Internet Tips

Note Error Messages

If your browser crashes repeatedly, you've probably noticed patterns. Maybe your browser hangs when you attempt to download mail. Perhaps it crashes when you read newsgroup messages, or Windows spits out error messages when your browser is running side by side with a graphics program. Write down any error messages and codes, chronicle the symptoms, then head out on the Web. Even if the problem afflicts just one browser, search the tech support Web sites of both Netscape and Netscape's troubleshooting page. for help in deciphering the more common error codes. Also, if you suspect your browser crashes are hardware-related (because, for example, you've noticed that both IE and Navigator exhibit similar symptoms right before they crash), search the Microsoft and Netscape sites, which offer many fixes for problems that may arise when you work with specific hardware. For instance, on Microsoft's site I found good advice for taming a wacky video card--including suggested tweaks to the system.ini file to make IE and Navigator behave with the restive card.