Macintosh OS/Questions Answered by Expert Debba Robinson

SubjectDate Asked
Multiple programs open on startup-How do I stop them opening?2/11/2012
  Q: I have a 2009 24"iMac which I adore btw, made the switch from the dark side [PC's] 6 months ago, ...
  A: First of all, let me congratulate you on your decision to move to Mac. I don't think you will ...
Deleting Trash2/6/2012
  Q: Mrs. Robinson: I am trying to delete a big file from my Mac book and is taking almost 2 days to ...
  A: Javier, can you give me more information? What type of file is it - Photoshop, Word, Excel, etc? ...
Aqua-blue screen of death1/19/2012
  Q: I purchased my MacPro in 2008 and still use the Leopard operating system. I've noticed recently ...
  A: .. you are not a dunce! I think I'm in your league as far as guessing what is causing this, but ...
Entourage12/13/2011
  Q: I have a Mac G4 with 10.4.11 OS and Entourage 2.1 as the email program. When I respond to email ...
  A: Earl - I've never used Entourage so I'm going to be punting here, but I'm guessing you should be ...
TextEdit missing10/20/2011
  Q: I am operating a Mac 10.6.8 and suddenly am missing my textedit from the dock. It cannot be located ...
  A: Shirley, this is really easy. Start up your computer using your System disk. You boot your ...
MacBook Pro Finder Question2/12/2011
  Q: On my new 17" MacBook Pro running OS 10.6, the icon sizes change randomly on their own without me ...
  A: Stephen, This is one that you should take directly to Apple - while your machine is still under ...
iCal11/25/2010
  Q: I'm using iCal 4.0.4 on a Macbook Pro. Is there a way to print the monthly calendars WITHOUT ...
  A: Marty, I'm not familiar with iCal 4.0.4 --- the latest I have is 4.0.3 and when I searched for ...
Migration Assistant does not work11/15/2010
  Q: I recently bought an iMac and tried to transfer my files from MacBook using Migration Assistant when ...
  A: I think I can help. Basically, you should not lose any information on your original computer, even ...
HP2500CP Driver for Mac OSX 10.4.1110/22/2010
  Q: Need HP2500CP Driver for Mac OSX 10.4.11 for my IMAC THANK YOU BRUCE ANSWER: Hi, Bruce, If you go ...
  A: Bruce, You may need to use a different internet browser. Sometimes I find that I can't access a ...
HP2500CP Driver for Mac OSX 10.4.1110/19/2010
  Q: Need HP2500CP Driver for Mac OSX 10.4.11 for my IMAC THANK YOU BRUCE
  A: Bruce, If you go to www.hp.com and click on Support and Drivers - then type in your printer info, ...
my comp wont go to desktop or anything10/9/2010
  Q: what do i do my computer wont go to the desktop and says we are hanging here
  A: First of all, shut down your computer and unplug it for 24 hours. Then plug it back in and when you ...
p in circle5/6/2010
  Q: Can you tell me how to print out a "P" in a circle using my Mac, system 9.2? I'm referring to the ...
  A: David, Ah - a man who knows the better product! I absolutely love AppleWorks and am so sad they no ...
"p" in circle5/4/2010
  Q: Can you tell me how to print out a "P" in a circle using my Mac, system 9.2? I'm referring to the ...
  A: David, Boy - you set me a challenge! I know how to do it on the newer macs - or at least how to ...
hard drive files4/26/2010
  Q: I use an old Mac, system 9.2, G4. I'd like to know how to remove files on the hard drive. I'm ...
  A: Actually, IN OS 9, things are REALLY easy - you simply find the file and toss it in the trash - ...
hard drive files4/24/2010
  Q: I use an old Mac, system 9.2, G4. I'd like to know how to remove files on the hard drive. I'm ...
  A: May I ask why you wish to do this? Those files are invisible for a reason. If you just begin ...
Questions on the Mac4/5/2010
  Q: There are several software programs I would like to acquire, however, the majority of them are ...
  A: PC and Mac are two very different platforms - at least they were until a few years ago when Mac made ...
IMAC OS 9 battery3/3/2010
  Q: My 1999 IMAC OS 9 suddenly won't turn on. Could it need a battery? If so, where on the IMAC is the ...
  A: Linda, (Just visited the site and found better info: ...
my Imac's built in webcam10/17/2009
  Q: i have an imac with OS 10.4.11 my built-in webcam used to work. for some reason it isn't working . ...
  A: Hal, I'm sorry to hear that the PRAM solution didn't work and appears to have brought about another ...
my Imac's built in webcam10/15/2009
  Q: i have an imac with OS 10.4.11 my built-in webcam used to work. for some reason it isn't working . ...
  A: Hal - Before you do ANYTHING, you should always back up your personal files. If you don't have an ...
my Imac's built in webcam10/14/2009
  Q: i have an imac with OS 10.4.11 my built-in webcam used to work. for some reason it isn't working . ...
  A: I would suggest that you zap your PRAM ... Tell your computer to restart (or do a cold boot if it's ...
Imac10/7/2009
  Q: I bought Imac (leopard) last year. Nowadays the monitor when used for about 2 hours of more, a white ...
  A: Sachin, How long ago - last year? If it is still in warranty you need to run, don't walk, to your ...
start up9/29/2009
  Q: I have a disk in the drive and my computer will not start up> If I turn it off it comes back on with ...
  A: Bruce, Do you know how to Zap your P-RAM? Tell your computer to restart. This depends on what ...
AppleWorks9/28/2009
  Q: Why is it that I always click the SAVE (changes) button before I close an AppleWorks document, but a ...
  A: Tom, If you are using a server, I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! I have lost so many of ...
Deleting, uninstalling veoh video cumpass9/25/2009
  Q: This is my first time to ask a question on this site. I accidentally downloaded the Veoh video ...
  A: Nathan, I'm going to assume you are running OS X of some sort, so I think I want to begin with the ...
tranfering format9/22/2009
  Q: How can i tranfer microsoft word x doc.or change format for a mac os x 10.4.11 powerbook too a ...
  A: William, Actually, there is nothing you need to do - you just have to have Microsoft Word on both ...
