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Microsoft Word 2007: Help! My mouse won't work right!

Recently, one of my clients experienced a different kind of problem in Word 2007. He couldn't highlight text! He could click on some things, but not all menus. And despite everything he
tried, the mouse wouldn't select the text. He turned to me for help.

Since this was a new situation for me - one that I hadn't heard of - I searched Google for an answer. On Lockergnome.com, I discovered there were many people experiencing this issue. A fix was posted, which was copied in part from a Microsoft Knowledgebase article.

What happens sometimes, is the Data file for Word 2007 becomes corrupted. Usually due to a defective, or incompatible addin. The suggestion is to delete the registry key. Most of us don't
like to work with the registry, however, in this instance, the fix was painless, and I was even able to apply it to my client's computer remotely.

To delete the Word Data registry key, follow these steps:

1. Exit all Office programs.
2. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:

• Word 2002:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Word\Data

• Word 2003:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Word\Data

• Word 2007:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Word\Data

4. Click Data, and then click Export on the File menu.
5. Name the file Wddata.reg, and then save the file to the desktop.
6. Click Delete on the Edit menu, and then click Yes.
7. Exit Registry Editor.
8. Start Word.

If Word starts and works correctly, you have resolved the problem. The problem was a damaged Word Data registry key. You may have to change several settings to restore your favorite options in Word.

(This is an excerpt from Microsoft Article ID: 921541)

Hope this helps if any of you experience this issue.

Happy Computing, Kathy Ritchie

Disaster Preparedness

With the recent tornadoes across the Midwest and Northern Colorado, it brought to mind the importance of disaster preparedness. Ready.gov states that 1 in 4 businesses never reopen after a disaster, plan to NOT be one of those that never reopen. Plan your recovery before its needed.

To see the supplies that Ready.gov recommends please visit http://www.ready.gov/business/plan/emersupply.html

Common sense tells us, that businesses should keep copies of their most important files offsite. Personally, I use several methods but most notably, I use Carbonite's online backup service. For about $50 per year, I'm assured of complete recovery of my files in the case of disaster - or if I reformat my PC (as I did recently) and need to restore my files. Also, dvd's of my information is stored in fireproof safes, and the really urgent information is easily grabbed as I'm running out the door.

Be prepared. Your equipment should be insured. Don't use a rider on your homeowner's policy, you should have business insurance that covers your equipment. All of it. Make an inventory of all the software you have, whether its installed or not, list your peripherals List your books. If you have a radio in your office, list that! List EVERYTHING! Take pictures of your equipment, store your receipts with your inventory, OFF SITE. My Office inventory is electronic, and is stored offsite, AND backed up regularly. Keep your inventory up to date. When you prepare your inventory, don't forget about your various logins and account access codes and passwords. I have a book of keycodes, kept in my fireproof safe. For my more sensitive logins, those are encrypted on a flashdrive in the safe. Keep this list as up to date as possible.

During severe weather, surges often cripple your equipment, which is why it is vital your equipment be protected with high quality surge protection, and if you lose power suddenly, having an uninteruptable power supply (UPS) can give you the time you need to save what you're working on and shut your equipment down. High quality UPS systems also include surge protection. Include your PHONES on the surge protection. Often, your telephone is one piece of equipment that is forgotten about when it comes to equipment protection.

Visit Ready.gov for more information about disaster preparedness for your home and your business. Become familiar with what you need to do, and what needs to be on hand. Stay alert to the news, and be prepared.

Wishing you safe, Kathy Ritchie

Working on the Fly

Recently, I had occasion to be out of the office, but still needed the ability to work with clients. Thank goodness for wireless technology.

I brought my old T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone, with the wireless keyboard, and went to work. Not only did I have the ability to take calls, I could surf the net and also type this column.

I realize the system I'm using for wireless working isn't the latest on the market, but it meets my needs perfectly, and it was very affordable, since I purchased it on eBay. (Be careful of shady sellers though, ask plenty of questions, and make sure the seller has a return policy.)

As many of you know, I am a gadget addict. Actually, my friend, Janice Byer (Docu-Type Web Design & Administrative Services) calls me the Gadget Queen, lol. My point is that you don't always need to have the latest thing if you're patient and can find ways of making the gadget fit your needs. In this case, my need was to have one piece of equipment fill two roles - anything that lighten's the load is a plus! A bonus is also that the system is much more upgradable than my last PDA, which wasn't at all.

Finally, be curious, be cautious, but be open to gadgets that aren't the 'hip' items, you can save money and still get the job done.

Happy Gadget-ing! Kathy Ritchie, Editor

Update: Just this week I was able to get a really good deal on a new PDA/phone (next to nothing!) when my wireless contract was up. Now Im using an HTC Wing, which has all the bells I could have hoped for. My only hint of an issue is that the integrated keyboard is a bit small - but that could also be that it's new to me. Main thing is that I'm able to be "connected" one of several different ways. (GPRS, wifi, bluetooth) So the above article, while it doesn't apply specifically to me now, I still believe it.

Have a great May! Kathy Ritchie, Editor

Turning Hobbies into Careers

Turning Hobbies into Careers
by Kathy Ritchie

Do you have a hobby you would like to make money with? I think many of us have thought about turning a hobby into a money-making venture at some point.

My hobbies include fishing (although I don't have a chance to fish often enough!), genealogy, photography, reading, writing, graphic design, and so on.

Fishing isn't something I would ever try to make money with-its just for fun. I began my genealogical research years ago, honing my skills by finding long lost relatives, from the past to the present. I cultivated this skill and began offering research services as part of my business. Its proven profitable and very interesting. Through genealogy, I learned heraldic designs, then added that skill to my repertoire.

Recently, my passion for photography became an income generator when several of my photos sold unexpectedly. Also, for holiday presents, I designed several journals and a calendar featuring my photos, and my family went crazy for them. One of my sisters urged me to start offering my photos for sale, and after much thought, I did!

The latest venture for me is my very own online gallery, Kathy Ritchie Photography, at www.kathyritchiephotography.com. It's a work in progress but I'm very excited!

My point is, don't discount your hobbies as money making ventures. Countless activities exist that could be a great niche service to your clients, or a brand new career for you.

Take inventory of your hobbies, crafts, and fun projects. Do research on what product or services are already available and go from there. You may find the next BIG TICKET service or product that sells like hotcakes, and was spawned from something you already love.

The main thing is to have fun, be creative, and have an open mind to all the possibilities.

Have a great March!

Kathy Ritchie
Editor, RSS Herald (Go to URL)

Resolving Disputes to get what you want

Hello,

Not long ago I ordered a set of camera lenses, adapters, and filters for my new camera. I searched around for the best deal, and found it on eBay. I was so excited when the lenses came that I immediately went out to snap some photos. To my disappointment the new lenses worked horribly! I was shocked! (My first bad deal on eBay.) The pictures were distorted, and just awful.

I went back to the ad and re-read it carefully. I discovered that the lenses I received were not as described in the eBay ad, nor were they fully compatible with my camera as stated. I contacted the seller, and after showing her a couple shots, she agreed that the quality was poor.

We discussed options for a little while, then finally, agreed to have her ship out the correct lenses, and I would return the filters, the adapter and incorrect lenses. I would only pay for my shipping of the lenses back to her.

My bottom line is: Don't settle! If you're not satisfied, and you know it should be different, speak up. Then you'll get the clarity you deserve.

Photos by Kathy Ritchie, Leaves and Landscape shots are after the new (correct) lenses were delivered.

Thanks! Kathy Ritchie