1/2 Floppy. Open it by double-clicking on it, then
continue saving as you normally would.
|
|
University of Connecticut | 