PowerBook G4 reinstall5/22/2009
  Q: I have a PowerBook G4 at least five years old, running OSX (tiger). It's pretty slow, beaten up and ...
  A: Craig, You should begin by opening your programs and getting information about them in the Apple ...
suspend/turn off4/16/2009
  Q: I'm considering a Mini-mac, for low power usage. Does the OS take a long time to turn off & on, or ...
  A: Wait, I'm not familiar with the Mini-Mac, but if it's using the same OS as the other machines, it ...
iMac OS X 10.4.113/25/2009
  Q: My desktop has suddenly started showing 1 1/4" black margins on both sides. As a result, I can't ...
  A: Mary Lou! I think I can help you! Go to the Apple Menu and to the System Preferences. Then open ...
UNTITLED3/21/2009
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: If I burn a CD via a burn folder instead via disk ...
  A: Cameron, Well, I'm not sure what you are asking me - but since you will get the information burned ...
WHERE IS IT?3/16/2009
  Q: Recently before Christmas I did a security update via the software update preference, it went ...
  A: I'm so sorry to hear what happened. Actually, before you install any program, you want to back up ...
copy and paste3/16/2009
  Q: how do i copy and paste on an imac?
  A: Jose, Click and drag to highlight text, or with the graphics tool, click once to select the graphic ...
PUT IT AWAY3/14/2009
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: when people install additional stuff on their computers, ...
  A: Cameron, Well, my 'flip' answer is 'it goes on the computer'! OK - I realize that you want to know ...
please help i am so upset and i am only making everything worse3/11/2009
  Q: money and had decided to try some open source software called inkscape as my copy of illustrator is ...
  A: My heart goes out to you. Having lived in that part of the world, I'm keenly aware of the ...
fax3/4/2009
  Q: I am trying to get my FAX capability to work. I could do it with my previous printer on my current ...
  A: Kay, If you go into your Mac Address Book, go to one of your phone numbers on an entry card (a new ...
52x24x52 CD burner won't burn CDs - Mac2/19/2009
  Q: I recently purchased a used External CD-RW 52x24x52 drive which I hook up to my G5 Quad PowerMac ...
  A: I'm wondering if there is some software that needs to be installed before it will work. I urge you ...
apple11/27/2008
  Q: well i forgot my user password and i dont even have ne specific cd with that laptop but still i ...
  A: Poojan, You have given me no idea what system you are using so I'm not really able to offer any ...
MORE TIME11/20/2008
  Q: I was wondering would you please explain to me: how do our computers know when it's day light ...
  A: If you want to know technologically, I can't tell you the details, but in simple terms I can say ...
Duplicating DVDs11/17/2008
  Q: I'm trying to duplicate a DVD for a friend. I have an old G4 867 running 10.4.11. I show the cdr and ...
  A: Ron, Well, this isn't my forte - especially since I can't go out to a store and do a little ...
Duplicating DVDs11/16/2008
  Q: I'm trying to duplicate a DVD for a friend. I have an old G4 867 running 10.4.11. I show the cdr and ...
  A: Ron, I don't think you can burn a CD to a DVD ... you have to have the same format. Now, if you ...
Setting a word document as a desktop background.10/30/2008
  Q: the desktop background. jw. Thank you.
  A: I expect that you can ... assuming you can make the document into a PDF. Tell it to print as a PDF ...
slow mac10/14/2008
  Q: recently my imac has started operating slower. It is particularly slow in Appleworks 6 which has ...
  A: Charlie - sorry I'm delayed. I was enroute to Uganda and got stranded in Bamako, Mali with NO ...
pass word10/13/2008
  Q: to install program i need to ive my pass word but i forgot it so i there is any way to pass it ???? ...
  A: Badrey, Not that I know of, for people who are not high-tech savvy. I DO believe that you can take ...
How do I copy and paste with my IMac?10/5/2008
  Q: I know how to highlight the text then drag it to somewhere on the same page, but sometimes, I want ...
  A: TWillmann, Simply highlight what you wish to copy, hold down the command key (sometimes has an ...
I have a Mac with Paraells and it used to work just fine...10/5/2008
  Q: I have a Mac with Paraells and it used to work just fine... ...but now, when I try to switch from ...
  A: TWillmann, Hello, again! If you hold down the option key (alt) and then tap the enter key ...
Leopard crashes!!10/1/2008
  Q: Pls find details about the equipment i am using: Macbook Pro 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 3GB 667 MHz ...
  A: I suspect that you have things going on in the background that are causing you problems. There MAY ...
PLATFORMS9/28/2008
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: if I burn a CD using disk utility, can a PC computer ...
  A: Generally, depending on what you are burning, if it is a file that can be read in Windows, it will ...
my disk repair is stuck as start-up9/22/2008
  Q: I was having problems with my Powerbook G4, so I ran Disk Warrior and used it as my startup disc, I ...
  A: Heidi, Here is what I found when I checked the web: ...
Disk spins, won't boot, chime or beep9/11/2008
  Q: I am temporarily living in South America where I have no access to Apple repair, and all the more ...
  A: Erik, I'm sorry - I postponed answering this until the weekend, the didn't have internet! Such is ...
OS X 10.3.9 Diffifulties9/10/2008
  Q: I have had my iMac (1.8 GHZ PowerPC G5, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, OSX 10.3.9) for a few years, and have had ...
  A: Charlie, Have you checked to see if your internal battery is still good? If you are being told ...
Migration Assistant9/9/2008
  Q: my ibook G4 recently died. It just clicked off and when I try to turn it back on, it clicks and ...
  A: Meg, The 'death' of your computer could be a simple power source or mother board issue - or a major ...
UNTITLED9/5/2008
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: would a scratched CD/DVD ruin your computers CD/DVD ...
  A: No, a scratched CD/DVD will not ruin the drive on your computer. I have known people to put CRACKED ...
how do i re-boot my mac g4 titanuim 867mhz 768Ram5/28/2008
  Q: i have tried many different combinations of boot up command including resetting nvram;reset all ...
