With Andrew Hardy Director of Brighton-based Rivendell Software

Q: My modem connection keeps dropping the line after I have connected to my internet service provider (ISP). Is there something wrong with my computer?

A: There is often a suspicion with some ISPs that they drop connections to free up lines for others to dial in. This is largely unproven and most problems of this type can be attributed to noisy lines caused by corrosion on the telephone line or more likely a poorly installed telephone extension. Try setting up accounts with several free ISPs to see if the problem still occurs for all of them. If it does, contact your telephone service provider and ask them to test the quality of your line.

Q: In a recent answer to a reader's question about upgrading a PC, you suggested they install a new motherboard and processor in their machine. I have enquired about this and I have been told my computer case is non-standard and so will not take a new motherboard. Are there any other options?

A: Some of the big-name manufacturers have their own cases designed that differ from 'standard' ATX Cases. Unfortunately, this means you are tied to that manufacturer for any upgrades and these are usually prohibitively expensive. One solution is to buy a slot-in processor upgrade. These work with your existing motherboard but provide a more powerful processor despite the limitations of the motherboard. Hypertec Ltd sell a processor upgrade solution that allows Pentium II owners to upgrade their existing computer for £157 + VAT. See their website for details (www.hypertec.co.uk).

Q: I have lost a file on my hard disk and I don't know where it has gone. I definitely saved it to the C: drive but I have no idea where it is. How can I find it again?

A: Windows provides a simple-to-use search facility that allows the user to find individual or even groups of files on any of the drives. To try this, click on the 'Start' button on the taskbar and select 'Find'. Select 'Files or Folders'. You will then be prompted to enter a name (you can use wildcards such as * - this allows you to specify groups of files. So if you wanted to find all the word documents on your hard disk you would enter *.doc). Enter the name of the file you lost, then select drive C: from the dropdown, and click on 'Find Now'. Matching filenames will then be listed.

Q: Can you tell me how to set the date and time on my computer?

A: This is very simple to do. Simply double-click on the time displayed in the System Tray (usually found in the bottom right hand corner of the screen). You will then be presented with a dialog that will allow you to set the current date and time. You should also ensure that you have the Time Zone set to Greenwich Mean Time.

Do you have any new media headaches that are in need of answers? Contact Net Solutions at evolution@argus-btn.co.uk