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Downloading tips
Once you have found the program you seek either by browsing or searching our library, you can click on its name, read more about it on its detail page, and then choose a download option to save a copy of the program to your computer.

Most of these programs are compressed, that saves you online time when you download a file. Usually, PC files that have been compressed have a .zip extension; To use a program you have downloaded, you must follow three steps.

1. Copy it into an empty directory
2. Decompress it
3. Install it

If you need a utility to help you with unzipped PC files.
Download WinZip.

Windows XP

To extract files from a zipped compressed folder

Open My Computer, and then locate the compressed folder.
Do one of the following:
- To extract a single file or folder, double-click the compressed folder to open it. Then, drag the file or folder from the compressed folder to a new location.
- To extract all files or folders, right-click the compressed folder, and then click Extract All. In the Compressed (zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard, specify where you want to store the extracted files.

Notes

To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.
You can identify compressed folders by the zipper on the folder icon.
If the file is protected with a password, you must provide the password before the file can be extracted to the folder you specify.
When you extract a file, a compressed version remains in the compressed folder. To delete the compressed version, right-click the file, and then click Delete.
When you extract a file from a compressed folder that is password protected, the extracted file is no longer protected.

The following is a brief listing of common problems and solutions.

FTP access
problem: You cannot gain access to the FTP site.

solution: Even if you selected a well-rated site that allows many connections, the site may be busy. Select another site, or wait a few seconds and try again.

Specific error messages
problem: You receive the message "The handle is invalid" or "The server returned extended information..." from your copy of Microsoft Internet Explorer. These are known bugs with Internet Explorer 3.x.

solution: Microsoft recommends that you right click with your mouse cursor on the download link and choose "Save Target As." This will save the file to your hard drive.

Directory movement
problem: The site might have relocated the directory in which the file should be stored.

solution: Try another site. If you're positive the site has relocated the file, please let us know.

File absence
problem: The site does not store that file.

solution: Some sites do not store complete archives. Try another site. (A common problem with some Mac-related mirror sites is that they rename files from .hqx to .sit.)

Connection
problem: Your connection breaks during the download.

solution: This may be a problem with your Internet connection. Try again. If it happens all the time, check whether your network provider allows FTP transfers.

Passwords
problem: You get prompted for a username and password when you try to download a file.

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SeniorNet Tucson Learning Centers Disclaimer
The SeniorNet Tucson Learning Centers are not a certified education institution.
Our classes do not meet specific job requirements in the market place.
Our classes are designed to provide basic computer knowledge and information to adults over fifty.