  A: Steven, When you put your system CD in your computer and you want to boot up from it, hold down the ...
unstable program display5/23/2008
  Q: When I play Scrabble on the ISC web, the board slithers into the margins of the desktop, sometimes. ...
  A: Marilyn, You don't indicate what system you are using or whether you have the option of playing in ...
how to upgrade OS 10.3 to 10.45/21/2008
  Q: I have a G5 using OS 10.3.9, how do I upgrade to 10.4 or later? everytime I try to download it, it ...
  A: I'm sick! I had a LONG answer written to you and accidentally quit before hitting send! Then I ...
Safari Browser5/12/2008
  Q: I have my first MAC (OS X, Version 10.5.2), which came with Safari 3.1.1. Prior to this, I've only ...
  A: I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I went through exactly the same thing a number of months ago - it would cycle ...
SO DIFFERENT5/10/2008
  Q: I have at Mac at home witch has a DVD/CD player in it. I was wondering would you please me: is the ...
  A: Yes and no. If you look at DVDs, they come in + and -. Some DVD players / recorders require one ...
accessing eternal HD's of mac G45/8/2008
  Q: I have PowerPC G4 and version 10.4.11. I have all 04 hard disks with system HD. Last day I changed ...
  A: I think what you need to do is back up everything on your main drive. Then do a complete cleaning ...
accessing eternal HD's of mac G45/8/2008
  Q: I have PowerPC G4 and version 10.4.11. I have all 04 hard disks with system HD. Last day I changed ...
  A: Well, I'm glad that you were able to get the access by other means. Erasing the hard drive was going ...
accessing eternal HD's of mac G45/7/2008
  Q: I have PowerPC G4 and version 10.4.11. I have all 04 hard disks with system HD. Last day I changed ...
  A: I'm so sorry that didn't work. I just went into my system preferences and opened up Accounts. In ...
accessing eternal HD's of mac G45/6/2008
  Q: I have PowerPC G4 and version 10.4.11. I have all 04 hard disks with system HD. Last day I changed ...
  A: I am going to hazard a guess that you need to get into your Disk Utility. Do they show up there? ...
Data recovery5/2/2008
  Q: I took your advice and went to the link to Apple Genius. Unfortunately the only means of making an ...
  A: I'm sorry - this one totally slipped my mind over the weekend! Anyway, I tried to see if I could ...
mystery IMG_ JPGS appearing in my right hand corner4/28/2008
  Q: For the last week I have been getting files that look like a blank JPG in my upper right hand ...
  A: Ooooo! I used to get hundreds of printers on my desktop when using system 9 and below and that was ...
X11 for OS X4/19/2008
  Q: I have been advised that X11, it is an optional package on the Tiger install DVD. I am unable to ...
  A: I toyed with declining this question because I really don't know many of the ins and outs of the ...
Copying clip art from internet to my OS10.2.8 Mac3/31/2008
  Q: Instructions will say "click and hold on image until Save As comes up". But Save As does not ...
  A: I'm not sure where you are getting those instructions. Basically, I find that a Mac, which doesn't ...
screen shot3/29/2008
  Q: 3.9 OS. Somehow I must have changed something because when I take a screen shot now it opens with ...
  A: Robert! I'm not sure what you did, but I think I can fix it. Click on one of the screen shots have ...
Almost full startup disk=>no Finder and no icons3/22/2008
  Q: I ask a question to A. Robinson, his answer didn't solve my problem and he is not available anymore, ...
  A: Julien, Sorry this took so long. Was hoping I could find someone to help me make some suggestions ...
Dekjet driver3/14/2008
  Q: I have a HP Deskjet 5740 which is printing OK except PDF files, which it won't print for some reason ...
  A: David, The 9.1x means that it works with Systems 9.1 and higher. If they don't have one ...
LOCK-UP 2 - OS X 10.43/9/2008
  Q: On Wednesday the 20th June 2007 I stumbled on how to lock your folders by going into get info and ...
  A: You aren't authenticating the document - you are authenticating your right to move it into a locked ...
Deleted system folders3/7/2008
  Q: I have a Mac powerbook G4 with the old OSX Jaguar operating system. I accidentally deleted some ...
  A: I'm assuming you have the original System disk. You need to start up from the disk (hold down C ...
LOCK-UP - OS X 10.43/6/2008
  Q: On Wednesday the 20th June 2007 I stumbled on how to lock your folders by going into get info and ...
  A: Cameron, When you click on AUTHENTICATE, it asks you for your password. If you have the authority ...
desktop icons on laptop12/9/2007
  Q: I have Mac OSX system. Unable to move any icons on desktop with mouse?
  A: I'm not sure if you mean the icons are FROZEN and you can't move them to the trash, OR if you wish ...
mac performa 550 problem11/29/2007
  Q: Debba, Heres a follow up to mySubject mac performa 550 problem Question I have a Mac performa ...
  A: Matt, I'm wondering if you have something loose on your mother board. Are you comfortable opening ...
I need a bootable OS9 disc!11/23/2007
  Q: Can you tell me where I can obtain a bootable OS9.1 disc? They are rarer than hens teeth! I have ...
  A: Peter, I am about to leave for the US and don't know if I need to make and send you a copy of my OS ...
I need a bootable OS9 disc!11/22/2007
  Q: Can you tell me where I can obtain a bootable OS9.1 disc? They are rarer than hens teeth! I have ...
  A: Peter, OK - tell me EXACTLY what you need ... you have said OS9.1 bootable. But, if I have a 9.0, ...
I need a bootable OS9 disc!11/21/2007
  Q: Can you tell me where I can obtain a bootable OS9.1 disc? They are rarer than hens teeth! I have ...
  A: Peter, I did a quick search on ebay and I think I found what you want - but you might want to do ...
iPhoto10/30/2007
  Q: ( iphoto 6.0 , imac , Tiger ) inside iphoto you can have a calender with the holidays highlighted ...
  A: Ken, Well, I spent about 2 hours today - messing around with iPhoto. I figured out how to change ...
iPhoto10/28/2007
  Q: ( iphoto 6.0 , imac , Tiger ) inside iphoto you can have a calender with the holidays highlighted ...
