Microsoft Outlook is a useful tool for email organization and synchronization.  Unfortunately, sometimes it has some problems.  One frequent problem occurs when users think they have sent an email, but it turns out that the email is stuck in outbox waiting to be sent.  This article contains a few ideas about what might be causing this problem and what you can do to fix it.

Why the Email is Stuck in Outbox

• Are you working offline? When your computer is not connected to the internet, Outlook is designed so that you can still press “send” on emails and it will send them as soon as you connect to the internet again.  Check your internet connection to make sure that you have not been disconnected.

• Are your send options properly configured? One feature of Microsoft Outlook is the ability to set a time delay on message sending.  However, if you unknowingly activate one of these delays, you may become frustrated when you realize that none of your emails are being sent.  To check your send options, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Options.”  Under the “Send” tab, be sure that you have the options selected for  both Send Messages Immediately and Save Copy of Sent Messages in the ‘Sent Items’ folder.  If you have to make any changes to these settings, be sure to click “OK” when you are done.

• Are your mail folders or your email messages damaged? It is possible that one or more of your folders or messages has a problem with it.  If this is the case, try deleting your existing Outbox folder.  You can do this by closing out of Outlook and searching your hard drive for a file named “outbox.dbx”. When you find it, delete it.  Then reopen Outlook and it will automatically create a new Outbox folder.

• Still having problems? Check out the Microsoft support webpage dedicated to Outlook messages that are stuck in your outbox: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/262052.

Additional Help

If you try these tips and you are still struggling with your Outlook, or if you have any other problems related to Outlook or your computer in general, visit TalkLocal. We will find you up to three local computer repair professionals and have them call you back within minutes.

Dell laptop DVD drives do not stay closed sometimes. It only closes if the CD drive is in use, and when the CD tray is empty it keeps opening. Or, the DVD tray keeps ejecting when it is empty or in use. Keep reading if your dell laptop DVD drive keeps opening. This issue could be due to either a software or a hardware malfunction.

Software Problem

Scan your computer for viruses or run a diagnostics test on your computer. Sometimes, there could be a glitch in the software that keeps commanding the DVD tray to eject. Eliminating any potential viruses by scanning your computer with a trusted virus scanner could fix the issue.

Hardware Problem

The problem could be the electronic circuit board, which can be easily replaced for a low cost. It is not recommended that you tamper with your computer’s circuit board if you are not an expert in computer hardware.

It can also be caused by a faulty connection to the DVD drive, in which case you can remove the data cables and power cables that are connected to the drive and then plug them in again.

Additional Help

In the worst case scenario, your tray sensor might not be functioning properly. In this case, it may be best if you call a technician to help you replace it. TalkLocal can help connect you to up to three professionals in your area, who can help you when you need them.

My headphone jack broke inside my laptop once. Here are some recommendations for dealing with this frustrating issue.

Home Remedies (Not Recommended in General)

Pliers: Strongly Not Recommended

Your first instinct may be to try to pull out the broken jack with the thinnest pliers you can get your hands on. However this is strongly discouraged. Headphone jacks are designed to “lock on” to the place linearly, requiring non-angular and extensive force for it to be dislodged from the laptop.

With the very limited space that you have to lever the pliers through, the work of dislodging the broken jack is almost impossible. Using the pliers will also almost certainly damage your computer.

There is a chance that a jeweler or a watchmaker may be able to help you with their precision tools, but don’t count on them helping you out – their tools are not exactly designed for pulling off broken jacks, and the tools may become damaged.

Glue: Not Recommended, but Can Be Effective

Do not try to douse the adhesive directly onto the broken jack. Instead apply the glue to the end of the stick and let it dry for a bit first – this is to lessen the fluidity of the glue while keeping its adhesiveness.

After the glue dries for a bit at the end of the stick and becomes firm, carefully attach the stick’s glued end to the broken jack, find something to hold it in place until it dries, and pull the stick in hopes of getting the jack out.

Although this step has been proven to be successful, it is generally not recommended – one wrong move and your computer may be permanently damaged. Exercise your own discretion. If it is a cheap laptop you plan on throwing away after a bit, use home remedies. If not, consider getting help from a professional.

Help from a Professional: Highly Recommended

Home remedies can work, but always at a risk of damaging your computer. If you are willing to spend a few bucks to ensure everything works smoothly, hire a professional to help you. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three local professionals who can help you when you need it.

The fact that someone else is tapping into your wireless network can pose a serious problem. Your neighbor not only has the capacity to slow your internet connection by stealing bandwidth, but even possess the potential to steal your passwords if you are using an insecure network. Here are some tips to stop your neighbor from using your wireless network.

Change Your Wireless Router Settings

You have the capacity to set the list of trusted “MAC” addresses that can connect to your router and get into your wireless network. MAC addresses are unique addresses possessed by every network card used to connect to the internet.

Once you set the list, any other network card that is not listed will be blocked from joining the network. Follow the steps in this guide on how to set the list of MAC addresses:

The steps may differ depending on the kind of router you have, but these are general. You will need to know the IP address of your wireless router as well as how to find the MAC addresses of the network cards that you own/approve on your network.

Your Router’s IP Address

This is the default IP address. Although it may differ depending on the type of router you have, it is typically for most networks.

How to check the MAC address of a network adapter

1. Click on the Windows Start Button.

2. On the “search programs and files” bar, put “Run” and press enter.

3. A small screen should come up. Type “cmd” and press enter to open command.

4. Type “ipconfig /all” to list your network card information.

5. Locate your Physical Address. This is your MAC address.

How to Set the List of MAC addresses on your Router

1. Open any web browser and enter the IP address of your wireless router.

2. A Login window should appear. Login using your administrator account.

3. Click on Advanced Settings.

4. Click on MAC address Filter/Filtering.

5. Configure the list of MAC addresses to fit your intentions.

6. Save your settings.

You can find more specific directions depending on your type of router at this link:

http://wintelguy.com/2010/20101024_mac_filter.html

Additional Help

Seek help from a professional if the above recommendations do not resolve the issue.

TalkLocal can help with finding the correct local expert to fix your issue quickly, which saves you time and energy in a stressful situation.