Q. How do I compose an email message so that a photo or an image shows up in the body of a message instead of as an attachment?

A. When an image appears within the body of an email message, it is called an embedded image. In order to embed an image in a message, you will need to alter the settings of your email program so that the messages you compose are in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) format.

For example, in Microsoft Outlook Express, click the Tools menu and select Options. In the resulting Options dialog box, click the Send tab. Under Mail Sending Format, make sure the HTML radio button is selected. Click the HTML Settings button and then click OK. Click OK again.

To ensure that your graphics files are embedded rather than attached, when you compose your message, click the Format menu and make sure that the Rich Text (HTML) option is selected. If it is not selected, click to activate the Rich Text (HTML) setting.

Finally, to embed the file in your document, make sure your cursor is in the position where you want the picture to appear. Click the Insert menu and select Picture. Navigate to the image file’s location on your hard drive and double-click it. Click OK to embed the image in your email message.

Q. Sometimes, when I try to view a Web page, Internet Explorer displays the error message, “Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls.” How can I change these settings?

A. In Windows XP, go to the Start menu and click Control Panel (click Start menu, Settings, and Control Panel in Windows 9x/Me/NT/2000). In WinXP (Category View), click Network And Internet Connections and then click Internet Options. In other versions of Windows, you’ll need to double-click Internet Options. In the Internet Properties dialog box, click the Security tab. Click the Custom Level button. Download Signed ActiveX Controls should be set at either Enable or Prompt. Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls and Initialize And Script ActiveX Controls Not Marked As Safe should be set at Disable, or if you want to assess the risk on a case-by-case basis, you may choose Prompt. Finally, make sure that either Enable or Prompt are selected for Run ActiveX Controls And Plug-Ins and Script ActiveX Controls Marked Safe For Scripting and then click OK. Click OK again. If you’re using WinXP, click the Close (X) button in the upper-right corner of the Network And Internet Connections window.

Q. When I use Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, I click File and select either Open or Save As. Then, when I try to delete a file in the resulting window, I see the error message, “Cannot delete (file name). This file is in use by the following program: (program name). You must close the file before proceeding.” How can I get around this?

A. When this happens, the first thing to check is whether the file is already open. You may already have the file open in another program on your own system, or if you have a shared network, someone else on the network may have the file open. If the file is open, you (or the person who has it open) will need to close it before you can delete it.

The other cause of this error may be that you don’t have sufficient user privileges to delete the file. If you are on a network, or if you are not the system administrator for the computer you’re using, contact the administrator to gain permission to delete files.

Q. My computer’s clock keeps losing time. Why is this happening?

A. This is a classic symptom of a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) battery that needs to be replaced. The CMOS battery is a small battery that’s attached to your system’s motherboard. This battery provides enough power for your computer to maintain data, such as the date, time, and system settings, even when your computer is turned off or unplugged.

The procedures for replacing the CMOS battery vary from one motherboard to the next, so it’s best to check your PC’s or motherboard’s users manual or the manufacturer’s Web site. If you can’t find the information yourself, you should contact the manufacturer for information. If your computer was prebuilt, you’ll want to contact the PC manufacturer. If you built your computer yourself, contact the motherboard manufacturer. Ask the representative what battery your system needs and where to order a replacement battery. Also, ask if the battery is user-replaceable or if you must have it replaced by a technician.

Installation instructions for the new CMOS battery will vary, but generally, you’ll take the following steps: First, shut down your computer, unplug it (and any attached accessories), open the case, and touch something metal (other than the computer or its components) to ground yourself. You may also wish to wear an antistatic wristband. Next, remove the old battery according to the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s instructions. Attach the new CMOS battery. Close the case, reconnect any data or power cables that you unplugged, and turn on your computer.

You may want to double-check your system’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings to ensure that they are correct. You will probably also need to change the clock to the correct time. If you need additional information about changing BIOS settings or setting your PC’s clock, please visit the Smart Computing Tech Support Center (www.smartcomputing.com/techsupport), type CMOS battery in the Enter A Subject To Search By field, and click the Search button. Under Articles On How To Install . . . Just About Anything!, you’ll see an article titled “How To Install A CMOS Battery.” That article goes into much more detail than we could in the space provided in this article.

by Kylee Dickey