Create Handy Shortcut to Explorer

Q.  Why is it so difficult to create a Desktop shortcut to Windows Explorer? I know how to launch it by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer, and I’ve made lots of shortcuts before, but I can’t find where the activation file is located. Can you help?

A. The launch or executable (.exe) file for Windows Explorer is explorer.exe. The easiest thing to do is to run a Windows Search (Start > Search or Start > Find) and search for explorer.exe. It should be in your C:WINDOWS folder, but wherever it’s located on your system, when it comes up as a search result, right-click the file and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). That will place a shortcut on your Desktop that you can use to launch Windows Explorer in the future. Click to select the shortcut and press F2 to rename it, if you wish.

Q.  When I click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup, and I select the C: drive, there is an unchecked box labeled “Old Chkdsk Files” and it’s 8250KB in size. What is that file and should I check the box to include it with the other two checked boxes for Downloaded Program Files and Temporary Internet Files?  I look forward to your newsletter every Friday, Mr. M. Keep up the good work.

A.  Thank you. Chkdsk or .chk files are nothing more than lost (and recoverable) file fragments that remain from previous sessions of using CheckDisk. Running CheckDisk (or ScanDisk, depending on the version of Windows being used) checks the hard drive for errors and may isolate any errors found as file fragments.

These fragments are usually the result of a computer freeze-up while you’re working on a file. As long as you’re not noticing any documents or other important data missing, you can safely delete the .chk files.

Q. What is “RSS” that I keep reading about and that Web sites invite me to subscribe to?

A.  RSS stands for Really Simply Syndication and is a format for syndicating news and the content of news-like sites, and delivering that content to subscribers of an RSS informational “feed.”  RSS-aware programs (required for viewing) are called news aggregators or readers. Once installed, they continually check the RSS feeds and display new items as they arrive. Subscribing to an RSS feed is usually free and most news organizations offer them. To view one in its natural habitat, visit CNN’s RSS Feed at www.cnn.com/services/rss for additional information or to obtain CNN’s aggregator.

Mr. Modem’s Sites of the Week:
Road Sign Math
An amusing driving game that bored motorists on long journeys can play to pass the time. First, read the rules so you understand what you’re looking for—but not while driving. Then, while driving, try to find a road-sign equation worth submitting to this Web site. On the site itself, select a country or state and when a sign’s description appears, click one of the links located below the description to view the sign and its explanation. Don’t poo-poo this without checking it out. Some of the math is far more complex than you might think and if nothing else, may even result in a severe headache.  
www.roadsignmath.com

Writing.com
An online community for writers of all ages, interests and skill levels.  Here you can create a portfolio in which you can save or display your writing, review what others have written, have your own compositions reviewed, and exchange feedback with other writers. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing the great American novel, this is a place that can help you get started. If only J. K. Rowling had this level of assistance available to her, imagine what she could have accomplished.
www.writing.com

Mr. Modem’s Web CD-ROM
In strict compliance with the Canons of Professional Responsibility that govern those of us who are Board Certified by the International Academy of Web Site Profilers, I have selected more than 1,400 of the most interesting, informative, and entertaining Web sites, segregated them into 19 topical categories, and included them on “Mr. Modem’s Web”
CD-ROM. The CD (for Windows) retails for $19.95, but if you use Promo Code 6457 when ordering, your price is just $12.95. No charge for shipping, handling, or walking to the mailbox.
www.MrModem.com

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.