  A: Ken, I'm not sure exactly what you mean. I found where I can choose the origin of the country's ...
OS 9 Classic10/27/2007
  Q: On an eMac, I'm using OSX 10.4.10 but running Classic in background. There are a couple of ...
  A: Frank, Something tells me that there is a conflict in your extensions. I don't know if this works ...
Upgrading from Mac OS 9.2 to OS X10/15/2007
  Q: I have an imac that I have had for about 6 years, full of pictures, programs, etc. My question is ...
  A: First of all, you want to be sure that your iMac has enough RAM to operate on the higher systems. ...
IT'S BURNING 210/14/2007
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me how to calculate the amount of documents you can burn onto ...
  A: Any program that lets you burn disks will generally have options as to the readability of the disk. ...
IT'S BURNING10/13/2007
  Q: I was wondering would you please tell me how to calculate the amount of documents you can burn onto ...
  A: A CD can hold about what it says it will hold - 700 MB. But, there is always a little space that is ...
OS X upgrade and situational priorities10/5/2007
  Q: Think perhaps we're of the same opinion regarding the OS situation. Tiger looks like the better ...
  A: Hey, Rick - so sorry. Company here from Germany (my penpal of 46 years! and her husband) and we ...
os9 +os1o.3.910/1/2007
  Q: this machine is using os10.3.9. I discovered that I must load os 9.2 to run the app. What will be ...
  A: Actually, when you install OS X, the classic environment (System 9) should load automatically. Go ...
OS X upgrade and iLife app for digital photography9/29/2007
  Q: In the past I've received sensible help from you and would again appreciate comments and ...
  A: Rick, You have some very interesting questions, but I think you have also pretty much answered them ...
hardware, mic, external noise9/28/2007
  Q: Here's an unusualI've got an iMAC G4 running 10.3.9. I'm about to record a webcast that, ...
  A: Rich, Well, I hope I can help you with this one. I have only laptops running OS X, so I couldn't ...
macbook password9/6/2007
  Q: I have a macbook and I forgot my password and need to reset it. Every messageboard that I have seen ...
  A: So sorry it took me so long - had to go out of town unexpectedly and couldn't spend time on my ...
Printer problem2/23/2007
  Q: 3.9 and I'm trying to get a HP Deskjet 3500 to work. I installed the software from the disk. Do I ...
  A: Bob, I should think your software included a driver, but have you tried talking to an HP help desk? ...
Uploading html ?2/1/2007
  Q: I have a domain - bannerchat.net . How do I do it? I have a Mac with OS 10.3.9. I guess I have ...
  A: Glad the Composer suggestion worked for you. Regarding getting Explorer to be your default, I think ...
Appleworks in Panther 10.3.511/26/2006
  Q: My computer is running OS 10.3.7 on a 1 Ghz Quicksilver G4, with 1.5 Gb RAM. I have the original ...
  A: David, I'm not sure what to tell you. I have installed the 6.2.9 version on my computer and it ...
Locked trash11/23/2006
  Q: I'm using OSX, but it doesn't seem to be working. :(How do you unlock things that can't be deleted ...
  A: I did a search at the apple support site - here is what I found: ...
coolever_ny@hotmail.com10/13/2006
  Q: I have had my Macbook for a week and one day morning it just appear a flashing earth icon upon ...
  A: I have no idea what the icon means - but since your computer is new, I strongly urge you to contact ...
Is Safari a good browser?9/17/2006
  Q: I have an older Power Mac G3 with a 9.2.2 OS. It's beige, not the blue&white tower. I have been ...
  A: I'm not sure Safari will work on 9.2.2, but, if it does, it's a great browser. I use it all the ...
blue clamshell iBook9/13/2006
  Q: Our blue clamshell iBook G3 with OS X will not boot beyond a blank / white screen with the Apple ...
  A: (PS - when I say remove the battery at the end of this letter, I mean the BIG battery ... not any ...
Can't find my backup hd9/13/2006
  Q: I have a problem I can't seem to solve. I have a MacIntosh computer, G3. I have an external ...
  A: I would begin by checking all the connections. Make sure that the drive is securely attached to the ...
battery8/26/2006
  Q: I have a powerbook g4 and recently my battery icon shows 2 % charged all the time , my battery is ...
  A: How old is your G4? I suggest that you take it off the power and run from the battery until it runs ...
My Mac won't start up8/25/2006
  Q: I have a problem I hope you can help me with. I have a Power Mac G3 with 9.2 OS. My computer ...
  A: Michael, Your battery might be dead. When did you last replace it? Or, have you ever replaced it? ...
CDs ejected3/29/2006
  Q: Recently, whenever I put a music CD into my iBook, it churns around a bit, and then ejects it. This ...
  A: Matthew, sorry. I got your question as I was leaving on a trip and I had no time to get back to ...
Dock3/28/2006
  Q: My icon for Quicken 2005 does not stay on the dock. When I shut the system down at the end of the ...
  A: In order for an icon to remain in the dock, you need to go to the folder that holds the original ...
OS103/27/2006
  Q: Donna - I just gave in and upgraded to OS10 from OS9.1. It's so different, I have dozens of things ...
  A: Chuck, Don't know if I'm the person you meant to write - I'm Debba, not Donna. In any case, Office ...
Appleworks lost my revisions????3/20/2006
  Q: I just spent 3 hours editing a manuscript, but when I highlighted it to copy and paste to an e-mail, ...
  A: I'm sorry - I have been sick. I suspect that by now you have long ago saved and redone your work. ...
I forgot to ask you -3/17/2006
  Q: I have a web site (http://www.800chiromarketing.com) that has a short video presentation on it that ...
  A: I'm not sure if this will help you ... but if you can click on the thing you want while holding down ...
May mac won't start up3/17/2006
  Q: It has 9.2 OS. It displays the extensions along the bottom of the screen then allows me to enter my ...
  A: It sounds to me like you have an extension conflict. Have you installed anything new lately? Watch ...
Mac won't awaken3/16/2006
  Q: I have a G5 running OS10.3 with an AOC monitor. When I let it go to sleep or if I shut it down, ...
  A: Here is a link to help you find a genius bar near you: http://www.apple.com/retail/ Dear Philip, ...
