Q: I have a vexing problem when I am sent images by e-mail. I use the Thunderbird e-mail program. I sometimes get a message that says "Invalid Images." Also, at times, I see a square box with a red X through it.
— Howard Snider
A: Some beta, or test, versions of Thunderbird had a problem that resulted in this error message: "Invalid image size." If that's the message you get, moving to the latest regular version of Thunderbird should solve the problem. Beta versions often come with more glitches.
In general, one of two things usually causes problems getting images by e-mail:
1. Sometimes the security settings on your e-mail program block images. Check the e-mail program's security settings to see if that's the case.
2. A computer may not have the right program to open the image, especially if the image is saved in a format other than the common JPG. If your computer doesn't have the program needed to view or open the image, you are out of luck.
There are other possible causes too, plenty of them in fact. So do this specific search using Google: "red x image email." You'll find a lot of reading material that may help.
Q: In a recent column you suggested various ways for the cash-strapped to deal with a broken computer. Though your suggestions were fine you should have also mentioned that public libraries often furnish free time on a computer. They're also a great source of information.
— Richard Glickman
A: Right on both counts, Richard.
Q: After my computer runs for a while — an hour or two — I hear a high-pitched whine. Is that a sign that my hard disk is dying?
— Alice Watson
A: More likely it's a sign that the power supply in your computer is going bad. Although hard disk failures often are preceded by some nasty noises, it would be more typical to hear a metallic clanging or chattering sound when the hard disk is the culprit.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud(at)bellsouth.net. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.