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September 28, 2007
Dear CNET members,
Happy Friday, folks! Before we get into this week's topic, I'd like to bring your attention to some new forums we've just recently created for our software category. And if you are a fan of CNET's Download.com, well, you're in for a treat. The new forums are Audio & video software, Photography & design software, Webware, and last but not least, the CNET Download.com site forum which was specifically created for you to post feedback, suggestions about THE Download.com site, as well as get updates and alerts on cool new things to hit the Download.com site for. The best thing about these new forums is that, in addition to being a place where you can discuss, share tips, and troubleshoot software with other members, you'll also find our Download.com editors and staff visiting these forums on a regular basis. So check the new forums!

Now let's get moving with Wendy's strange issue of her slave hard drive that keeps doing a Houdini act--appearing, then disappearing.

This week's question is a tricky one, as there are probably many possible issues that can cause Wendy's slave drive to sometimes show up, then the next time not. Issues can range from a loose physical cable connection or an incorrect jumper setting or bios setting, all the way to a drive letter assignment conflict. And that is quite a bit of ground to cover in terms of troubleshooting. The good thing here is that Wendy isn't afraid of the computer, and that's already winning half the battle.

While as much as I would like to present to you a few great posts for you to vote on--honestly, I have to say everyone did an awesome part by sharing their possible solutions with us. So rather than doing that, I'm going to warm you up with members waytron's and redking44's solutions. But these two solutions are just a few of many possibilities, so I encourage you read through them all. And Wendy, if you have a chance, please post back in this thread, as our members have questions for you that can possibly narrow down a solid solution for you. And if you one of the member's solutions happens to work for you, we would love to hear about it. Thanks everyone for your time and contribution. Have a great weekend!

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


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Member Question of the Week
Q Hello, I am not what you would call a computer geek by any means, but I'm also not afraid of the computer and love to learn about its inner workings. I installed a second hard drive to my new computer (second drive from my old computer, 5 years old). I made it the slave drive and reformatted it. I just wanted to use it for backing up. My problem is...sometimes when I turn the computer on I can see it as the "E" drive and I can access it. Other times I turn the computer on and it ISN'T visible to me so I can't access it. However when I use a program like Winaudit or Fresh Diagnose it shows up in there. I also have an external drive and it always appears visible. What could be going on, I need to see the drive. My computer is an E-machines T6216 with XP Home. Thank you!
Submitted by: Wendy B.
Submitted by: The CNET community


Most helpfulPrevious week's Q&A
The votes are in! Below is the answer voted most helpful by our community to last week's question.
Q Here's my problem: I purchased an iPod from eBay some time ago; the user claimed a friend shipped them out without tracking numbers. So I listened to his song and dance, and going on the belief that all people are good, I believed he would send me an iPod. So I cancelled my resolution on PayPal and threw caution to the wind. Well, here I am 8 months later with no iPod and out $200. When I talked with PayPal, they said I could only use 1 resolution per transaction, and then said the seller had used the service before and seemed to be an alright person. So now I guess I'm screwed, because I have no way of getting him to give my money back. The only thing I have is his phone number that he gave to me in an e-mail. I have called him and talked to him about either giving me my money back or getting me the iPod I'm owed. Is there anything else I can do to get back my money? In addition, what are some eBay buying tips that you can offer, so it does not happen to me or future eBay users? And if you have had any bad experiences like me on eBay, what did you do? I love to hear your stories and advice. Thanks!
--Submitted by: Jim G.

Q Sorry to hear about your bad experience on eBay, Jim. I know how you must feel. After 8 months with no resolution, the only thing I can think to suggest is to either write or call this person one last time. While holding your anger at bay, ask them for a refund. Be the nice person. Tell them, that if they've had a financial problem, have been ill, or have had some other catastrophic event that has kept them from refunding your hard earned cash, you understand. But, at the same time, explain that you are in the same boat and need a resolution. If the person still will not comply, tell them that they leave you no recourse but to report them to their local police department for fraud or theft, and take them to small claims court. Also, contact eBay, explain your dilemma, and report the seller... (read more)
--Submitted by: CNET member: Rae
    Congratulations to the winner!
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Q I'm not what you would call an experienced user, and this is the first time I've encountered this problem. Is there any way that I can get rid of a whole list (was recently on holiday for a month and there were 350 of these!)of spam from people (all seemingly with real names!), wanting to increase the size of my xxxxxxx, give me my winnings from lotteries, sell me cheap pharmaceuticals, give me a new mortgage--and a whole lot of other stuff. I delete them without opening them and wonder if I shouldn't open them to find an unsubscribe button? Is the only solution to change my e-mail address? I've had this one for a long time, and that might create some interesting glitches. It's only within the past couple of months that these delights have been showing up, and it seems to be increasing at a horrifying rate! How did this all start? What can I do to stop it? Any suggestions? Thank you!
--Submitted by: Jo B.

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