2002 iMac OS X 10.3 Classic Load Problem3/14/2006
  Q: What I have: A used iMac (graphite) est. 2002 model. I purchased it used with no original system ...
  A: I have been trying to do some research on the problem you are having and I'm not coming up with ...
download3/9/2006
  Q: Debba: I want to listen to something that was broadcast on NPR. I can call up the information on ...
  A: What system are you, Ed? I'm just curious ... as I don't think it should matter what system you are ...
OE Database Recovery3/2/2006
  Q: Right after OE 5.0.6 crashed, I made copies of the "Microsoft User Data Folder," and put in a 2nd ...
  A: Angel, I am really out of my league with OE. One would assume you can drag them into the folder you ...
OE Problem Fixed!3/1/2006
  Q: I found a website (MacOptions.com) that helped me get OE up and running again. This works if you ...
  A: I want to thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me with the fix. I wish I had had ...
I Mac OS 8.52/27/2006
  Q: My son is applying to grad school and needs poetry and stories he wrote that are on the Mac. I can ...
  A: You can join the group of Mac people who are probably ready to hang Apple from the highest tree for ...
OE for Mac2/26/2006
  Q: Followup To Question - Hi Debba, I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you - but my head somewhat ...
  A: Angel, Either you are staying up all night worrying about this, or you live in a time-zone similar ...
OE for Mac2/25/2006
  Q: I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you - but my head somewhat stuck, because I can't resolve my OE ...
  A: I'm concerned that you are not making your alias from the original application. Look at the icon ...
OE for Mac2/25/2006
  Q: I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you - but my head somewhat stuck, because I can't resolve my OE ...
  A: You either threw out the original OE after you made your alias, or you made your alias from another ...
OutLook Express2/22/2006
  Q: I use a G4; run MacOS 9.2.2; use Outlook Express 5.0.6. I got the following message when I went to ...
  A: Open your system folder (with Outlook not opened) and go to the Preferences folder. Throw out any ...
E-mail Virus?2/21/2006
  Q: I have an iMac OS 9.2 and I use Outlooks Express to receive my e-mail. Unfortunately just yesterday ...
  A: I'm so sorry - I do not use Outlook Express and I am not sure I can be much help - but let's see if ...
Mac goes to sleep randomly2/8/2006
  Q: I dont know why, my Mac a PowerBook G4 version 10.3.9 1.5 GHz. goes to sleep every sigle time? ...
  A: Because you seem to know about the hot corners, I'm assuming you have visited the preference where ...
OS 9.1 to OSX2/8/2006
  Q: Debba - Actually two questions: 1 - Seems I have no choice but to convert from 9.1 to X. Hate to ...
  A: I caution you to be sure that your computer can handle System X. You don't say what machine you are ...
stuffit expander2/3/2006
  Q: Ok, I just "switched" a few weeks back for the first time, and today downloaded a file which I ...
  A: Your guess is as good as mine. I think some systems have come with it in the past and you had to ...
Downloading12/6/2005
  Q: imac 9.2...... It is taking a long time to download web sites and was wondering if there was ...
  A: I suggest you run your Disk First Aid program that comes with System 9 ... start up using your ...
Ethernet broadband12/4/2005
  Q: G4 256/80gb OS 10.3+ My internet connection stopped working even though I have another Mac and a PC ...
  A: Have you tried running the First Aid utility on your computer that is having difficulties? If you ...
Desktop Items11/25/2005
  Q: I'm an Advance user of PC computers but I'm a beginner in iMac. So please I would be greatful for ...
  A: Zee, My apologies - as you may realize, I live in Indonesia and the electrical and phone support is ...
Windows .wps documents11/23/2005
  Q: I cannot find a free or cheap way to open the .wps files (which are created by Works for Windows) ...
  A: What exactly do you wish to do with the files? If you simply want to read them, you should have ...
dimmed lock on folder. Cannot lock folder.11/22/2005
  Q: I want to put a lock on some folders so they are not accidentally put in the trash. The lock icon ...
  A: This is really stumping me. I would say that you need to do a clean install of your system. There ...
QuickTime Plug Ins11/15/2005
  Q: How's the weather there? We've been having an extended "Indian Summer" here, temps in the low 70's. ...
  A: Hot and humid in Bali, where I'm living now. It's that way pretty much year 'round. The only ...
sound problem11/13/2005
  Q: I'm on a g3 with a G4 upgrade card, system 9.1. My sound suddenly quit. I tried a different set of ...
  A: I wonder if your sound card is loose. Do you know how to open your CPU? If you do, take a moment ...
ibook keyboard/lifespan11/4/2005
  Q: Debba, I have an ibook OS X Version 10.2.6 that's approximately two years old. Recently a couple of ...
  A: Raya, I suspect that you have managed to get something under the keys that is giving you trouble. ...
disappearing windows ?10/27/2005
  Q: 3icons on dock have ? on them -alsodisappeared from applications folder ( ...
  A: Doug, sorry I took so long - got busy and forgot. In any case, I suggest you do a clean install of ...
eek10/25/2005
  Q: I have a mac osx (10.3.9) and i just leaned on my keyboard by accident of course and then all of a ...
  A: Mari, I'm not sure what you might have pressed to make it go black and white, but let's try going ...
Beige G3 & dvd10/18/2005
  Q: I just bought a dvd-ram drive for my beige G3 (384 RAM, 466 G4, 9.2.2). Player 1.3 is what is ...
  A: Tyler, I advise you to contact the maker of your new drive ... they should have the tech support to ...
internet-changes to system10/9/2005
  Q: Just wondering if you can help. I am A+ certified for Microsoft. Don't know Macs at all. A client ...
  A: If you are using a wireless connection, choose airport instead of ethernet. The rest remains the ...
how to10/5/2005
  Q: i bougth an ibook 12 inch 1.07ghz 30 gb hd 256 mb ram running phanther actualized my problem is ...
  A: I'm sorry - this is beyond my abilities at this point, although I definitely agreed with the apple ...
mac os9 to osX10/4/2005
  Q: First of all, i would like to thank you very much for spending time to answer my question. Well, ...
