Baz

Trains can be very empty at this time of the year or maybe there was a security alert at the terminal. If you really want an answer why not email Eurotunnel. Baz

Just try switching off your box at the mains for 30 seconds and then turn back on. This may well clear your problem. Baz

Having had similar problems in the past with UK cards, I tried to investigate what causes refusals. There would be appear to be two main reasons, the card providers have built in security systems on their computers to recognise fraud. As an example if you are outside the UK and sign for a purchase and then make a further purchase a little later by the PIN number the computer may well block your card. The only way to correct this is a phone call to your card provider, even giving prior warning that you are going to use your card abroad does not over ride the computers in built security systems. The second reason and most likely to happen is that the card amount does not get authorised and is consequently refused. Then all you have to do is insist that the retailer phones for authorisation, they know the telephone number as they are fully aware that this is the procedure laid down for the use of cards. Often retailers try not to telephone and ask you for another card because it save them time, but stand your ground and insist as it is their obligation to get a phone authorisation. Baz

[quote user="Quillan"] To be honest I have now 'converted' to using my card as most often there are no or few queues at the card booths and it only takes a second or two. I believe (never tried it) UK Visa and MasterCard's work but then you don't always get a good rate. [/quote] Yes UK cards are accepted at all Autoroute card booths. However, a word of warning, unless things have recently changed. All transactions on the same day for all tolls  on the entire French Autoroute system are charged as one lump total, therefore, should you wish to check the amounts make sure you get a receipt every time. Baz

Danny, Many thanks it works. A point worth mentioning is when you are left with the little window open,  do not use the maximise button at top right of page but stretch the page with your cursor in the bottom right corner for it to work. Baz

Whilst I entirely agree with your sentiments, Ryanair have used these tactics to keep their fares low, it is these extras where they make their profit. They say they do not want to carry hold luggage as this slows turn round times and adds fuel costs. However, things may be changing from 25 February. Be aware that Ryanair are completely shutting  down their reservations system on the weekend of February 22 to 25. Neither online or telephone customers will be able to book flights between 10pm on Friday, February 22 and 11pm on the following Monday. The reason reported by the press is to implement UK Office of Fair Trading requirements  to include all fixed, non-optional costs in headline ticket prices. About time too!!!!  Full details and arragements here: http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/notices.php?notice=gops&code=080118-cutovernsk-GB Baz

Thanks for the responses. I am using IE7 and I was sure that the new window option was giving me a nearly full window and not  a 1/3 of full size. Not a problem living with this, just a minor inconvenience. Baz

Thanks Will, it was a useful pointer but does not appear to solve the problem. Baz

I know there will be a simple explanation but I have not found it. When opening a new window or Tab I have know problems.  However, if I click on a link in an existing page and a new window is then opened, the window is about 1/4 of the full page size. Of course I know how to resize it, but what I want to know is how to set the page size so it opens at the size I would prefer. Any help would be appreciated. Baz

[quote user="tj"] Has anyone used the refill kits for their printer cartridges? After long consideration I finally bought a refill kit since the Dell printer cartridges are so expensive, and they commence the annoying reminder to purchase refills when the existing are still half full! A slightly delicate operation but all done in 10 mins, printer up and running no problems. So would recommend it as a it will save a large sum as opposed to new cartridges. [/quote] In the past I used JR Inks refills, it can be sometimes a bit messy. However, due to a leaking cartridge my multipurpose printer was ruined. I would never again use any ink kits as especially now with good compatible cartridges available at less than the cost of the ink refills. Baz

J.R. I use egg everyday and it was certainly working yesterday morning and I understand from Egg it should be up and working this afternoon. If you enter the Egg site and leave your email address they will inform you it is immediately it is up and running. Earlier this morning it was partially working but would not move past the initial security, I should not be concerned about Egg as it is part of one of the largest Banking concerns in the world. Baz

