When you have problems with computer programs they can be frustrating. We can help sort out a few of the most common issues
Forgotten Thunderbird password Q I have upgraded from the Thunderbird 2 email program to Thunderbird 3 but can’t access my email because I have forgotten my password. Thunderbird 2 didn’t ask for my password so I never learned it. I have tried all the combinations I can think of. Is there any way of retrieving the password?
A If you still have your copy of Thunderbird 2, it is quite a simple job to retrieve the password. Click on the Tools menu and then on Options. Click on the Privacy tab and then on the Edit Saved Password buttons.
If you do not still have Thunderbird 2, your only option is to contact the company that supplies your email address. You will have to identify yourself but it should be a fairly simple process for them to reset the password and you won’t lose any email as a consequence.
Switching anti-virus package Q I tried installing some new security software but decided to stop the installation when it asked me to first uninstall my current anti-virus package. Since there are so many viruses out there, will I leave myself open to attack during the time between uninstalling my old software and installing the new one?
A You are right in saying your PC will be open to attack during this period but as long as you install the new software as soon as the uninstall process on the old software has finished you should be fine.
If you want to be extra careful, download the installation file for the new software and then disconnect your computer from the internet by turning your router off. Once you have installed the new software, switch the router back on again.
Program won’t uninstall Q In an attempt to speed up my computer, I have been uninstalling applications I no longer use. Annoyingly, there are a few programs listed in XP’s Add/Remove Programs window that won’t uninstall and instead bring up an error message.