  A: Mari, Where are you living? If you are in an area where there are a lot of Japanese speaking ...
unexpected file ending?9/19/2005
  Q: I just bought an older mac (clamshell ibook g3 300mhz) It's system 9.2.2 and appleworks 6. When I ...
  A: It sounds to me like maybe your preferences are damaged. I suggest you open your system folder and ...
hotmail9/7/2005
  Q: Debba, I've been trying to set up a Hotmail email address, to supplement my verizon.net address, but ...
  A: I use Yahoo for that very purpose - but I don't understand why you aren't able to get into Hotmail, ...
Serial printers on new iMac9/6/2005
  Q: My father has a new iMac 20 inch he also has a Personal Laserwriter LS and a Epson Stylus Color 600 ...
  A: Stijn, I have been away on a family emergency and have been unable to get to my questions - my ...
DEFAULT FONT TROUBLE9/3/2005
  Q: I have OSX 10.2.8 My system default font is permanently set as some grafitti looking font. It is ...
  A: My apologies for not getting back to you. I was called out of town on a family emergency on Monday ...
Imac troubles8/26/2005
  Q: I have an imac running system 9.2. ( I know - it's old but its been a good computer). I recently ...
  A: Kim, If you go here, it explains that you need to upgrade to 9.2.1 in order to get quicktime. ...
email8/16/2005
  Q: This started yesterday. It is only with some recipients, not all. I receive the email but when I ...
  A: I've not heard of this problem recently but I knew a few years back that my e-mail program (Eudora) ...
Hard Drives5/17/2005
  Q: How's the weather? We are cool and overcast. I have two hard drives in my G4. Are both hard drives ...
  A: The weather here is actually quite pleasant - yesterday I had all the doors and windows open, ...
email pictures can't open some5/17/2005
  Q: Why can't I open e-mail pictures when the email text ends in eml? If the text ends in jpg or net ...
  A: I did a quick search for .eml and discovered that you need to use Outlook Express and it could very ...
Zero all Data?5/11/2005
  Q: How's the weather? I use a G4; run MacOS 9.2.2. 1.) Is it possible to perform a "Zero all Data," ...
  A: Hot, as usual. Our average temperature is 85°F year 'round. Now, during the rainy season it often ...
After opening an Appleworks...5/3/2005
  Q: After opening an Appleworks 6 file, I can close it again ok. But if I add another entry to the ...
  A: Franz, First of all, can you tell me what system you are using? That will impact what I tell you ...
Used MacOS 9.2.2 CDs4/28/2005
  Q: I use a Power Mac G (QuickSilver 2002). It was bought used and didn't come with the original ...
  A: I actually have no idea. You should call Apple or a computer store and ask them. You might find ...
Hi, Debba -- Frank here, eMac...4/26/2005
  Q: Debba -- Frank here, eMac user with OS X v.10.2.8, depending heavily on MS Office X & QuarkXPress ...
  A: In older systems, I would tell you to throw out your Finder and restart your computer. ...
Startup Screen Problem4/25/2005
  Q: The startup screen problem is solved!! I bought my G4 used and it came with a "G4 9.2.1 CD," and a ...
  A: Yes, for future reference, keep track of when problems begin - there are often clues as to who or ...
Zero All Data4/17/2005
  Q: Your suggestion of making a 'xxxsuitcasexxx' and a "xxxfinderxxx" copies was ingenius! Would you ...
  A: I would use Norton's Disk Doctor. Boot up from the disk (restart your computer with the CD in the ...
new desktop folder=crash4/17/2005
  Q: I had two desk top folders, one labeled Text, which had a number of documents in it and another ...
  A: Andrea, Sorry, I lost track of time. OK. You can't actually attach folders to e-mails. You have ...
new desktop folder=crash4/16/2005
  Q: I have an iBook with mac OS 9.2.2. I think it's RAM is mostly gone. i created a new file on my ...
  A: First of all, I want to make sure I understand you correctly. You said you created a new folder on ...
Clean Install4/9/2005
  Q: Followup To Question -Hi Debba, I use a G4; run MacOS 9.2.2. For days now, I've been trying to ...
  A: Am I to assume that you successfully clean-installed AND moved your pieces and parts into the proper ...
Clean Install4/7/2005
  Q: Followup To Question - Hi Debba, I use a G4; run MacOS 9.2.2. For days now, I've been trying to ...
  A: With your computer booted up, insert your system install disk into the disk drive. Close the door. ...
help on clean install OS X 10.2.8 and backing up data4/7/2005
  Q: Would like to do a clean install as I feel it will be the quickest way to clean and de-clutter my ...
  A: OK - I think I've got the info you need. Begin by finding the folders that you want to 'save'. ...
Clean Install4/5/2005
  Q: I use a G4; run MacOS 9.2.2. For days now, I've been trying to download step-by-step instructions on ...
  A: If I'm understanding your concern correctly, it is the blackout that has you worried. But, if ...
Clean Install4/2/2005
  Q: I use a G4; run MacOS 9.2.2. For days now, I've been trying to download step-by-step instructions on ...
  A: I tried to download it and open it up, but since I use system 10, it may not be responding properly. ...
USB DOCSIS MODEM3/31/2005
  Q: Can u please help me setuping the any DOCSIS Cable modem (prefreably Motorola SB5100, Toshiba ...
  A: I'm sorry - this is totally out of my league. I wish I could be more help, but I'm not familiar ...
Sherlock not working3/27/2005
  Q: i am using Mac )S 10.1.5 on iMac. I noticed a little while ago when I click on Sherlock in the ...
  A: Well, I'm going to give this a try. Go to your dock and click and drag your icon for Sherlock off ...
Appleworks spreadsheet always crashes when closing3/24/2005
  Q: I have used Appleworks spreadsheets for a long time. Now, after updating to OS X 2 (and 3), when ...
  A: I'm sorry to say that I don't know what the problem is. I am having similar crashes when I use ...
footnotes3/16/2005
  Q: Debba: You were so helpful on my last question that I am going to ask another: I've written ...
  A: I hope I can answer this question adequately for you. I'm not sure exactly what you did for your ...