Whilst I file all instructions, I have over the past few years downloaded the manufacturers pdf manuals of all new items into a computer file. I find this so much easier, everything is in alphabetical order, easier to read and find the required info. With more manufactures trying to save paper by printing the  instructions far smaller, often needing A1 eyesight (or Magnifier) to read them, so by loading them onto the computer seems the sensible and most practicable way to go. I have also found that now some manufacturers only included with the item  a basic start up manual and are referring you to their internet site for the full manual. Baz

Egg is only the start, it is has been reported that HSBC are now turning down 50% of the applications for new cards. Switching cards to get a better deal may not be wise in the present climate. Baz

Quick way of checking emails from Paypal, if they do not address you by name then it is a scam. Baz

[quote user="jon"] Maybe the point has been missed a 15 kilo cas is not enough...what is the cost for another case...therefore giving one person 30kilos??????????? [/quote] Checked Baggage Fees - (Each passenger is permitted to check-in up to 3 bags with a maximum combined weight of 15kgs ) 1st Bag – Per bag/ Per One Way Flight 2nd & 3rd Bag – Per bag/ Per One Way Flight £6.00 £12.00 €9.00 €18.00   Excess Baggage Fee - Per Kilo Fee can only be purchased at the airport ticket desk Not Available Online Not Available Online £7.50 €10.00 I hope this answers your question. The airline said it would keep raising the fees until it had deterred a majority of passengers from putting bags into the hold This was quoted in a publication last Friday: "Ryanair increase extra charges, officially making chief executive Michael O'Leary Europe's most unpopular man" Shares in Ryanair fell as much as 7.5 percent on market talk of a profit warning yesterday, so maybe the public are no longer prepared to tolerate the hidden charges being imposed. Baz

I think Ernie's comment was an inappropriate answer to the OP question but not offensive. He was voicing his opinion of a situation  in the UK which I have to support. Only last week I was discussing the use of Scooters in a mobility shop, they said that they always show and instruct the users on the way to us them. However, the problem is that people are purchasing cheap models via the internet and Ebay without any instruction on usage and the faster models can travel at 8mph which can cause serious damage to pedestrians at that speed. Baz

When we bought our property in Languedoc in 1989 we spent some time in the area before deciding. Languedoc covers an enormous area so you really need to visit so you can see for yourself. Baz

You may find this connection wizard helpful: http://www.dtg.org.uk/consumer/connection_wizard.html Baz

Love it, I'll buy the second. Baz

After many years petrol in France was cheaper than the UK when based on Stirling. Using the average Supermarket prices as of  this weekend and the current exchange rates this is no longer the case. I am travelling to France on Thursday so I will be filling up in the UK for the first time in possibly 20 years. Whilst the gap is narrowing for Gazole, France is still cheaper. Baz

I and many others use CCleaner which is free and has a Registry Integrity cleaner. The great thing about this cleaner is that every time you start up your computer it will automatically clean your system and you can choose what to or not to include. http://www.ccleaner.com/download Baz

Clair many thanks for your quick response although I had looked at task bar tab I had missed ticking "keep the task bar on top of other windows. So easy when you know how, only wish I had asked earlier and saved such a frustrating time. Thanks again Clair. Baz

I have managed to alter a setting and have spent ages trying to put matters right, I am sure there is a quick fix but I have not found it so far. I am using IE 7 and XP, The task bar at the bottom of the page containing the quick launch Icons, clock etc is lost behind the windows when maximised and only appears when I make the window smaller. The window when fully enlarged should never cover the task bar. I hope I have explained this clearly any help would be appreciated. Baz

[quote user="Mayennaise"] In most departments the sales don't start until 10 January. [/quote] In case you want to get to the first day of the sales they start in all departments on Wednesday 9 January. Baz

I bought a up market Satnav on line recently for about £100 less than was available in the shops. I noticed 2 days after receiving the item that the internet company had reduced it by a further£50 and under the UK distance selling rules one can return any item up to 7 days after purchase. So the retailer was only to prepared give me a refund of £50, something that no shop would do. Baz