Q. I’m using Outlook Express, but it seems to automatically add names to my address book, which includes many names that I don’t want to include. Do you know what’s going on? Where those names are coming from?

A. One of the options in Outlook Express—some might call it a feature—automatically adds the names and email addresses of people you reply to via email. If you prefer a more discriminating approach, you can turn this option off by clicking Tools > Options > Send tab. Under the “Sending” section, remove the check mark beside "Automatically put people I reply to in my Address Book." Click Apply > OK to save the change and exit.

Q. What causes the “Page Not Available” message to appear when I try to visit certain Web sites? Can I do anything to avoid it? Thank you for your marvelous newsletter, Mr. M. I’ve been a subscriber for five years and you’re the reason this old mind has become more computer literate.

A. Thank you very much. As you visit Web sites, at one time or another you probably clicked a link only to be face to face with a message advising you that the requested page could not be found, was not available, or perhaps you received a ‘404 error’ message.

While it is possible that a given Web page no longer exists, clicking the Refresh or Reload button in your browser will frequently cause the page to display. If that doesn’t work, try returning later and accessing the page at that time. You may occasionally encounter a page that takes forever to ooze onto your screen. When that occurs, try clicking the Stop button, then Refresh or Reload the page. With any luck, the page will load almost immediately.

Q. Is there any way I can convert Word documents to .GIF or .JPG images without having to buy a scanner?

A. Yes, indeed. Two excellent, Web-based file converters are Media-Convert and Image Converter. If you prefer to throw money at the problem, however, you can’t beat the Universal Document Converter which will save any document as an image file. Using this program, you can convert Word (and other) documents into JPG, GIF, TIF, PNG, or BMP images. The program costs $69 for one license, for non-commercial use.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Frugal for Life
Return to your simple roots at this light-hearted and helpful blog. (A “blog” is a Web log or online journal.) The purpose of this blog is to inspire and assist people in their respective quests to live a simple, financially conservative, and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. No, seriously. Here you’ll find lots of useful tips ranging from creative recycling strategies to thoughts about saving money. The blog includes links to Web sites that provide free services, as well as sites where you can make a little extra cash by selling old books, cell phones, body parts, and other items, all presumably your own.
www.frugalforlife.blogspot.com

Story Code
I enjoy reading, but sometimes it can be difficult finding just the right book. Recommendations from friends, media reviews and authors on the talk-show circuit tend to qualify a book as being read-worthy or not. This Web site uses a community format to create reading recommendations. After you read a book, follow the site's easy instructions for "coding" it, then let the system display a list of similar books from which you can choose. The site is free, though registration is required.
www.storycode.com

Where Have I Seen That Guy?
You know those actors that you always see in supporting roles, but you can never remember their names? Test your skill at recognizing Hollywood's best unknown supporting actors with this interesting-yet-challenging online quiz. www.scottsmind.com/wherehave.php

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.