Alphabetizing3/16/2005
  Q: I use Apple Works 6. Is there any way to have a list of items (cities, for example) alphabetized ...
  A: Goodness, time got away from me! I'm so sorry that I've not answered this until now. We had a ...
Alphabetizing3/16/2005
  Q: I use Apple Works 6. Is there any way to have a list of items (cities, for example) alphabetized ...
  A: Your wish is my command! You can easily do this in a spreadsheet or in a data base. Do you know ...
Storage3/3/2005
  Q: What kind of storage device would I need to store all of my hard drive? Could I use one of those ...
  A: I think this is a very personal issue, based on what you already have and what you might need to ...
vertical text2/22/2005
  Q: Some applications on my computer (Dreamweaver, Fetch, Toast) will only display vertical text. So ...
  A: I've not been able to find a solution to your problem. I thought I might be able to reconstruct it ...
Upgrading to OS 9 from OS 82/21/2005
  Q: But I am getting a message from my OS 8.6 that I need to update my firmware. Which is suppose to be ...
  A: Ren, Sounds like your disk has a defect of some kind. If you have Norton's, and you have a floppy ...
Upgrading operating system2/19/2005
  Q: How can I force my G3 operating on OS 8.6, to start up from the CD Rom Drive to upgrade to OS 9.2? ...
  A: Annoying, isn't it!?! Put the disk in the disk drive, when the computer is already running. ...
Mouse Pointer "smart move" on OS10.2.82/10/2005
  Q: I can't get my mouse to automatically move the pointer to the default selection boxes on OS 10.2.8. ...
  A: John, My apologies for taking so long - for some reason I have not been receiving my questions. ...
OS X and classic interaction2/9/2005
  Q: I am using an 800 Mhz iBook with 640 RAM and running 10.3.6. I also have 9.2.2 installed, but not ...
  A: First off, is the CD drive working? Have you been able to read other disks with no problem on that ...
drop box1/31/2005
  Q: Debba, Your answer is right on the money. I will go and change those permissions. I spend way ...
  A: Tom, I'm so glad to hear that I solved your drop box problem - but I think I might also be able to ...
drop box1/28/2005
  Q: We purchased 6 eMacs a year and 1/2 ago, and they have been splendid. However, there is one small ...
  A: Tom, This is a most frustrating situation and I have run into it before. It all comes from how ...
G3 DVD-Drive1/21/2005
  Q: At home I have an old B/W G3/350Mhz/DVD/CD Stock Drive running OS 9 and OS X 10.1. I also have 5 ...
  A: My gut feeling is that you definitely have too many drives connected. My first bit of advice is to ...
Deleting old files in Appleworks1/20/2005
  Q: I have Mac OSX Version 10.3.7 In Appleworks 6.2.4. I want to delete some current files and also ...
  A: I am assuming you know where the folder is that holds the files you wish to delete. The only thing ...
task manager1/19/2005
  Q: Does macintosh have an equivalent to Ctrl + Alt + Delete, like in a PC?
  A: Sure does! Just highlight the desired item and then press the apple (command key) and delete. The ...
My Mac randomly goes into Sleep mode!1/15/2005
  Q: I'm using a 466 MHz PowerPc G4 with Mac OSX version 10.3.7. I'm running into 2 problems. First ...
  A: Emily, Regarding the sleeping issue, I suspect you might be inadvertently dragging your mouse into ...
Trash Bin1/12/2005
  Q: I tried that, as well as dragging it to multiple locations, though it will not go. It gives an ...
  A: Just wanted to get back to you - I talked to my Mac people and they agreed that it SHOULD be able to ...
AppleWorks Database compared to Filemaker 2.11/11/2005
  Q: How would the database in AppleWorks compare to (10 yr old?)FileMaker Pro 2.1? I have very simple ...
  A: Paul, Assuming you are using AppleWorks 6 (although it probably will work with lower versions) here ...
Speed Disk1/9/2005
  Q: I have a PowerMac G4 with OS X. When I run the Speed Disk on my Norton Utlities 8.0 to optomize my ...
  A: Laura, When you run Speed Disk, there is a magnifying glass that you can click on and then run ...
data disk trouble won't mount1/6/2005
  Q: are you safe? I have a question about my mac but since everything that has gone on, i feel like ...
  A: How utterly sweet and considerate of you. Yes, I am fine. I live on the northeast end of Java and ...
Changing a dead battery11/10/2004
  Q: It's a 233MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor.How can I open a Mac 9.2.2 machine to change a dead ...
  A: Well, Robert - not knowing if it is a desktop model or a tower makes it difficult to help you a ...
Power on11/6/2004
  Q: We need to use a g4 powerbook in an exhibit. It needs to start when power is restored. Can this be ...
  A: Greg, More Info: You CAN do it - I finally found the answer! = ) Go to System Preferences in the ...
Media Player11/6/2004
  Q: I don't know if this is in your field but maybe you can put me in the right direction. I have an ...
  A: Bob, this is WAY out of my league, but I did a search on Apple's site and found this: ...
Correct Monitor Settings11/3/2004
  Q: Nope - afraid that didn't help. Any other ideas? Thanks, RonA major software problem (Norton ...
  A: Ron, I'm really not sure at all, but I visited Apple's website and found the following: ...
Correct Monitor Settings11/2/2004
  Q: A major software problem (Norton "greyed" my HD) led to having Mac techs backup all files and ...
  A: Ron, I don't know what you mean that Norton 'greyed' your HD ... but with the reinstallation of the ...
I am using "diskutil --list"...10/5/2004
  Q: I am using "diskutil --list" command to find the various disk partitions available, and I am using ...
  A: Kumar, It would help me a lot to know what system you are using, assuming you have a Mac ... if you ...
Apple Mail9/30/2004
  Q: I am on a Power Mac G4 version 10.3.5 I am having trouble locating old mail in Apple Mail. It ...
  A: I'm a Eudora user, myself, so Apple Mail is not at all familiar to me. But, that being said, you ...
Browser for OS 8.69/30/2004
  Q: My beige G-3 has served me faithfully for many years and I've resisted upgrading so far. However, ...
