HOWZAT

Q I’d like to play music through my old Windows 98 laptop, like a mini jukebox. Can you recommend some software?

Ray Bevins, Hertfordshire

A Your first choice should be Windows Media Player 9, which you can download from tinyurl.com/5iuk. It’s free and offers no-frills music-playing. A more sophisticated alternative is the free and easy-to-run Winamp (www.winamp.com), which can play both music and video, and works with Windows 98.

IN THE LIMELIGHT

Q How can I promote my website? It seems almost impossible to gain a web presence.

Pamela Alao, via e-mail

A Promoting a site involves patience, dedication and hard work. Start by spreading the web address anywhere and everywhere: in e-mails, on chat forums, on business cards and even in local newspaper classifieds. Contact non-competing companies in the same market and offer to exchange links on your sites. Regularly add interesting information to encourage more visitors, and send out press releases detailing new products. Above all, don’t give up.

RESTORATION DRAMA

Q I have tried to reinstall Windows XP onto my 18-month-old computer, but the system has refused and says I have upgraded it to a newer SP2 version. What has gone wrong?

Mick Diddams, Kent

A Microsoft says you should have no problem installing your original version of XP over the updated version. You may have a duff set of XP restore disks, in which case go back to the manufacturer of your computer and get an exchange. All licensed users of Windows XP have the right to two free support calls to Microsoft, so try calling 0870 601 0100 if you get no joy from your manufacturer.

dontpanic@sunday-times.co.uk

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