  A: Phil, I don't know that there is a 'best' version. As far as I know, they work with the older ...
startup problem9/17/2004
  Q: I'm using OS 9 on a Mac G4. What does it mean when there's a question mark flashing inside a file ...
  A: Thalia, It means that your computer can't find the startup disk. You might need to replace your ...
Startup problems9/7/2004
  Q: I have an old Mac clone (PowerComputing 604/120)running System 8.6. Recently my attached monitor did ...
  A: Jim, OH MY GOODNESS! I'll bet that blast of air tossed all the folders and spilled their contents. ...
Quadra9/2/2004
  Q: My Macintosh Quadra 610 just quit working. No sound, no sign of life. Does it have a fuse or circuit ...
  A: Charles, How comfortable are you taking your computer apart? If you are able to open it up, I am ...
networking card for 6500/2755/18/2004
  Q: I need a networking card for an older Mac. It's a 6500/275. He is running OS 8.6.... I am very ...
  A: Duke, How I wish I were more of a network person - but I'm not. I think you need to try someone ...
Video Files5/17/2004
  Q: I hope you can help me. Is there any way to play all the different types of video files (besides ...
  A: I'm sorry, Steven, I thought I was going to be able to help you more, but I'm really coming up dry. ...
appleworks/claris5/8/2004
  Q: I had Claris Works on my Mac G4 with system 9.1, then my system was updated to 9.2 and it now has ...
  A: Glad to be of help. The translation is automatic, as it is merely a cosmetic change as far as the ...
appleworks/claris5/7/2004
  Q: I had Claris Works on my Mac G4 with system 9.1, then my system was updated to 9.2 and it now has ...
  A: David, There is absolutely no problem throwing out the alias for Claris ... In fact, it never ...
8.6 upgrade5/3/2004
  Q: I just upgraded my I-mac to 8.6 from 8.5.1 to use with kodak camera. Since upgrade I have to unplug ...
  A: I have several ideas. First of all, have you checked out the FAQs at the Kodak website as well as ...
I am using AppleWorks v6.2.9...4/30/2004
  Q: I am using AppleWorks v6.2.9 with System X (Panther) and when I try to save a file using the / ...
  A: Ken, You are right. The slash doesn't work any longer - you can use . or _ in place of the slash. ...
Macs and firewire drives4/22/2004
  Q: The mouse stopped working when I connected tthe firewire drive to my Imac running OS9. Why? thanks!
  A: Gail, Did you check to see if the mouse plug it secure? It could be just a coincidence that it ...
Not enough space or memory4/17/2004
  Q: My computer constantly says that I don't have enough memory or space available. This confuses me ...
  A: You can check and see how much RAM you have by going to the Apple Menu and going down to 'About This ...
Spreadsheet4/14/2004
  Q: How do you merge cells in an Appleworks Spreadsheet?
  A: Jerry, You can make text go across several columns by clicking in the first cell and then typing as ...
Installing an IMac OS on a computer with a damaged CD rom4/7/2004
  Q: I would appreciate it if you would tell me exactly how to use a usb external hard drive to do this. ...
  A: Marc, Hook up your USB CD and then go into the apple menu - control panels - startup disk ... ...
Installing an IMac OS on a computer with a damaged CD rom4/5/2004
  Q: I have another question. At the school where I teach, we have a few imacs that have damaged cd rom ...
  A: Marc, You can use external CD or hard drive to do the install. If you network, you can use the ...
bypassing a hard drive to install new os4/5/2004
  Q: I am a teacher at a public middle school in NYC. We have an emac with OS 9.0 that has a user group ...
  A: Marc, I think that your best bet is to contact Apple about this problem. I suspect, under the ...
virtual cd rom drives for mac3/29/2004
  Q: I work in a library where we have a imac OS 8.6 computer. We would like to let kids play games ...
  A: Melissa, Not that I know of - it is the protection so it is harder to pirate software ... you can't ...
im having kernale panick on my g4 4503/26/2004
  Q: ever since updating to osx panther ive had terible touble on my mac.i did a clean disk erase clean ...
  A: Sean, Yes, you should be able to downgrade ... I suggest you clean install - erasing the drive ...
powermac 7500 running os 9.13/25/2004
  Q: How do you find out how much ram and the size of the cpu on this system?
  A: Harford, There are several ways to determine this info. If you go to the Apple Menu on the left ...
older appleworks documents3/17/2004
  Q: how do you open older documents written on appleworks when you upgrade your machine to an imac with ...
  A: As far as I know, there is no difference. I have several computers with 8.6 and 9.2.2 .. and some ...
AppleWorks/ClarisWorks Spreadsheets3/5/2004
  Q: Question applies to both Claris Works 4.0 and AppleWorks 6.2.9. Cannot seem to change the line ...
  A: I am sorry to say that AppleWorks and ClarisWorks DO NOT let you adjust the width of the lines in ...
1st time computer owner-totally illiterate!3/5/2004
  Q: (version 10.3 eMac) HELP! I think I set up my eMac wrong. I was online, but I did something, and ...
  A: Congrats on the acquisition of your eMac! I'm sorry if you feel this isn't as easy as you expected. ...
stylewriter 12003/4/2004
  Q: I have a lot of experience with windows pc- but now my dad asked me to connect a old stylewriter ...
  A: I think this will be easy for you. Now that you have the driver downloaded, simply click on the ...
8.13/1/2004
  Q: I partitioned my hard disk on my POWERBOOK G3(20GB400MHZ). Made 8 Volumes. Installed 9.1 System in ...
  A: Luca, My apologies for letting this go ... time sure does fly and it's obvious I need to keep ...

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Debba Robinson

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Expertise

AppleWorks 6, Systems up to 10.3.5, general trouble-shooting of hardware and some software.

Experience

In years past I taught computer K-8 and helped maintain Macs using sytems 7 and 8. Since 2001, I have not been working with computers daily, aside from doing my own work. I dabble in helping people out and enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out answers to your problems. Systems 7, 8, 9 and 10 are all in my repertoire now, at various levels of expertise. Please, NO networking questions.

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